BYU-Idaho offers free fitness classes, facilities and personal trainers. What most students don’t know is that the campus also offers free workshops the first Thursday of every month. 

This past week’s topic was working out with injuries.

“We try to pick topics that the students would want to and need to know about,” said fitness advisor Lisa Robison.  

Senior Emily Steadman, who is majoring in recreational management, conducted the class and focused on how to prevent injuries from happening and how to properly continue working out if injuries have occurred. 

“You should feel like you are getting a workout but should never feel in pain,” said Steadman. 

Steadman was asked to focus on specific tips that most students who work out aren’t aware of. The majority of the class are women and Steadman being pregnant herself, created a few slides for pregnant women, who work out. 

“You should be able to carry on a conversation while working out,” Steadman said. “If not, then you know you are working too hard. If you stick by this rule, it will keep your heart rate at a good level.” 

She also went over safe activities for those who are pregnant. Some of the safe activities include yoga, swimming, stationary cycling and cross-
country skiing.

The benefits of working out while pregnant include a fast recovery after delivery. Working out also reduces backaches, bloating and swelling and shortens labor 2-3 hours. 

Steadman proceeded to divide the class up into groups and had them practice safe exercises. Once finished, the students demonstrated their assigned exercise for the class.

The next workshop topic will be “Keep a healthy fitness perspective”, in which the fitness program will be focusing on reevaluating New Year’s fitness goals. 

“Most of the New Year’s goals last 6-8 weeks and then people forget about them or lose motivation,” Robison said. “This workshop will encourage students to stay determined and keep moving forward.”