Get Fit at Lakeview Motivates Students, Faculty & Staff

DANVILLE , IL (02/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Students, faculty and staff from Lakeview College of Nursing are becoming healthier due to the efforts of a few of the school's senior-level nursing students. Many are participating in new student-run project that is called Get Fit at Lakeview.

Student organizers include the following:

  • Chelsey Clark of Arcola, IL
  • Christina Grider of Champaign, IL
  • Kristin Gilman of Farmington, CT
  • Amanda Quinlan of Paxton, IL

The Lakeview students developed the Get Fit at Lakeview project because they say it is important for nursing students and nurses to be helathy role models for their peers and patients. Addit ionally, the members of the goup noted that if nurses continue to participate in a lifestyle that includes health eating habits and exercise routines, they will be less likely to miss work days.

"Sitting in a classroom all day and studying all night is an easy way to get out of shape quickly. We really wanted to incorporate promoting a healthy lifestyle while providing the opportunity to take certified group fitness classes for our peers. We have had an amazing turn out and hope this is something that will continue on at Lakeview" explained Chelsey Clark, one of Get Fit at Lakeview's organizers.

Melissa Barber is a senior at Lakeview College of Nursing and Get Fit at Lakeview participant. She said, "As a student in my last semester, I find myself without a lot of extra time and an added amount of stress. I feel like if staying fit is important to you, you'll find a way to make time for it, not an excuse; having Get Fit at Lakeview takes away the excuse."

The goal of this project is to improve the overall health of Lakeview students and faculty by participating in a "biggest loser" inspired competition. The participant that loses the largest percent of body fat will win a monetary award, a fitness package from Kinex Fitness Studios of Urbana, IL valued at $100, and two round-trip airfare tickets to anywhere in the contiguous 48 states to celebrate the winner's accomplishments from Kinex Fitness Studios.

Get Fit at Lakeview is offering fitness classes bi-weekly to participants at Lakeview taught by Kinex Fitness Studios personal trainers and group fitness instructors. As a reward for attending these classes, participants will be given a free Kinex T-shirt and water bottle.

The group will also be selling City Girl Frozen Yogurt (formerly Skinni Girl) bi-weekly at selected lunch times in order for students to have a healthy snack. They are also lobbying for healthier choices within the school's vending machines.

Although the competition will officially end on April 13, 2012, many are hoping to continue to Get Fit with Lakeview.

Lakeview College of Nursing has provided excellence in nursing education since 1894. Lakeview currently offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree program in Danville as well as Charleston, Illinois.