By Sandy Ornelas, Assistant News Editor

and Ileana Angulo, Staff Writer

Every quarter, fitness trainers from the Student Recreation Center host a workshop full of helpful tips and advice that will keep you on track to achieving your fitness goals.

This quarter, the workshop took place Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Solario Room.

SRC trainers Geo Miller, Chelsey Kirkley and Josh Thompson gave students strategies to maintain motivation, information about nutrition and advice on weight training.

Miller discussed his “mind motivation” tips. A few of the tips Miller included were being aware of negative talk, replacing bad habits with positive habits and reframing limiting statements to positive ones.

He also emphasized switching up your workouts to add variety and diversity.

Sticking to the same routine for a long period of time may cause lack of interest, thus leading to a decline in motivation.

The SRC offers Group X classes such as cycling, Latin dance, and yoga. For people who dread cardio, taking these classes  would be a fun, challenging alternative to simply running on the treadmill.

Having fun while being physically active will increase the likelihood of success. One thing to always keep in mind is setting goals. Goals help individuals stay on track with their fitness regime because they are constantly being reminded of what they want to accomplish. Long term goals and short term goals are recommended.

Short term goals will help track progress leading to the long term goal.

“Definitely make smaller goals. Fitness is like a path, at the end you’re making a whole journey,” said Melissa Melgar, a CSUB Group X instructor of cycling.

An inspirational You Tube video titled “Never Ever Give Up, Arthur’s Inspirational Transformation” was shown. Arthur, a disabled veteran, was told by doctors that his legs could no longer function. He gained a large amount of weight and one day he realized he needed a change. The video showed Arthur falling down many times, but he never gave up.

“Just because I can’t do it today it doesn’t mean I won’t be able to do it someday,” Arthur said.

He slowly began to exercise and managed to lose 110 pounds in 10 months. “Never underestimate what you can accomplish. Believe in yourself. Never give up,” said Arthur.

Miller ended his presentation with one piece of advice: “Do your best and forget the rest.”

Chelsey Kirkeley gave her input on proper nutrition and what not to eat. People should be  aware of what they are putting into their bodies and not just solely focus the gym.

“Abs are made in the kitchen! Doing a thousand sit ups a day will not make a six pack magically appear,” said Kirkeley.

Kirkeley said that abs consist of 30 percent gym and 70 percent diet. It is recommended to have five small meals throughout the day, or three meals and two snacks.  “Healthy eating habits is key,” said Miller.

The trainers suggested not to be afraid of carbohydrates and fats. The human body feeds off carbohydrates for more energy. There are good and bad carbohydrates.

For example,  avoid white breads, junk food and sugary drinks. There are healthier alternatives such as wheat bread, almonds and water. Eight to 10 glasses of water are recommended a day.

Gabriella Parada, a pre-nursing major, thought the wellness workshop was informative. “I was well-informed about nutrition,” Parada said.

Lastly, trainer Josh Thompson spoke about the importance of weight lifting.

Safety and form during exercise is the number one factor to be aware of. Weight lifting can cause injuries when not done properly. The injury may not be visible right away but with time the heavy weight will take a toll on the joints.

The Wellness Workshop definitely offered informative tips. “I recommend students starting off and who do not know much about fitness to attend,” said senior psychology major Judith Gonzalez.

She currently trains with a trainer at CSUB. Gonzalez attended the workshop to gain knowledge on nutrition. Her advice to people starting a workout regime is to stay motivated.

The workshop ended with giveaways and a raffle. Everyone who attended was placed in the raffle and lucky winners won sweat towels, CSUB T-shirts and gift cards to Togo’s and Chipotle.

The next Wellness Workshop will be during Spring quarter.

“Motivation comes within you. No matter how much or how many people push you, if it’s not from within there’s no point,” said Gonzalez.