Fitness Center, classes part of OTC wellness plan

The calendar has turned to 2014 and faculty, staff and students at OTC who are looking to be a little healthier this year can find it in a number of offerings.

The OTC Springfield Campus has a fitness center that anyone connected with the College can use. According to Michael Pena, assistant to the vice chancellor for administrative services, the center is used by a number of employees and students.

“It’s a great benefit from the College”, he said. “It helps complete the college experience with the center.”

There are showers across the hall from the center that was moved from its smaller quarters on the second floor of Information Commons West to a large home on the first floor.

The center is equipped with treadmills, Eliptical machines, stationary bicycles, free weights, Nautalus machines along with some other exercise pieces.

Ariah Willoughby spent the week of finals in the center studying for tests and working out.

“I just started using it. It’s really nice to have. It’s good for releasing stress,” she said.

In addition to offering the center, the College supports a Weight Watchers group and offers other fitness and exercise classes.

Jennifer Marshall-Hoggatt is the Colleges fitness instructor and has been offering the classes for six years. Those classes include Pilates, cardio toning, Zumba, dance and a 3 p.m. walk around campus.

“When I came to OTC almost 7 years ago, I wanted to get involved teaching fitness classes,” she said. “I love that OTC supports the fitness classes on campus, and allows me to continue to teach them for free.”

Marshall-Hoggatt said her attendees have done a great job getting in shape.

“The classes are fun; there is no judgment on coordination, current weight, or abilities. We all struggle, and we are all in it together, working together, for the good of our bodies,” she said. “I have seen some amazing triumphs in weight loss and lifestyle change, and I am thankful that I can share fitness knowledge on a daily basis.”