Campus Recreation Center East, commonly known as CRCE, is now offering personal training fitness orientation classes to students for free. This past weekend, the program went through its fourth, fifth and sixth sessions this semester, teaching students how to use weight and cardio equipment properly.

“It gives our members the opportunity to learn about the new equipment that was purchased for the building during remodeling,” said Chris Nasti, graduate assistant of business at CRCE and senior in ALS.

The free orientation program, suggested by Brian Baxter, assistant director of fitness at CRCE, became available in fall 2005. However, personal training packages have been offered for a fee for many years.

Kate Shanahan, junior in ALS, is one of several students who attended an orientation this weekend. She is learning how to become a personal trainer and helped facilitate Saturday’s session.

“It’s great that the school offers it,” Shanahan said. “It’s great that this experience is right on campus.”

The program’s philosophy of health and wellness emphasizes how the importance of education, leadership, professionalism and fun activity will benefit all participants of diverse fitness levels, according to the Department of Campus Recreation’s Web site.

“The program keeps people motivated,” said Shawn Whall, group fitness instructor at CRCE and junior in Education. “It helps give them an idea of what they should be doing and what exercises are good for them.”

CRCE offers a variety of personal training packages, including fitness orientation consultation, which involves meeting with a trainer to discuss questions clients may have about their exercise routine.

Another program is the full fitness assessment, which measures the participant’s cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and body composition.

“It’s designed to give both (the trainer and client) a better understanding of the member’s current fitness level,” Nasti said. “I think students should discuss with their trainer if it’s the best course to take.”

The individual training package allows a client to work individually with a trainer to get into shape, while the partner training program is for a member and his or her friend. Group training is for three or four people. While the costs vary, each of the programs includes individual assessments and consultations for each participant.

“The reason the costs are different is because the trainer has to divide his attention between more people,” Nasti said. “While some get motivated through their friends, others chose the individual sessions so they can focus one on one.”

Students, or campus recreation members, may register for training packages either at CRCE or over the phone. Within a few days after registering, clients will talk to their personal trainer about their fitness goals. From there, they set up a date and time for their first session, where they will complete a free movement assessment.