Participant: Takako Sagawa, Second year, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Now is the time when people start regretting all the culinary excesses of autumn. Perhaps you yourself are interested in checking out the on-campus Training Center, but are worried that you will be hampered by a lack of experience. We decided to go there and investigate for you!
Tatsuma Sugawara (Tipness Limited), a training coach at the center, told us that just coming to the Training Center puts you into exercise mode. Having other people exercising around you increases your motivation. In addition, using machines with adjustable weights, barbells, and other equipment gives your muscles constant fresh stimulation, increasing the effects of exercise. Those prone to getting bored or giving up are the type who should most consider exercising outside the home.
Even so, looking out over the facility, we were surprised by how few athletics-oriented-looking people were there. Reception staff member Aki Shimada (also from Tipness Limited) told us, “That might be because the students from the various sports-oriented departments are usually based in the Higashifushimi or Tokorozawa campuses.” Although apparently there are more male students than female at the center, what really stands out is the fact that close to half of the approximately 5,680 members (registered from September 2014 to August 2015) are international students. Japanese students who feel it is a bit early for themselves to be visiting a so-called fitness gym might find their minds being changed after a visit to the Training Center.
Trying out the beginner’s weight training course for women
Out of the 40 varieties of machines and equipment, I started with this one! Back extension (from 10 to 15 times × 3 sets) Tightens back to underside of thighs
- People who cannot decide whether to become a member or not should come and observe first. During operating hours, visitors are free to enter at any time. Your student ID, Personal Health Card, or a certificate of physical examination (issued within the school year); ID photo (3 cm Í 2.5 cm); and ¥3,000 handling fee payment ticket (annual fee) are required for registration and enrollment. Once you are all registered, change into some clothes that make it easy to move and put on your running shoes in the locker room in the center!
- There are no special starting courses, so be sure to proactively ask the staff if there is anything you are not sure about. You can also ask for a training routine to be made for you based on your current physical level and end goals. Weight training exercises usually involve three sets. A one minute break is taken in between each set. It is this repeated stimulation of the muscles that is the key in weight training.
- Correctly perform this routine once per week for three months and you’ll be able to see the changes. The key to keeping it up is to create training buddies, not being afraid to ask the staff questions, and looking at images to burn your ideal shape into your memory.
Although the Training Center does not have a studio, lessons for yoga and other exercises are held at the Refresh Studio on the first floor of the Okuma Garden House in the Waseda Campus. For information on registering or other questions, please contact the Training Center.
Postscript by our monitoring reporter
The exercises themselves weren’t that difficult, but I was surprised by how much you can work on muscles you don’t normally use. I thought I wouldn’t be able to do weight training, but with the friendly guidance of the Training Center staff, it was really fun. I really realized how the Training Center is easy for anyone to use, not just athletic types. The feeling of refreshment I had after working out made me want to continue making active use of the Training Center from here on. (Takako Sagawa)
Training Center
Floor B2 in the Student Union Building, Toyama Campus
Tel: 03-3205-1909
