Lifetime Fitness Program

Sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Program

History

Originally founded by Professor T.K. Cureton, the University of Illinois Adult Fitness Program has the distinction of being the first University-based adult fitness program in the world. Professor Cureton established the Physical Fitness Research Laboratory in 1944 and the Adult Fitness Program was established shortly afterwards in order to examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on health and effective functioning. Since Dr. Cureton's retirement, the Adult Fitness Program has continued to support the Department of Kinesiology's research, teaching, and service mission. Now known as the Lifetime Fitness Program, the program is directed by Professor Ellen Evans, an exercise physiologist. Dr. Evans has expertise in exercise program management, clinical exercise physiology, body composition and bone health. Specifically, she has post-doctoral research training in geriatrics and gerontology and a research interest in physical activity and older women's health.

Mission and Purpose

The program's primary emphasis is to provide opportunities for:

1. structured group or individualized fitness activities;
2. cognitive understanding of the principles and techniques of fitness activities;
3. a supportive non-competitive atmosphere;
4. a pool of research subjects for study of selected aspects of physical activity and health for adults;
5. an avenue for continued adherence to a physically active lifestyle after completion of exercise intervention studies within the Department of Kinesiology.

Scope

Adults 55 and over residing in the Urbana-Champaign area may participate in the Lifetime Fitness Program. The exercises and physical activity opportunities are designed to develop overall improvement in health, fitness and performance of activities of daily living.

Structure

Activities include structured supervised walking/jogging, stretching and strengthening exercises using resistance bands, weight training using free weights and plate-loaded equipment, and pool activities (swimming, water exercises, volleyball). New activities may be included, as participants desire, to vary their modes of exercise. You may participate in any or all activities each day. We welcome individuals with all fitness levels.

Structured Group Activities:

• M-W-F schedule
• 7:00 - 7:25am Stretch
• 7:30 - 7:55am Strength
• 8:00 - 8:25am Balance
• 8:30 - 8:55am Pool activities (water exercise, volleyball)
  
  
• T-R schedule
• 7:00 - 7:25am Core Training
• 7:25 - 7:55am Flow Motion
• 8:00 - 8:45am Circuit Training

Individual Training Programs:

• 6:30 - 9:00am Walk/jog or exercise independently
• 6:30 - 9:00am Weight Training
• 6:30 - 9:00am Pool activities (M-W-F only)

Staff

Directed by Professor Ellen Evans, the staff is comprised of graduate students from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Illinois. In addition, undergraduate Kinesiology students work with the program to develop fitness instructional skills.

Facility

The Lifetime Fitness Program is housed in Campus Recreation East Center (CREC) - 1102 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana.

Program Dates

Participants are admitted at any time on a semester (fall, spring or summer) or yearly basis. The program runs concurrently with the academic schedule of the University of Illinois. The program is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Participation Requirements

Participation in the program requires the following:

1. an annual medical clearance form completed and signed by a physician selected by the enrollee;
2. legal release signed by the enrollee;
3. completion of forms concerning selected background information;

   Medical Release Form

   • Medical Release Form
   • Registration and Legal Sheet
4. payment of fee(s).

Fees

• Full Year: $250.00
• Academic Year: $200.00
• Semester: $100.00
• Summer: $50.00
• OLLI members receive 20% discount
• Make checks payable to: University of Illinois Lifetime Fitness Program.

Lockers

Lockers are available for daily use. Participants must supply their own towel.

For more information please contact:

• Department of Kinesiology
• Ellen Evans, PhD
• Steve Clemonds, graduate assistant, Lifetime Fitness Program
• Annie Parrett, graduate assistant, Lifetime Fitness Program
• Tel: 217-244-6253
• Send an Email to LFP