Let’s Get Physical

Fitness Center director discusses benefits of exercise for students

By Ryan Lyesiuk
Observer Contributor

Fitness is particularly beneficial to college students seeking better overall health. According to Jason Snoonian, director of the Mount Wachusett Community College Fitness & Wellness Center (also called the Mount Fitness Center), improved health often leads to better classroom performance.

According to Snoonian, increased brain stimulation during exercise may assist a student in and out of the classroom.

“Exercise and increased fitness often leads to better study habits, better-quality sleep, significant overall health advances, and improved confidence,” he said.

Between school, work, and other obligations, it can be challenging to find time to exercise. Thirty minutes a day, a few days a week, is all you need to see significant health benefits from exercise, according to Snoonian. “Four to six exercises for fifteen minutes, followed by fifteen minutes of cardio is a perfect starting point,” he said.

Gradually increasing workouts to sixty minutes maximum is a great way to approach fitness, but not needed to reap the benefits of exercise, according to Snoonian. “More than sixty minutes leads to burnout in most individuals, particularly those who are new to fitness,” Snoonian said.

The Mount Fitness Center offers over seventy classes per week, all with certified group fitness education and CPR trained staff. These classes are free to all members of the Mount Fitness Center. Regarding which classes students should participate in, Snoonian said, “students should try every class if possible, and if not start with Group Ride, Centergy, Yoga, or Fight.” Snoonian recommends these specific classes for two reasons: they are fun, and seem to be popular with young adults.

In regards to the time of year students typically join the Mount Fitness Center, Snoonian said, “there’s definitely an increase in the fall. The big rush comes in mid-September once students get their acts together in school.” Snoonian also mentioned a slight increase in students in January, but noted the New Year’s resolution crowd is mostly older adults, not students.

According to Snoonian, the Mount Fitness Center is the perfect location for students attending MWCC at the Gardner Campus. “The Mount Fitness Center is the cheapest around for students, has more to offer, over 70 classes, olympic size pool, and trained personal trainers/staff,” Snoonian said. “It’s the best game in town.”

Prices at the Mount Fitness Center for students are set at $49 a semester or $99 for an entire calendar year, plus a two-month promotional bonus. A free equipment orientation is offered to all new members as well. Snoonian also said “anyone seeking a personal trainer to help get them on the right track can purchase a tri-pack for $99.” This package includes three one-hour sessions, at a cost of only $33 per meeting. This is a great deal for students, according to Snoonian.

Snoonian has over 22-years of work experience in the fitness industry. He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at the University of Massachusetts. Upon completing his BS degree Snoonian worked as a personal trainer in multiple fitness clubs before becoming the director of the Westboro Club for 12 years. In March 2018, Snoonian left Westboro to take over as the director of the Mount Fitness Center.