Aerobics fits SWU

How about opening Foundation Day going funky? Instead of the traditional parade, drum and bugle, Southwestern University marks its foundation day this year with an event academic portals least expect - marathon aerobics.

Not to raise eyebrows and move hearts to beat faster, Dr. Merle Concepcion, is spearheading an innovative way of imbibing and incorporating fitness and wellness into academic lifestyle and curriculum. The pioneering effort has found in Concepcion an ally among professional aerobics instructors in Cebu, among them fitness coordinator Theresa Legaspi.

Concepcion who is SWU's director for the Institute of Physical Education and Sports said that fitness and wellness were included among its thrusts only this year. Though it was originally intended for the 30-something and above age group, Concepcion said the university took the fitness and wellness activity seriously after generating more participation from students.

When the physical education institute started fitness and wellness in August, the program was structured with the usual exercise. Yeah, it missed out fun.

SWU students were first exposed fun in exercise after attending an aerobics marathon in November where Slimmers World introduced its signature Aero Jam routine. The 12-dance workout fuses many aspects of dance and exercise in multi-dimensional choreography. Enamored students wished their school had one just like it.

Hearing students' wishes, Concepcion took the cue and invited Legaspi for coffee. The two then conceived the "Aerobics Fits You," making it the opening activity when the university commemorates Foundation Day on Friday.

Said Concepcion, "Aerobics Fits You is a two to three hour aerobics marathon that will start from six to nine in the morning. It is a university-wide marathon." Employees together with students from elementary, high school and college will do the stumping, pumping, jumping, swaying and huffing to the Aero Jam routine with Slimmers World aerobics instructors.

Awards will go to Mr. and Miss Campus Aero, Miss Body Beautiful, Aero Kid Boy, Aero Kid Girl and Best in Costume. Winners will be judged based on precision in execution, endurance and showmanship.

"Aerobics should start at an early age especially among children," said Legaspi.

Concepcion and Legaspi are looking beyond the Dec. 9 marathon. The physical education director aims to make the event jump-start the formal incorporation of aerobics in the curriculum. Then from here on, pump prime professionalization, regulation and licensing of aerobics instructors in Cebu.

In 46 years, going funky on Foundation Day could mark a serious founding of aerobics right in school.