The University of Oregon leads the way in
trampoline training
The
University offers a variety of P.E. courses, including the only college
trampoline program in the United States By
Maggie Young Students
searching for a way to sweat and have fun at the same time have an abundance of
options this term. Non-traditional courses offered in the physical education
program include everything from yoga and self-defense to billiards and
trampoline. Freshman
Amy Dean is taking the trampoline class because it sounds "like a whole
heck of a lot of fun." She is among the approximately 280 other University
students who are enrolled in trampoline courses this term. It
turns out our University is the only college trampoline program in the country.
Recently, Time magazine, "Good Morning America" and "The
Today Show" interviewed Lani Lokendahle, University trampoline instructor
and executive director of the International Trampoline Industry Association,
about the program. The
program includes seven courses, each class caters to approximately 40 students.
Nearly 700 people take trampoline each year for P.E. credit at the University,
Lokendahle said. "These
classes are purely for physical activity, recreation and fun," Lokendahle
said. Freshman
Carrie Sorric said her mother "freaked out" when she heard that her
daughter was enrolled in the class because she thought it was too dangerous. Those
fears may be resolved though, as safety has not been an issue because there have
been no serious injuries thus far, Lokendahle said. "It
gives me a break from my hard classes," Sorric said. "I get credit for
doing something fun, and I have the opportunity to take classes to stay in
shape." Trampoline,
however, isn't the only way to have fun in P.E. Senior
Mike Brown, a history major, said that he was seeking more than physical
exertion when he signed up for a self-defense class. "I
wouldn't be learning as much in a normal P.E. class," Brown said. Freshman
and yoga student Erika Platano said she values the relaxation aspect of the
class. "It's
more relaxing than other classes you could take," Platano said. "It
works your muscles out without making you stressed out." Juggling
provides more than just another credit for Community and Regulation Planning
graduate student Shu Kaneko. "I
am acquiring skills that I can show people and use to entertain," Kaneko
said. Not
all activities address cardiovascular health, Physical Education Director Peggy
Rees said. That doesn't mean that they aren't good for you though, she said. "These
classes are new and fun, and you get a chance to meet people," Rees said.
"Having healthy interaction with others is a good thing." Many
students value the unconventional courses and take advantage of the opportunity
to use them. "The
diversity within P.E. classes makes it easier for people who don't usually
exercise," said Ted Dervin, a freshman majoring in pre-education. "I
feel that my educational dollars are going to good use with a program like
this."
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