PSU Magazine Spring 1987

"lie don't just move body parts. lie contract muscles here." three (and up to five) times a week. Each hour-long session includes: 7-10 minutes of light rhythmic activity that gradually increases the heart rate and warms the muscles; 20 minutes of aerobic movement that focuses on the large muscle groups and the intake of oxygen ; a brief cool-down ; 15-20 minutes of toning and strengthening exercises, with isolation of various muscles; and about 10 minutes of stretching and relaxation. Litvin's approach has evolved from the earl y "hardcore aerobics" with its 'jerky, bouncy, torquey movements" into a gentler high energy, low impact style influenced by J azzercise. "I use more muscu lar control instead of momentum," she said. Because of the high incidence of injuries associated with the so-called "macho" aerobics, "articles have come out saying 'don't do aerobics ,' and that's horrible! " noted Litvin. What is needed, she believes, is a "safe, longterm" style of aerobic exer– cise for the people who have taken fitness beyond the initial "craze" and made a permanent lifestyle change. "Time to get tight! Don't p'Ut it off any longer. Thinking abo'Ut it never got anybody in shape!" Of her own exercise regimen , Litvin says "I don't worry about it. " But as she gets more fit, she finds she has to increase the time and intensity of her workouts. "The body adapts ,'' she said. "I don't get an exercise response from one aerobics show anymore." As a hobby, Litvin does a little body-building. It shows in her muscular neck and shoulders as well as in her class-time emphasis on upper body work. Recently she won second place in the Northwest Natural competition, but she says she doesn't want to be a professional. 'i\nd I don't want to be an amazon ." What she does want is to stay acces– sible and responsive to the "middle– aged women" and "housewives with three kids" who make ui:i a good part of her viewing public. That means resisting the star-making business and preserving her sense of self. "I want a career in the media but I don't want to be a celebrity,'' she said . "I don't ever want to become untouch– able because my business is to teach." "Keep that smile and keep that faith in yo'Ur fitness program. V\0're going to make it together. " HPE grads keep community fit A number of recent graduates of PSU's School of Health and Physical Education are out in the Portland community promoting health and fitness. Many are associated with hospitals and health care programs, and others have been hired to promote health issues within Portland-area businesses. Here is a sampling: Good Samaritan Medical Center has two HPE alums helping to educate the public. Rhea Ruder Sleeman ('82) is the manager of community education , planning and marketing community wellness and lifestyle classes . Katherine Byrkit ('85) is a community education specialist based at Good Sam's Immediate Care Center and Medical Mall in Washington County. She is responsible for planning health promo– tion programs and special forums. Derrick Teal ('80 MST) has worked since graduation at Portland Adventist Medical Center, helping to develop a total community program. He is now director of the Health for Life Center there. Teal has been joined at the Center by fitness specialist Levi Query ('84 MST), who administers wellness exams and provides executive fitness evaluations for Portland-area corpora– tions. Sports Shorts PSU placed second in the prestigious 12th annual Rainbow Easter Tourna– ment in Hawaii during spring break, winning seven of 10 games. The Vikings split with tournament champion Wichita State and host University of Hawaii, both nationally– ranked teams. The Vikings were 15-7 PSU MAGAZINE PAGE 16 Darla Hulen Darville ('85 MST) accepted a new position last year as health and fitness coordinator for employees and patients at the Portland and Vancouver Veterans Medical Centers, where she organizes fitness testing, health risk appraisals, aerobics classes and sports leagues. At Kaiser Permanente, Hope Sasek ('84) is health education coordinator, scheduling lectures and classes throughout the Northwest region. And as manager of the Health and Lifestyle Center at St. Vincent Hospital and Medical Center, Gail Bretthauer Harris ('84) plans and hires instructors for all the health programs open to the community. Two grads are helping local businesses foster good health among employees . Pam Treece ('73) is the employee health management coor– dinator for Pacific Power and Light Company, working with in a network of programs serving 4,500 employees in six states . As employee health promo– tion coordinator for Mu ltnomah County, Merrie Ziady ('80, '82 MST) plans classes in wellness and fitness for more than 2,000 employees. heading in to the 24-game PAC-10 North conference schedule. D Spring football practice began April 2 with some big linemen added to last year's outstanding running backs . After the Vikings' 6-5 season, Coach Pokey Allen is looking forward to even more excitement this fall. The opening game is Sept. 5 against Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Civic Stadium. For schedule or ticket information , call 229-4000. ,