Published July 31, 2008
Written by Grace Chen
Whether you’re a student trying to balance the demands of community college classes, or if you are a professional or stay at home parent wanting to find out about how to better take care of yourself, community colleges across the country have developed popular programs for physical, emotional, and personal well being.
Nutrition, Health, and Cooking
As a hobby, or even as a career path, students can enroll in a wide variety of food-based courses. Some of these classes may provide more insight into the science of the human body and nutrition, while other courses may focus on lessons for cooking, food preparation, and beyond.
For example, San Diego Community College in California offers a wide range of class options for career or continuing-education students, including classes such as “Professional Bakeshop Skills,” “Bread Making,” and “Catering.” Here, students will learn about pastry, basic culinary skills, and the science behind the art of baking. Also, students can take the “Eat For a Healthy Lifestyle” course, which encompasses the entire realm of healthiness, from the physiological standpoint to menu planning.
Other courses offered at San Diego Community College focus on learning about the diversity of food, such as in their “Ethnic/Regional Foods” class, which focuses on preparing a variety of ethnic and regional foods by learning about “ingredients, food preparation techniques and traditions of differing cultures. The course includes recipe adaptation to achieve maximum nutrition.” And for more cooking classes, students can enroll in “Time Saving Cooking” or even “Menu Planning/Menu Planning Basics.”
Fitness Opportunities
Dance Classes
For adults or young students looking to learn more about a particular sport, physical activity, or for individuals who just want to get out and exercise, community colleges are a great venue for interaction and activity. For example, South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a wide range of physical classes—among the most popular are the dance and aerobics courses. Here, students can try out “dance classes in salsa, ballroom, and even the Texas two-step, and many other types of dance classes.”
Yoga and Pilates
And if dancing isn’t what students are looking for, then South Mountain—along with community colleges across the country—also offers exercise classes like Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. According to Ann Pizer, Yoga is more than just the common perception of a stretching exercise. Moreover, “yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession […] or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose.”
Pilates, on the other hand, according to Margurite Ogle, is “a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement.” Pilates often involves a variety of methods and instructional techniques, but ultimately strives to focus on an overall improvement of core muscles in the body. “The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.”
Independent Exercise
And for people looking to work out independently, or to try out a variety of group fitness courses, many community colleges provide local residents with access to public fitness centers. Here, individuals can take advantage of work-out equipment such as cardiovascular machines, weight training equipment, flexibility mats, and perhaps even free weights. Group fitness is often offered on-site at these locations.
Meditation and Well-Being
For unique avenues of interest, many community colleges offer mediation courses, philosophy classes, spirituality and religion classes, and even more specific areas of focus, such as aromatherapy. North Seattle Community College, in Washington, is one of the many community colleges across the country offering programs in this field, particularly focusing on the ancient art of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy
Whether students are simply interested, or are feeling stressed, uninspired, or overwhelmed, North Seattle’s aromatherapy class will “teach you how to take better care of yourself and loved ones with ancient wisdom of aromatherapy.” In addition, from a professional standpoint, you can learn how to create your own aromatherapy products, which are great from the entrepreneur student. These types of courses are an accessible and affordable outlet for personal interest and betterment, while also providing students with hands-on activities and interactive discussions.
Tai Chi
Similar to Yoga and Pilates in subtle ways, many individuals pursue the practice of Tai Chi as an opportunity to mediate, relax, and connect. As Phylameana Lila Desy explains, “The practice of Tai Chi promotes the circulation of chi or life energy within the body, encouraging wellness and vitality of the person. Tai Chi benefits both genders and people of all ages.” Available at most community colleges, Tai Chi is a popular course option that allows students of diverse physical and age backgrounds to study the art of this ancient practice.
From what you eat to how you exercise, community colleges are an excellent resource for improving your overall wellness. Whether you are a continuing education or full-time career student, adding these affordable courses into your schedule will help you achieve greater relaxation and health.
References:
North Seattle Community College, available at http://www.teachstreet.com/class/the-ancient-wisdom-of-aromatherapy/cl-peze1olsw
Ogle, Margurite, “What is the Pilates Method of Exercise?” April 9, 2008, available at http://pilates.about.com/od/whatispilates/a/WhatIsPilates.htm
Pizer, Ann, “What is Yoga” November 26, 2007, available at http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/whatisyoga.htm
San Diego Community College, available at http://www.sdce.edu/classes/culinary-arts/cooking-and-nutrition.php
South Mountain Community College, available at http://community.southmountaincc.edu/Courses/DanceExercise/
Read Related Attending College Articles:
- What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college. - Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career. - Transferring from Community College to a 4-year Institution
Learn about the steps you need to take to succesfully transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution. - How to Ensure Your Community College Credits Transfer to a 4 Year University
Make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your four year university by following these recommended strategies. - The Reverse Transfer Process
Learn about the reverse transfer process and how it can benefit your education. - Stuck on a Waiting List? How Community College Students Can Combat College Admission Freezes
More and more of today's community college students find themselves on waiting lists thanks to budget cuts. Learn about strategies you can take to get yourself off of waiting lists and into class. - Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight
To accommodate students' schedules, along with growing enrollment rates, community colleges are offering classes in the late evening. Learn more about why you may be taking midnight classes at a campus near you. - How Community Colleges are Coping with Double Digit Enrollment Growth
Learn about how community colleges are changing their campuses to accomodate for double-digit growth in student enrollment. - Should Community Colleges Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll?
Learn about the controversy surrounding community colleges' admission policies regarding undocumented immigrants. - 3 Reasons Why Top Universities are Recruiting Community College Students
Learn about the growing trend amongst four-year universities to recruit from community college campuses. Enjoy an academic head start and a competitive edge against other applicants by starting first at community college. - Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics. - Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students. - Writing Assistance for Community College Students
Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college. - How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college. - The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor. - The Benefits of Community College Minority Mentoring Programs
Learn about how minority mentorship programs at community colleges are improving academic performance and graduation rates, as well as providing a medley of benefits. - Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks. - Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college. - Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility. - How Community College Campuses are Preparing for the H1N1 Virus
Learn about how community colleges are putting plans in place to prevent and combat the spread of H1N1 on campus. - Enjoy Free Healthcare Services at Your Local Community College
Learn about the opportunities and free healthcare services available at your local community college. Whether you need dental, medical, or even physical therapy treatment, your local community college may be able to provide you with the care that you need, regardless of your budget. - How Community Colleges are Working to Stop Drunk Driving
Learn about the innovative programs, curriculum, and parades that community colleges are creating to prevent drunk driving on campus. - How to Get Help for Your DUI through Your Community College
If you are facing a DUI, your community college can be an excellent resource for affordable legal assistance and counseling programs. - Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials. - Earn Money and Accolades Through Community College Writing Competitions
Students who enjoy writing can earn published recognition and cash prizes through community college writing competitions. Learn about national contests, as well as how you can find local writing competitions near your community college. - Campus Living Options for Community College Students
Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students. - Can Community Colleges Limit Your Right to Free Speech?
Learn about the legal cases brought against community colleges, who allegedly have been violating students' rights to freedom of speech. - Faith Based Initiatives at Community Colleges: Faux Pas or Politically Correct?
Learn about how religious intiatives at community colleges are growing in popularity and how these programs will impact the dynamics on campus. - Athletics in Community Colleges
Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience. - How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing. - Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students. - Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon
For novice and competitive runners alike, community colleges across the country offer fun marathon events, as well as an opportunity to join collegiate marathon teams. - Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities. - Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Learn how choosing electives can be enjoyable and professionally beneficial. - The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college - Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college. - Support for ESL Students in Community College
Learn about the support programs available for ESL students in community college. - North Carolina Community Colleges: Pioneering Increased Enrollment and Early Graduation Rates
Learn about how North Carolina's community colleges have created innovative programs that not only increase student enrollment, but give high school students an opportunity to attend courses on campus tuition-free. - How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments. - Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students. - The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors. - Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college. - Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus. - The Benefits of Community College Clubs
Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college. - Studying Abroad During Community College
Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college. - Benefits of Internships for Community College Students
Build your professional and academic career with internships. Learn how to find the right internships through your community college campus. - Does Your Community College Allow Guns on Campus?
Learn about the new proposals and regulations that may allow students to carry handguns on community college campuses. - Campus Safety on Community Colleges
Learn about how you can stay safe and secure on your community college campus - Finding Childcare on Community College Campuses
Learn how you can balance the roles of being a student and a parent by securing child care assistance on campus. - Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success. - How Community Colleges are Inspiring Young Girls to Soar to Success
Learn about how community colleges are introducing programs that inspire young girls to achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
