Western Courier

Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: News

With Spring Break only days away, students have been preparing by using the Rec and tanning places in Macomb such as Bronze-It.

With Spring Break less than one week away, some students are trying to get ready by running to the Spencer Student Recreation Center or a tanning bed.

According to Julie Terstriep, the Western Illinois University Rec Center's business manager, by around Jan. 22 the number of students working out increases dramatically.

"The first Monday of (Spring) semester is always the busiest day of the year," Terstriep said.

Terstriep explained that this is the time students return from Winter Break and feel they need to get back into shape, usually because of too much to eat at Christmas dinner or wanting to look good in a swimsuit.

"Everyone's real good at making New Year's resolutions," Terstriep said. "Usually the number of students tapers off after Spring Break."

Even students who make a visit to the Rec part of their daily or weekly routines become partly motivated by Spring Break.

"I work out throughout the year," said Mike Koulis, freshman music business major. "I've been working a little bit harder for Spring Break, though."

Sometimes the students in fitness classes or the male-dominated weight room are intimidating for those who have less experience, but there is a personal option available for students to maximize every workout.

"Students can hire a personal trainer for more personal sessions," Terstriep said. "They are only $40 for four hour-long sessions."

And what would a Spring Break body be without a trip to the tanning salon? Bronze-It West on West Adams Street has been experiencing a flood of students trying to achieve a sun-kissed look.

"As soon as we get one (bed) cleaned, another (customer) goes right in," said Lacey Miles, sophomore general orientation major and Bronze-It employee. "Usually from 1 to 7 (p.m.) we're packed."

While the typical tanner may be stereotyped as a woman, male tanners increase as Spring Break approaches, according to Miles.

The most common option sold at Bronze-It West is the gold-basic, which is the cheapest bed and uses less wattage than the platinum or onyx options. Many students also find a gold bed is easier to use when they make an appointment because there are usually more available at any time.

If a student is looking to build up a tan before he or she hits the beach, Miles suggests planning ahead.

"They should make an appointment," Miles said. "Or they should come in between 10 a.m. and noon in the morning or between 7 and 9 p.m. in the evening."

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