Bowling, Jane Fonda and wintertime jogs made up this year’s fitness week, designed by  the Center for Leadership and Health Promotion, along with President Marvin Krislov. This Sunday, March 9, marks the end of the two-week long OB Fit ’08 program, proposed and sponsored by the President’s Office to promote health and wellness within the Oberlin College community. This event was the first of its kind, part of a broader initiative to encourage students to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

From February 25 to March 9, instruction was offered in activities such as climbing, racquetball, yoga, flag football, Jane Fonda Fitness, bowling and many more. In an effort to increase student attendance, incentives were offered to those who attended the most events, including a chance to win a free iPod and breakfast with Krislov.

Krislov himself did his part to promote the event, speedwalking for an hour around Tappan Square on Friday, Feb. 29, and conversing with students while promoting health and wellness: “I find exercise makes me feel better, focus better and behave better. I heartily recommend it!”

Some students looked forward to this event as a chance to air their grievances, but many missed out due to time constraints.

“We were going to chat with President Krislov [during the jog] about how very difficult it is here to organize and run a club, but we were too busy organizing and running a club,” said double-degree junior Keith Yoder, one of the OC men’s rugby founders.

Like many aspects of the administration’s new approach to College life, the program was well funded but under-attended. In fact, many of the events were attended only by College staff. At one Wednesday event, “Bowling as a Lifetime Fitness Activity,” only a few staff members and one professor showed up.

Upon learning about OB Fit, many students agreed with its message, even if they couldn’t quite make it to any events. “Fitness is really important and is one of those things that often gets ignored on college campuses and at Oberlin, which is why we think the development of this program over the past few weeks has been really awesome,” said College sophomore and men’s rugby member Avery Harrison. “Even though we were, unfortunately, unable to participate, programs like the College is putting on now will continue to generate interest and inspire students to come out and play!”

College sophomore Maggie Ainsworth said of the event, “I think it’s really important to be healthy and to exercise regularly. This is a good thing the President is doing.” Asked why she herself didn’t attend any of the events, she only replied, “I didn’t have time, I guess.”