Despite the below-zero temperatures this week, some ISU students are getting ready for bathing suits and sunny beaches and braving the weather to get to some exercise.

Stephanie Eichler, program coordinator for the Lied Recreation Center, said there has been a substantial increase in attendance since she began her job in November.

Eichler said there could be many contributing factors, including the upcoming spring break, the new year and new semester or because of the weather.

Natalie Fitch, sophomore in pre-advertising, said she can see an increase in people when she goes to the rec.

Fitch said she has increased her regimen in preparation for spring break. She likes the facility and the variety it offers, but said she despises the “meat market attitude” some people have.

“It’s accommodating to everyone’s needs,” Fitch said. “But people sometimes hog machines, just to sit and socialize.”

Eichler said attendance of fitness classes has increased since the beginning of the year, and the numbers continue to climb. There was one section of yoga class and one section of pilates class at the beginning of the semester, but there are now two sections of each.

“Between 20 to 30 people are in each section,” Eichler said.

Eichler warns students that working too intensely at the beginning of their training can be dangerous.

“Kids want to lose weight, but it’s not a two-week event,” Eichler said. “It should be a progression.”

Ashley Clark, senior in exercise and sport science, agreed with Eichler. She said weight fluctuation in a short period of time is not healthy.

Eicher said the body won’t adapt to the extreme exercise it is suddenly being put through, resulting in soreness and tiredness.

“I think that if people exercised year-round, kept up with their bodies and ate right, they wouldn’t have to increase their workout,” Fitch said.

Clark said it’s hard for some people to be motivated to work out, due to the time commitment. She said people would rather relax after a hard day of school or work.

Clark, Eichler and Fitch agreed attendance will most likely drop after spring break. Eichler said often people just want a “quick fix,” and once the goal has been completed, the motivation is lost.

“Spring break is a pre-summer sort of thing,” Eichler said. “People want to look good for the season, but after it’s over, it’s back to the original lifestyle, which often doesn’t include exercising until the motivation returns.”

Fitch said she thinks usage of the Rec will also decrease because of the weather.

She said people will start to walk and run outside once the temperature warms up.