At the Smith Fieldhouse, students gathered for a unique workout experience. Thursday night’s Lights Out workout turned off the lights, turned up the music and encouraged students to combine fitness with fun.
This was the first of hopeful future events.
The lights out workout maxed out its attendance at 90 students.
“We’re learning as we go, to see how it’s gonna work, but we are maxed out with people, which is fantastic. People have liked black light in the past, and hopefully they like this one,” said Haley Hickman, the Student Wellness programs and marketing director.
Hickman is hopeful that this event will spark an interest in the gym in students.
“I really hope the students either visit the gym for the first time, or if they’re a regular, that they can have fun and do something different,” Hickman said.
“It was nice to come and have not that many people here, and I could try out different equipment that I don’t really get to use because there’s a line,” said Abrielle Miner, a senior studying psychology at BYU.
For the event, students were able to do their usual workout routine, but this time with black lights and glow sticks.
One student attended the event with her sister and a friend. Fitness is an important part of her daily routine.
“One of the biggest reasons I exercise is for my mental health. I’ve just always noticed in my life that when I’m consistently exercising, I feel better able to cope with my emotions and process some of my maybe anxieties or fears,” said Miner.
“Exercise is huge, especially as a student. It’s a nice release from the pressure and the stress of everyday life.”
“I believe there’s so much connection between your mind and your body, and if I want my mind to stay sharp, I need to keep my body in good shape also.”
A study from the University of Adelaide in Australia says forming long-term exercise habits as a young person has a beneficial impact on physical and mental health later in life.
“If you want to, you know, be consistent at moving your body and exercising throughout your life, now’s the time to start,” Miner said.
“Once you stop moving, you start to lose everything,” Hickman said.
Events like the lights out workout show how coming together can make fitness more enjoyable. Whether at the gym or at home, it is important to keep moving.