Fitness Council pays visit to West campus

ASU’s Diablo Performance and Recreation Center at the West campus recently played host to a group of 18 Native American fitness instructors from the Native American Fitness Council (NAFC) for a two-day workshop designed to teach participants how to train others in proper exercise and healthy lifestyles.

“We held this workshop because we believe it is important for the university to help when there is a need,” says Keith Munson, the fitness center’s director. “If we can provide the necessary assistance that helps others get the training they need to enhance their community by leading people to a healthier lifestyle, while also decreasing disease and health problems, then we have made a positive impact.”

The 18 participants represented six different Arizona tribes: Gila River, Hopi, Navajo, San Carlos Apache, Mescalero Apache and Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache. Also in attendance were fitness instructors from the Navajo-Kayenta Unified School District, Hopi-Second Mesa Day School and Navajo-Greasewood Community School.

“The NAFC’s goal is to help enhance an individual’s experience with our trainings to enable them to take our instruction to their communities,” says council director Kylene Selestewa. “We want each individual to become not only a fitness leader within their communities, but to become advocates for health in order to improve their communities.”

The workshop was the first time the Diablo Performance and Recreation center was chosen as a NAFC site. Lessons and group fitness sessions were held in the center’s aerobics room.

“We hope to continue to work with the NAFC and make our facilities available to them for workshops,” Munson says. “Their mission is an important one, and we support their efforts.”

From new cardio equipment to the addition of televisions throughout the facility, and from expanded intramural sports to Health Exercise Science (HES) credit courses in pilates, yoga and fitness, the center sports a wide range of fitness and recreation options for ASU students, faculty, staff members, alumni and their family members.

The Diablo Fitness and Recreation Center is open seven days a week throughout the year, except on regular university holidays.