Opinion: Time is running out. Use Sparks.

Emma Bryans ('28) weight lifting in Spark's downstairs weight room on Feb. 3. Photo by Patricia Krepel.

Getting into shape and keeping a healthy lifestyle have become status symbols in recent years, especially during a time when groceries are increasingly expensive, and a gym membership is an unnecessary expense for many. Willamette students may find it easier to achieve than a significant portion of the population. Now, as the cost-of-living crisis continues, everyone should use these amenities before they graduate.

Vogue’s Hayley Phelan describes how, after the 2008 recession, it became less socially acceptable to flaunt wealth with designer logos, instead leading into a new era of “stealth wealth,” one of the prime examples being a “fit” physique and merchandise from gyms and athleisure companies. There is an implied wealth in the fact that it takes lots of money for a muscular form to be achievable. Money has been poured into a diet, a fitness coach, a gym membership and even fitnesswear. The thousands upon thousands that upper-class individuals might spend on a better lifestyle are typically used by the middle and lower classes for necessities and smaller luxuries. 

But how is it possible to achieve fitness goals if one is not of the upper echelon?

There is a silver lining. In paying for one status symbol, another can be achieved. That is, getting a college education, which usually comes with access to a gym and a pre-cooked variety of foods to pick from, can make it easier to achieve fitness goals, however that is defined for an individual. Although college is more than just a status symbol, it’s important to acknowledge that it is one, just like fitness is. 

With the stress of cooking and purchasing healthy food items stripped away, it is easier to eat balanced meals while at college. According to Nasdaq, the average American spends around $370 per month on groceries. Accounting for about eight months of classes, that number comes out to $2,960 per student for the entire year. Suddenly, the Goudy meal plans sound a bit more reasonable than before. 

What’s more, this figure does not take into account the labor that goes into preparing and cooking an entire meal, as well as cleanup afterward. It is safe to say that college cafeterias make it much easier to enjoy a well-balanced meal without too much stress or work put into it.

Willamette’s amenities for students also include access to an on-campus gym. A gym membership, on the lower end, usually costs around $10 to $15 per month. Not as outrageous as grocery prices, but it could still be unachievable for many, especially if they feel that they do not go to the gym often enough to warrant paying such a price on a monthly basis. 

By having a gym on campus, such as the Lestle J. Sparks Center, where entrance and use of machinery are free, it is significantly simpler to complete workouts regularly. Of course, there is still an implicit price to pay for using Sparks that is included within tuition, but because tuition charges do not include an itemized list, students are not faced with the monthly decision to pay for a membership or not. The full price would still be paid even if the gym was never used, so students should make the most out of their tuition.

It is clear that many Willamette students believe that Sparks is beneficial to overall health. Reagan Kometz (’29) said that she’s found that using the gym is “a great way to relieve stress.” 

The campus amenities are not without their issues for some students, however. Marley Engman (’29) described the meal plans as making it “harder to eat healthier” and “reach a protein goal … or specific nutrient goal.” They added that there are “pretty limited options, and they’re all usually pretty high in calories.” 

Engman said that although there are more options on the whole, they’re not always great for eating healthy regularly. For those who care, it can also be particularly challenging because there are no specific descriptions for food items other than what they are, nor are there indications of how much protein they contain. 

In the future, Goudy should provide avenues for students — whether it be online or in-person — to find out more about what the food they make contains in terms of nutritional value, as it can be very important for athletes as well as other students. In the interim, however, Goudy usually has balanced food options to choose from, something that students may not have access to — without personal effort — after leaving campus.

Looking back on my exercise journey, a significant part of it has taken place in Sparks since I started college. Fighting with the StairMaster every step, sweating bullets on the leg extension machine and swearing that I will never go back again, yet feeling much happier than I did before working out. It is always a Herculean task to get to the gym. Yet, in my experience, the aftermath is overwhelmingly positive. In this manner, Willamette students can call themselves privileged. Make the most out of tuition; try out Sparks.