Making a commitment to your health and exploring new opportunities is exactly what Tina Permar, the director of the Bucks County Community College’s Fitness Center, is offering students this semester.
The Fitness Center is located at the front of the Linksz Pavilion on Bucks Newtown Campus and is filled with all the equipment you would need to get a good workout in. The entire wellness facility boasts two studio rooms and full locker rooms for students to keep their belongings.
Bucks Newtown Campus has been home to the current Wellness Center since 2003. Since Permar’s arrival 11 years ago, all the equipment has been updated, and they are continuing to improve every year.
All Bucks’ students and alumni can use this facility for free with a valid Bucks student ID. Before students can use the equipment, there is some protocol to follow: (Taken from the Fitness Center Flier)
– A current Health History and Agreement and Release of Liability Form on file
– All personal items are to be placed in the locker rooms
– Proper exercise attire must be worn
– Use the equipment as it is intended to be used
– Weight collars must be on at all times when using free weights
– Allow others to work into your workout sets
– Return all equipment to the proper location when finished
– Only water is permitted with a lid in a non-glass container
– Excessive noise and the use of profanity are prohibited
– Wipe down all pieces of equipment to prevent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and the Flu
Since it is a one-woman show, the hours of the facility are subject to change. “If I’m not here, we are closed,” Permar said.
The current hours are Monday and Wednesday 10-6 p.m. (closed 12:15-1:20 p.m.), and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7 – 3 p.m. (closed 11:30-12 p.m.). If the facility hours have changed due to scheduling conflicts and/or family emergencies, there will be a sign posted at the door.
The Fitness Center offers a free drop-in 30-minute ab class in Gym C on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:50-1:20 p.m. Permar wants to encourage students to try something new and stop by one of these classes.
Before becoming the college’s director of the Fitness Center, Permar had a long career of being a strength and conditioning coach. She was employed by universities such as Michigan State, Princeton University, Rutgers and Stony Brook University.
She knew she wanted to be a strength and conditioning coach from a young age, especially after being involved in many sports programs. As a child, her coaches instilled a belief in herself that she wanted to help students have for themselves.
“Everything I do is stuff I believe in,” she said. Permar wants every student who walks through her facility to have the same opportunity to truly believe that they can do whatever they set their minds to.
Her biggest piece of advice for students is to “use college to your advantage. Join clubs, find your niche and get to know someone. You will be successful.”
At the Fitness Center, safety is a priority. Permar is there to help if students are unsure of how to use a piece of equipment. Once you have gone three times and made a commitment, she will even help you make a workout plan to reach your goals.
She also focuses on injury prevention and having fun. “You never know who you will meet here,” she said. Permar stresses the importance of trying new things and meeting new people will get you where you want to be.
Haven’t been to the fitness center yet? Stop in and ask Permar what her “secret sauce” is.
To find out more about the fitness center, contact Tina Permar at [email protected].