Department of Recreation Studies and Exercise Science

Student Hobbies

Exercise Science student Terry Whitmore explains his background in motocross and off-road dirt bike racing and the application of Exercise Science in his success. “I grew up riding motorcycles, riding my first minibike at age 5. I competed in my first motocross race at age 11 and was hooked. Putting off college, I achieved motocross success at both the state and national level. One winter, while training in Georgia, I suffered a bad crash that left me with a compound fracture of my right femur. After three surgeries, and many complications, I decided it was maybe time to reconsider college. It was my experience with rehabilitation and training that led me to enroll in the exercise science program at LSSU. Once I could ride again, I changed my focus to off-road dirt bike racing. The races are longer, more grueling, and vary in terrain from tight single line through dense forest, rocks, logs, streams and several other obstacles intended to crush the racers fortitude. The training I have received in exercise science has helped me tremendously in my racing endeavors. Knowing about the different energy systems, proper nutrition for endurance competitions, and proper methods of strength and conditioning training enabled me to place 2nd in my class in the final rankings this past season. I highly recommend Exercise Science to anybody with an interest in athlete training and conditioning or public health and fitness. From strength training and conditioning to clinical exercise physiology / cardiac rehab to corporate fitness / worksite wellness, we learn and prepare for it all! It has changed my life and I believe it can do the same for other people.”

The World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is an organization where bodybuilders and fitness models compete all around Canada to promote health and fitness in a rapidly growing industry.  The WBFF recently held its World Championships in Toronto, Canada and 19 different countries were represented.  Ryan Gridzak, a sophmore Exercise Science student at LSSU, competed in the Male Fitness Model category.  The Fitness Model category stresses fitness, physique, and health.  Ryan was the youngest competitor ever at the WBFF and he held his own amongst the top fitness models in the world.  Ryan used his knowledge of Exercise Science to train for the event, cutting down to 4.2% bodyfat and weighing in at 145 lbs.  Ryan says, "This organization really knows how to treat their athletes.  Everyone should compete at least once in their lives, it's a real rush when you're on stage."  Ryan plans to compete in next year's event.  He says he wants to increase his muscle mass by 10 pounds prior to the event.  With his understanding of Exercise Science and his level of commitment, we have no doubt that he will reach his goals!

Ryan Gridzak, Exercise Science student, (second from left) competes

in the Male Fitness Model category of the WBFF in Toronto, Canada

Alumni are invited to send pictures and a short narrative to be posted on the webpage describing your employment experiences in your degree major. Let us know where you are and what you're doing! Please e-mail to cbarr@lssu.edu