Men's Fitness magazine has ranked the University of Virginia 11th on its list of the top-25 fittest college campuses in America in its second annual survey.
Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. was named the most fit college campus.
This is the first time the University has appeared on the magazine's list; however, the University was previously named "Hottest for Fitness" in 2005 by the Newsweek-Kaplan college guide.
Mark Fletcher, director of the Intramural Recreational Sports Department, said 94 percent of the undergraduate student body participates in intramural recreational activities.
"I think that our students are very focused academically, and they are focused on taking care of themselves and keeping themselves fit," Fletcher said.
While Fletcher said he is proud of the University's ranking in the top 25, he is not concerned about the University's position on the list, adding that the report placed Dickinson as number one due to the fact that it requires all of its students to take a physical education course.
"That requirement at the University was dropped about 30 years ago," Fletcher said. "So if that's going to be one of the criteria of the ranking, then I don't envision the University [is] going to be requiring physical education for every student."
Erica Perkins, fitness director of University intramural recreational sports, said in addition to the actual facilities, the University offers 75 fitness classes each week and provides individual services as well as a large, competitive intramural sports program.
Ed Rivers, senior associate director for intramural recreational sports, said the department is constantly looking for ways to improve.
"We are continually assessing the services we provide, and we stay abreast of contemporary training theories and the new equipment that comes out," Rivers said. "We have professional staff that is traveling to conferences to become better educated on a regular basis so we can continue to serve the University."
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | YesterdayThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 4 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 4 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
