Twenty speech pathology and audiology students are adding a little kick to their lunch - and some punches, jumps and lunges too.
The students have been taking 15-minute express fitness classes over the last 11 weeks as a practical way to fit exercise into their busy schedules.
"I think keeping a balanced lifestyle is critical when you're in university," says Jennifer Fung, first year SLP student. "These classes allow me to incorporate physical activity into my day without leaving Corbett Hall. Also, I feel much more awake for my afternoon classes after I get my adrenaline going."
The fitness sessions, which take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m., are organized and led by Noriko Major, office assistant in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Major has a real interest in fitness - specifically weightlifting training and fitness competitions- and is great at motivating the students.
"I believe it's very important to keep active," she says. "The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's programs 
require a lot of work and studying, but students should remember to take some time for themselves."
The classes involve stretching, a 12-minute intensive workout and cool down. Because the workout is short, students still have time to shower and eat lunch.
"I'm proud of the students' commitment over the last 11 weeks," says Major. "I've seen progress in their exercise abilities from push-ups to squats. They've really been pushing themselves."
When the weather starts getting warmer, Major plans to move the classes outside. She invites all students, staff and faculty interested in participating to email her at noriko.major@ualberta.ca.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.