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Recreation and Wellness
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Paul Shirley Assessment Center

The Paul Shirley Assessment Center (PSAC) is staffed with extensively trained, student peer educators. The services of PSAC offer great tools to get you started towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether you are starting a new exercise program, need a change toward a healthier lifestyle or are interested in something entirely new, we can help you reach your goals!
Our mission is to provide students, faculty, and staff with safe and reliable ways of acquiring and maintaining wellness. We accomplish this goal through education and example. We strive to provide our patrons with a comfortable atmosphere conducive to learning, living, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 

Programs & Services

For more information or to schedule an appointment, e-mail us at ddfc@unf.edu.

Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressure is an important measure of our cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is the result of two forces, the heart as it pumps blood through the circulatory system and of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.

Blood pressure is represented by two numbers: Systolic and Diastolic. The systolic number signifies the pressure of the contraction of the heart to pump blood to the body. The diastolic number signifies the pressure when the heart relaxes.

Blood pressure is stated in this format: Systolic/Diastolic, ex. 122/84. For adults, blood pressure under 120/80 is considered to be best possible pressure to have. Blood pressure from 120 to 139 systolic and from 80 to 89 diastolic is considered pre-hypertensive. From 140/90 and above is considered hypertension or high blood pressure.

The Paul Shirley Assessment Center offers free automatic blood pressure screenings on a walk-in basis or by appointment.

Body Composition Testing

Body Composition is what our bodies are made up of. In a two-mass description, body composition is to be considered fat mass versus fat-free mass. There are several ways to assess body composition, some having more accuracy than others. For example, BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure of body composition using a person’s height and weight, not considering muscle mass of an individual, may not be as accurate as measuring subcutaneous fat through skinfold testing.

The Paul Shirley Assessment Center offers body composition testing by appointment only. This advanced body composition tracking system uses air displacement to accurately, quickly, and comfortably determine body composition.

Bod Pod Inquiry

Fitness Assessments

The PSAC’s Fitness Assessment tests the five components of fitness: Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, Body Composition, and Cardio-Respiratory Endurance. This assessment is used to determine the client’s current level of conditioning in each area. An appointment is needed to complete the assessment. The Fitness Assessment can be completed in 40 – 60 minutes. Upon completion, the client will receive a detailed computerized report. The computer generated report will yield personal results and give a ranked population percentile.

Stretching Program

When is the last time you stretched? Stretching is one the most neglected form of exercise. Most individuals when concerned about exercise are thinking more about Strength training, Cardio, or endurance activities. However, stretching is an equal important exercise and one of the easiest to perform. The core benefit to this form of exercise is improved flexibility, which in turn can improve athletic performance and decrease risk of activity-based injuries.

The Paul Shirley Assessment Center offers printed stretching regimen designed specifically to your needs. The personalized stretching program is on a walk-in basis. We also offer pre-printed stretches that you can stop by and pick up anytime during are hours of operation.