Ed Michael, director of athletics for intramurals and recreation, coached the UB wrestling team from 1970-91. He is a member of the UB Athletic Hall of Fame.

What sort of programs are offered to faculty and staff who've resolved to get in shape in 1999?

We have many programs in place for those who have resolved to get in shape for 1999. Through our physical fitness testing center, individuals can choose from a variety of assessments and programs that include comprehensive, personal-fitness testing and individual exercise prescription; submaximal physical-fitness testing on a bicycle ergometer or treadmill; consultation and fitness-program setup, and body composition and girth measurements. In addition, we offer programs that specifically target faculty and staff. For spring, there will be a maintenance class for those already exercising that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 a.m. and a master's swimming program that meets at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also will be staffing our annual UB FIT health screening on Feb. 19 in Alumni Arena. Soon, faculty and staff will receive the Recreation & Intramural Services Spring structured-recreation brochure that details these programs, as well as many others. I want all of our faculty and staff to know that they can participate in virtually all of our programs when they are recreation-permit holders. Annual permits are $150; semester permits can be purchased for $61.

What's new for 1999?

Spinning, the new indoor biking experience, is here. It's a group cycling class, with a trainer, that will make your adrenaline rocket. We will offer 16 spinning classes during the semester, in Alumni Arena. Classes start Jan. 19.

What's the most popular recreation/intramural program?

The single most-popular recreation activity is working out in our general fitness center in Alumni Arena. The second most-popular is jogging/walking on our 1/6 mile, carpeted, indoor track. There is a tie for third among pick-up basketball, racquetball and lap swimming. In terms of intramural sports, basketball is the single most-popular activity. Last year saw 1,159 participants in basketball, with volleyball a close second with 1,037 players.

How many faculty and staff members participate in rec programs each semester?

About 600 faculty and staff. I wish we had more. However, I know a substantial number work out at various local health clubs.

How have the types of recreation/intramural programs that are offered changed over the years?

Over the past 20 years, we have seen a change from people primarily engaged in team sports, such as basketball, volleyball and softball, to participation in wellness/fitness activities, such as training with weights; cardio actitivities, like walking, jogging, swimming, aerobics classes, and activities like yoga. Making time for recreational activities seems to be more difficult as our lives become more complex. Perhaps this is why people are looking to do activities such as physical-fitness training that do not require a person to be a member of a team or have a person to play against. You fit the exercise in where it suits your schedule. Outdoor pursuits, such as rock climbing and white-water rafting, continue to grow in popularity, as well.

Have you seen growing interest among women in such things as weight training and fitness?

I certainly have. In terms of the use of our general fitness centers in Alumni Arena and Clark Hall, 40 percent of the users are women, up from about 20 percent 10 or 15 years ago. In our aerobics/fitness classes, about 85 percent of the participants are women. Women are also well-represented in the numbers of people using our walking/jogging track, as well as swimming laps in our two pools. Women are heavily involved in indoor soccer, floor hockey, basketball and outdoor soccer. In fact, 25 percent of the indoor-soccer players are women.

I understand that the recreation department has developed a full-service component. Tell me about it.

We recently expanded our pro shop/equipment room services. We now provide, in addition to locker rental, towel service and equipment loan, the sale of athletic equipment, nutritional drinks, and food and personal hygiene products. In addition, we rent mountain bikes.

You had a spectacular 21-year career as UB's wrestling coach. What's your most memorable achievement?

My UB team winning the 1978 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship certainly stands out in my mind. Also, being inducted into UB's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 is a special occasion for me.

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know but should?

I have been married to the same wonderful lady for more than 38 years.

What question do you wish I had asked, and how would you have answered it?

Do you practice what you preach regarding health and physical fitness? I sure do. I generally jog 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 miles, five to six times per week. I always stretch out well on days that I run. On my "off days," I try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity. This, many times, takes the form of yard work. I also try to practice a healthy diet with a lot of fruits, fiber and vegetables.