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Avoiding the dreaded "Freshman 15" through semi-simple diet, exercise plan
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It's easy to slip into some pretty unhealthy habits in college. The "freshman fifteen" isn't a cliché for nothing. And yet, it is possible to be in college without having to a buy a new-roomier-wardrobe after first semester. The easiest thing to do is just get into a habit of eating right and getting an appropriate amount of exercise. So, here's a guide to doing just that at ISU:
Exercising:
At Le Club, If a true workout is what you want, next to where the athletes train, Le Club offers the newest, nicest equipment on campus. However, membership at Le Club does cost $50 per semester (or $70 for both semesters), which is a lot for the sporadic exerciser. However, daily and weekly passes can be purchased for $5 and $10. Le Club has facilities in the HMSU and Rhoads and Blumberg halls.
In Get Fit Classes, Recreational Sports holds classes in the Arena such as aerobics, kickboxing, yoga and water aerobics. ISU students can attend any of these classes for free. Information of times and locations can be found at www.indstate.edu/recsprt/42.html.
Around Campus, If an organized class isn't for you, the Arena also has two gyms, racquetball courts, a climbing wall and swimming pool. Check the Recreational Sports section of the ISU Web site for hours. Campus also has outdoor tennis courts and a track. Wolf Field is also great for playing basketball, Frisbee or whatever interests you. Intramural teams are also a good way to exercise while still doing something you enjoy.
Anywhere, The simplest way to work a little exercise into your daily routine is to take the stairs. I understand walking the twelve flights to the top of the towers is not something you'll want to do every day, but doing it sometimes is great (even if you only walk down). Personally, I never take an elevator if it's less than four floors up, so most classes require a little stair time which keeps me from getting too lazy.
Eating Healthy:
In the Dining Halls, I know the dining halls use buffet style, but that doesn't mean you should pick up four different entrees just because it's all-you-can-eat. Also, the pizza and fries are fine if that's what you like, but make sure you hit the salad bar or pick up some fruit on occasion too.
In the Commons, This can be tricky, but healthier options are there. Burger King serves grilled chicken sandwiches and salads in addition to burgers and fries and Sub Connection has healthy, veggie-filled wraps and subs. Also, the Cupboard has fruits and vegetables on sale in the cooler.
On Your Own, Basically, just avoid the classic college mistake of thinking you can sustain yourself on pizza and beer. You can't. Remember what your mother told you about healthy eating and stick with that.
The bottom line to staying in shape in college and not putting on those first-year love handles is to be smart. Don't eat things you know are bad for you and don't let yourself become so out of shape you get winded just lifting the remote.
Robin Wildman
sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu
Source: Indiana StatesmanAll rights reserved.