Article by McKenzie Edwards | Photography by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff
Who doesn’t know the college routine? Come to class, keep up with assignments, work part or full-time, sleep when you can, and eat whatever is available. But it’s our unhealthy habits that stick with (and to) us, even after the semester ends. In a nationwide study, the American College Health Association found that “three out of 10 college students are overweight or obese.”
Around our campus, however, many students are fighting off those freshmen 15. “Yogurt and whole grains,” says Katie Maslanka. “Oh, and yoga— it’s one of the most fun exercises I’ve tried.” She’s tried lots of them, too: besides visiting the gym when she can, she’s run her share of 5Ks. If getting to the gym is impossible, get creative! Andrew McKinley played sports in high school, but since school started, he’s had to improvise: “Park as far away from your classes as possible, then walk as fast as you can to them. It’ll get your heart pumping.”
“If you have a dog and an iPod there’s no excuse [for not walking],” says Candice Scott. And the simplest advice on campus? “Don’t sit, get fit,” says another student.
If only we had a handbook with these kinds of tips. For now, just remember: If it looks unhealthy, it probably is. Make time for a healthy dose of exercise, too.
Your body will thank you for it!
Legs:
Walk or Run
Combine cardio with leg muscle movement to work your heart, tone your legs, and burn plenty of calories. Start slow at an easy pace for 15 minutes at a time, gradually building up your endurance.
Abs:
Bicycle Crunches
Lie on the floor with your back flat on the ground, placing your hands behind your head for support. Bring your knees up and slowly move them similar to the way you would pedal a bike. Alternate touching your elbow to your opposite knee, but don’t pull on your neck. Repeat four times in sets of twenty.
Arms:
Triceps Kickback
Holding a 5 -10 pound weight with both hands, stand upright with your knees bent slightly (to prevent back strain). Raise the weight over your head. Keep your arms close to your ears, and inhale as you lower your elbows to a 90-degree angle. Exhale as you return to starting position.
Repeat three times in sets of fifteen.