5 Tips to Avoid the “Freshman 15”
Many students like myself have succumbed to the freshman fifteen over the year, but it is not a hopeless cause. Here are five tips that will help you prevent, or lose that “Freshman 15” that really plagues students of any age.
1.0 Join a Fitness Class
The Clemente Center offers a variety of fitness classes every semester. They even post the times and instructors online. You can take classes on weightlifting, Zumba, ab workouts and all other types. Joining one of these classes can make those dreaded Monday and Friday, or any other day of the week, workouts way more fun. I personally joined a Zumba class this semester and have had the most fun working out since before I can remember. I’ve also tried some other classes like yoga, but you need to find the one for you. If the first class you take isn’t it, don’t give up hope. There is bound to be one class that will make you look forward to going to the gym.
If you are looking for some more immediate ways to shake off some of that “Freshman 15,” then take one of the one-credit courses that focuses on a sport. You can take tennis, fencing and even forms of martial arts. The best part is by taking it as a class, you have to go. It holds you accountable for actually attending a class and burning off a few calories. Try to make sure this isn’t the only exercise you get for the week, but it’s a good way to start getting into the routine.
2.0 Plan for Me Time
All too often students can find themselves stressed with homework and tests and quizzes. Give yourself a 30-minute to an hour break every now and again. Refresh your brain with exercise and water. Go for a walk or visit the gym. You can even take some time to swim some laps at the aquatic center. If it is one of those weeks where you really can’t find that break, then make sure you are eating food that isn’t coming from the vending machines. Although they may be delicious, they are simply quick solutions, and you will probably end up eating more food just a few hours later.
3.0 Pay Attention to Campus Events
There are so many opportunities to work on your health here at Florida Tech. Health Expos are held annually. The Clemente Center will host various events like their recent bench press competition. Even homecoming has a 5K that can motivate you to start training. Make sure that you keep an eye out for all of the different events that could help you keep that “Freshman 15” away.
4.0 Join an Intramural Team
Intramural teams are usually made from club groups that want to go out and play some sports for fun. These teams can play soccer, basketball, volleyball and a variety of other sports. These games are refereed and can sometimes get intense. If you want to play for fun, then go for it. No one is stopping you. You will need some skills to make it to the playoffs, but you should be able to play at least a few games before elimination rounds.
5.0 Limit the Buffet and Milkshakes
Year after year each new freshman class will sooner or later discover the deliciousness of a Black Kat milkshake. Enjoy them, but maybe not every night. Make these milkshakes a special occasion, or rotate them out with some of the Black Kat’s other options like coffees, teas and smoothies. The milkshakes may seem delicious, but they will add up fast. Even Panther Dining Hall food can get to you. Yes it is an all-you-can-eat buffet, but many of the options you get can repeat throughout the semester. You can enjoy the food, but do remember you don’t have to try everything on day one.
