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Endless parties, lack of curfews and parental supervision can cause any college student to become rebellious.
“It feels awesome with all of the independence I have in college,” said Tyler K. Johnson, an undecided freshman at Appalachian State University. “I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.”  During Monday’s Spin-n-Sculpt fitness class at Mount Mitchell Life Fitness Centre, ASU students pedal and stretch on the bikes. Spin-n-Sculpt is one of the many group fitness classes offered by UREC. Photo by Sarah Bono | The Appalachian. Including eating.
While students learn of the foreboding ‘freshmen 15’ plenty of time in advance, many find the looming weight gain is inevitable.
“I knew I was going to gain weight as soon as I left the house, but it’s something that just happens in college,” Johnson said.
However, recent studies have shown weight gain is not just for freshmen anymore.
These studies demonstrate students, on average, gain three to 10 pounds during their first two years of college.
But many students here at Appalachian are doing their part staying in shape.
Whether it is playing disc golf or hiking a mountain, the abundance of activities allow students to keep their options open.
There are also many of on-campus activities.
Janelle P. Iverson, the assistant director of Fitness of University Recreation (UREC), was surprised of her findings of students here.
“The majority of the students I’ve come across here at App. are so concerned about their future and well-beings,” Iverson said. “They’re too focused on keeping fit.”
Iverson comes to Appalachian from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she will be receiving her masters in clinical exercise physiology in December. She was excited about the opportunity of working at Appalachian after learning about the dedication students have towards being in shape.
“It’s a complete 180 from what I’ve seen before, and it’s really awesome and encouraging,” Iverson said. “But, at the same time, I feel that they should have more fun and be more excited about it. That’s why we at UREC are trying to encourage more people to take part in our group fitness classes.”
This semester, a variety of group fitness classes are being offered to follow-up on Iverson and UREC’s focus on making fitness more fun.
Stephanie R. Logsdon, junior health promotion major, is a yoga and pilates programmer and instructor.
“There are so many new and exciting experiences here,” Logsdon said. “Students are not only able to keep in shape but there are a lot of options so no matter what you choose, you, in some way, are taking good care of yourself.”
Iverson found even if students live on-campus there are still ways to eat right.
“Being healthy isn’t about working out right, you have to eat right too,” Iverson said. “In the dining hall you can choose the salad instead of the burger, or have an apple instead of a candy bar. It has to be a conscious decision, and you have to surround yourself with like-minded people to get the most out of it. College is all about networking.”
Logsdon offered advice for those wishing to eat right.
“If you work out, you can eat whatever you like, but make sure you keep the right balance,” Logsdon said. “Otherwise you’ll notice a difference in your body and if your friends are eating a lot of junk food, make sure you eat an apple before you hang out with them,” Logsdon said.
Story: LENA ALOUMARI, Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Photo: SARAH BONO, Intern Photographer |
