Most people have heard of the freshman 15. I don't know about you, but for me, the freshman 15 turned into more like the freshman 30 in the first semester. When you go to college, you most likely eat in the cafeteria for at least a semester or two, and that can be bad. For me, college was the first time I got to choose whatever I wanted to eat, whenever I wanted to eat it. I could get a salad, but the ice cream machine is right on the way and is so much more appealing. I could also get water, but there is an endless supply of root beer, so why not try to drink root beer until it is gone? And I could get an apple for a sweet treat, but the only good thing the cafeteria made was cookies so why not have three cookies instead?
Unfortunately, for many like me, the freshman 15+ is a very real thing. For me, after I had gained 30 some pounds, I decided I should probably start making an effort to be healthier. Maybe make it to the oh-so-healthy destination of the salad bar instead of making a pit-stop in order to never return to the salad bar, stop drinking as much soda at meal times and work out.
The thought of the gym was so daunting to me, but I knew it was very important. In high school, I was a super scrawny kid and had maybe stepped foot into a weight room ten times in my entire life. I was literally mortified of the thought of going into a place where people go that are super fit–they might judge me and think I’m such a wimp. Then it was put into perspective for me: “We don't make fun of people for going to the hospital when they’re sick or hurt.” In other words, all the people in the gym went there because they were out of shape and that was the place to overcome that, and they all started somewhere.
After I got over the fear and realized everyone at the gym wanted to see me succeed as well, I realized going to the gym is so important, especially for college students! First, the freshman 15 was real and is a very unfortunate reality. Second, roommates. Some days, my roommates would flat-out tick me off, and I could have fought them, but going to the gym allowed me to burn off that anger in a healthy way...and my roommates were bigger than me. Third, stress. There have been times that I was so stressed and I couldn't get my mind off things and there was nothing else I could do but to work out. Lastly, college is hard. College takes a toll on you emotionally, mentally and physically, and getting in exercise helps you to stay healthy in a time when the food is not healthy, your sleep schedule is not consistent and you’re most likely stressed to the max!
Remember, exercise is important for everyone, but especially college students! Find a friend to help keep you motivated and work out whether it's just ten minutes a day, a few times a week or an hour a day, just find some time to be active. You will be much happier and healthier for it!
