Arts & Life

Helpful tips for avoiding the ‘freshman fifteen’ at CSULB

Staying healthy in college is a tough task. Parties, fast food and bad sleep schedules keep freshman and transfers fearful of the dreaded “freshman fifteen,” but Cal State Long Beach has ways to fight off those loathsome pounds and stay healthy.
The “freshman fifteen” is a term known to most first-time college students across the nation. The stress of school, unlimited amount of junk food and the decrease in school-mandated physical activity all factor into the weight gain some people experience. The only way to conquer the unhealthy lifestyle college enables is to make the decision to stay active and eat right.
The first decision that needs to be committed to is exercising. CSULB offers many alternatives to the mundane task of running around buildings or “working out” in a dorm room with the Wii Fit.
The Student Recreation and Wellness Center located on campus offers memberships to any students, which are paid for partially by the university student union fee. The SRWC has a variety of group classes like a Latin dance workout, a kick boxing class in the pool and Spin classes.
The SRWC contains a fully equipped gym with cardio equipment, an indoor track, a weight room, a rock-climbing wall, an aquatic center, basketball courts and a sand volleyball court for students and faculty to use.
If the gym environment isn’t appealing, the SRWC also offers outdoor adventures, which can range from $10 to $35 depending on the activity. Students can go on hikes through Malibu Creek, Crystal Cove State Park and Cucamonga Peak. Trips also include outdoor rock climbing and bike riding on PCH.
Team clubs can be a good option for those looking to stay fit while learning a new skill, or enjoy an activity with a group of like-minded people. Clubs include the running club, the triathlon club, the shotokan karate club and the salsa club. These clubs welcome beginners and require a payment of club dues per semester or per year, depending on the club. These clubs are not just a way to keep in shape, but also offer great opportunities to meet new people and make friends who can help with motivation.
Freshman Kinesiology major Joshua Streeter said, “Finding and walking to my classes seem like it is going to be a workout in itself, but if I do end up eating junk on campus I will just balance it out with a workout at the Rec. Center.”
Exercising is a major factor when it comes to weight gain, but the other main problem is food. Students must choose to eat a balanced diet, and learn how to shop and choose the healthy option when eating out.
Before college, most people have their food bought by their parents. Limits are set on junk food and most meals are home cooked, which make it a somewhat healthier environment. When college starts, all that goes down the drain. Freedom turns into gluttony, and it is open season on fast food, chips and candy.
The Student Health Services and the Family and Consumer Sciences Department work together to provide a one-hour nutrition counseling session to help students understand the general methods used to maintain a balanced diet off and on campus.
Food outlets on campus consist of a variety of fast food restaurants and convenience stores that are filled with pit falls, but if students are aware of the menus, it can be easy to choose healthy food. Some places on campus that have healthier options on the menu are Subway, Beach Walk Café and Robeks. Some students maintain their health by avoiding campus food all together.
Senior Melissa Trinidad, a Health Care Administration major said, “I bring food from home to avoid the junk on campus and resist the temptation of the fast food.”
Further information for all the activities, clubs and classes listed are on the CSULB website.
 

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