San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

ARC trainer helps combat the ‘Freshman 15’

Roommate compatibility and class schedules are legitimate worries of incoming freshmen. However, one of the most notable concerns is the often joked about “Freshman 15.” Freshmen, wracked with anxiety, worry if this myth is true and if it’s going to happen to them.

Ask any of us older, wiser students (for yes, we have lived through such tragedies as the Freshman 15) and experiences will vary: some will cry, “It was like, the worst semester of my life” while others will casually come to tell you, “I didn’t gain an ounce,” forgetting to mention their lightning-speed metabolism.

Being thrown into this hectic environment where new people, parties, lack of sleep and excessive alcohol consumption prevail, aka the dorms, it’s no wonder students often gain a couple extra pounds.

“Mom isn’t there to tell you what to do and you have to be responsible for yourself,” San

Diego State student Lauren Bercha said. “I think that you just have to be conscious about what you eat and how much you work out.”

Homesickness, which often leads to those late night fast food binges, is no help either. “Being inthe new environment was a little harder for me to adjust: the dorms, the food and the meal plan all led to some not so healthy eating habits,” Kate Murray, kinesiology sophomore said.

But do not fret dear freshmen— there are ways to prevent such causalities. With expert advice from our own personal trainer at SDSU, there are ways to forgo such onslaughts and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“Eating healthy starts with drinking lots of water throughout the day,” Aztec Recreation Center athletic personal trainer Matt Dawson said. “Try to stay hydrated, eat fruits, veggies, and other whole foods with a small shelf life.”

Eating healthy is at the top of the list, but how can freshmen eat well when they are surrounded by fast food options, such as Rubio’s Mexican Grill, Panda Express and Taco Bell, that fall to the grips of their meal plan? Or when they are tempted to indulge in the deceptively fattening caramel frappuccino every morning before that 8 a.m. lecture?

“Be aware of what you are putting in your body. As in … not going to Jack in the Box  late night,” Dawson said.

“Also, make sure you set up a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating well most days of the week.”

While maintaining a healthy diet is just one of the hurdles students have to jump to stay healthy, exercise is another.

“Exercise will keep your body running optimally through the demanding times. Sweat almost every day through cardiovascular exercise. It will help release toxins, reduce stress and maximize your study potential,” Dawson said.

While the ARC offers all the conventional work out facilities such as treadmills, stationary bikes, weights and basketball courts. it also offers students alternative ways to stay in shape. A variety of daily group classes such as yoga, Zumba and Total Body Challenge are sure to intrigue and satisfy any student’s exercise needs.

“The ARC offers a wide variety of coed sports to participate in,” Dawson said. “It’s a great way to meet people, have fun, and stay active.”It shouldn’t be too hard to maintain exercise with an ARC membership and great facilities right? Wrong. Many students, initially enthusiastic about this wonderworld of exercise opportunities at the ARC, find themselves slowly steering away from it as the school year progresses.

“You may take in excessive calories and develop inconsistent sleeping patterns, which could easily increase the possibility of weight gain,” Dawson says. As we move deeper into the semester, it becomes even more important to make the gym an investment of your time as a way to de-stress.

Striving for balance between school, friends, exercise and proper diet is what will ultimately lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Activate Search
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
ARC trainer helps combat the ‘Freshman 15’