Students combat the ‘Freshman 15’
When it comes to being a freshman, there are a lot of changes going on in life. This is often the first time students have lived away from their parents’ house, and mom and dad aren’t around to wake them up anymore. No one is badgering these students to make sure their homework is completed on time, and often students are made to fend for themselves in their attempts to make friends and survive getting around campus.
Many students at USU have experienced these things at some point. With all these changes going on in a freshman’s life, there is one change most are hoping does not happen to them: weight gain.
Although it is a common rumor that freshmen tend to pack on the pounds during their new adventure, it’s a different experience for every individual.
“I am not at all worried about gaining weight,” said Nathan Barney, a freshman double-majoring in mathematics and economics. “As a kid I was once overweight, but I learned how to stay committed to a diet, so I know what I need to do to stay healthy despite all the changes in my life.”
Liesl Cannon, a senior in the art program, said the stereotype of weight gain doesn’t have to be daunting.
“Before I started my freshman year, a lot of people warned me about the so-called ‘freshman 15,'” Cannon said. “But I knew that with the active habits I had developed in high school I would not have any problems, and I didn’t.”
Linsey Rogerson, a freshman majoring in art, said she is always trying to stay fit and make sure unwanted pounds do not come to her.
“I am taking a badminton class that is surprisingly a lot more intense than I thought it would be,” Rogerson said. “I also live on the seventh floor, so I have taken the stairs quite a bit, even though the first time I did, I was really winded when I got to the top.”
Rogerson said she rides her bike to class most days.
“Not only is it good exercise, but it is way faster to get around campus,” she said.
Rogerson exercises at the George Nelson Fieldhouse at least four times a week, something she believes helps her the most.
Jared Liechti, coordinator for the Nelson Fieldhouse and the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building, said he doesn’t think most freshmen realize what opportunities are available to them.
“My advice to them would be to just come in, find out what there is and take advantage of it,” Liecht said. “All you need is your student ID, and you have full access to the equipment.”
The Fieldhouse and the HPER are only just the beginning for students attending USU, Cannon said.
“I really feel that the school provides a ton of different ways for students to stay active,” Cannon said. “All you have to do is get involved. Take a lot of P.E. classes and enjoy the great outdoors that surround us.”
Aaron Montgomery, a sophomore studying business and finance, said he advises new freshmen to take at least one physical education class every semester and to find other ways to stay active.
“One of my favorite things to do was get out and play some pickup basketball games with my roommates,” he said.
But when it comes to staying in shape and keeping off the pounds, Barney said there is more to it than just being active.
“Eating right, you have to stay away from fatty foods,” he said. “I know it can be hard, but you just have to find the right balance and make sure that you are eating enough of the healthy foods.”
Although he is not worried about gaining weight, Barney said he is not surprised to hear that freshman tend to gain weight.
“I see a lot of idleness and way too many late-night food runs,” he said. “That kind of behavior adds up before you know it.”
“I really tried to stay away from fast food,” Cannon said of his freshman year. “I ate smaller portions and I limited my snacking.”
Cannon said his habits were shaped by a limited budget.
“I was too poor to gain weight,” he said. “Really though, my budget was pretty slim when it came to groceries.”
Shalai Matagi, a freshman majoring in sociology, is trying to make sure she eats smart while being on a university meal plan.
“The meal plan might not be the healthiest choice because, after all, it is buffet-style, so you almost feel like you have to eat more,” Matagi said. “But I am staying conscious of how much I eat, and I have really been trying to stay away fr
om deserts.”
Along with trying to maintain a balanced diet, Matagi is making sure she gets the most out of her freshman experience by staying involved on campus.
“In high school I was on dance company and the volleyball team, and now I am an ambassador and am still trying to stay involved in any way that I can,” she said. “My favorite activity would probably have to be playing on a dodgeball team on campus.”
Whether students are new freshmen or seasoned seniors, Cannon said keeping off those unwanted pounds has never been easier with all the resources, equipment and facilities available to students.
“Know what your surroundings are, and take advantage of it,” he said. “We live in such a beautiful area with so much around us. Make friends with people who are active and enjoy this great time of your life.”