Returning students seek to stay healthy
When it comes to matters of health and fitness, many USU students find the transition between summer break and the fall semester a difficult one to make. There is a diverse population of students on campus who participate in many different types of activities. Whatever interest an Aggie is pursuing, staying healthy is usually somewhere near the top of his or her priority list, or at least on their radar.
“I work out and eat better in the winter time, mostly so I’m able to focus better and get better grades in my classes,” said Deborah Teuscher, a senior majoring in FCHD.
Jason Gudmundson, a junior and civil engineering major, said he has very different motives when he hits the gym. Rather than exercising in order to do well in school he said he is more about “just feeling good.”
“It doesn’t hurt to look good when it comes time to get in a swimsuit and hit the lake or go hot tubbing,” he said.
Students try to stay healthy for a number of reasons. Some, like Teuscher, see better results in their studies when they exercise and eat well.
Attention to health is important to the many USU students. Many Aggies think there is increased structure to their lifestyle when in school. With set class and work schedules, day-to-day activities have less variance. As a result, there are students who can live their lives healthier.
Planning when and where they will work out ahead of time can be helpful for many students. Sophomore Melissa Meikle maintains flexibility in her workouts, and finds time to exercise “whenever she can.”
“I only work out about every other week, but mostly because I am involved in so many other activities,” she said.
The structured lifestyle during the semester is contrasted by the freedom and versatility of the summer. Students return home during vacation and spend their time working, vacationing, staying up late or sleeping in. Some engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or boating. Summer vacation usually carries with it much less stress and structure than the time spent involved in fall and spring classes.
These two contrasting lifestyles can be conflicting. The reaction of some students is similar at the start of fall semester. Business major Gavin Stokes, a junior, said he had difficulties getting back into a routine once summer ended.
“It’s hard for me because school is so dang expensive,” Stokes said. “You have like no money so it is just cheaper and more convenient to buy fast food. You can also get it on the go so you don’t have to waste time buying and cooking healthier food. It is a lot less time consuming.”
He said he has the same problem with exercise.
“In the summer you have all this free time,” he said. “With school you have more responsibility and no time. You have to worry more about being well rested for classes. Plus, to be able to set aside a time to workout you have to rearrange your whole schedule, so it is definitely a tough transition to make.”
There are many resources on campus and in the surrounding area to help students in their fitness goals, such as crossfit classes, local gyms and the Fieldhouse. Students can also participate in Fun, Fit, Forever and intramural sports.
Whatever the reasons a student might have for trying to stay in shape and eat well, they can usually expect some challenges as they head back to campus each fall.
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