For incoming students who worry about keeping up a healthy lifestyle in college, Auburn offers multiple ways to help them stick to their goal.
According to Abbigail Hickey, coordinator of nutrition services and registered dietitian nutritionist, the freshman 15 is a myth.
“Studies have shown that the average weight gain which may occur in the first semester of freshman year is about 5 pounds,” Hickey said. “This weight gain is usually biologically appropriate, and if not, the student tends to lose the weight later in the year.”
Rather than relying on popular or quick-fix diets, Hickey recommended that students eat three meals and a couple of snacks every day, and be conscious of their alcohol intake. For nutritional advising, students can make an appointment with a dietician on the nutrition services website.
“We are able to meet with students, faculty and staff at Auburn to provide individualized nutrition education and recommendations,” Hickey said.
Sleep is a large piece of the health puzzle. The Office of Health Promotion and Wellness has the Dream Team, a group of undergraduate health peer educators, helping students to implement healthy sleep habits, especially through their new class, Rest and Restore.
Exercise is a major factor as well. Hickey reminded students that exercise doesn’t happen exclusively in the gym. Instead of dragging themselves to torturous rounds of cardio, Hickey invited students to find enjoyable ways to be active.
Christina Coleman, assistant director of group fitness, encouraged students to explore the Rec’s hidden gems.
“The Rec is full of activities from table tennis to a golf simulator to Outdoor adventures to Olympic Power Lifting,” Coleman said.
If the Rec is intimidating, Coleman recommended that students start with a tour and an exercise regimen of walking around the track. From there, students can try group fitness classes or personal training for a more specialized approach. Demo Days, Aug. 19–30, offers all group fitness classes for free so that everyone can find their niche.
“Our goal is to help students discover how to live a healthy lifestyle,” Coleman said. “Going to the gym is a good place to start.”
Less experienced students can feel comfortable taking classes like Butts & Guts, Zumba or Yoga to grow their experience. More experienced members can take small group training sessions like Advanced TRX Circuits and Pilates Glide.
“My favorite class is Turbokic or maybe Insanity or it could be Kettlebells,” Coleman said. “It changes according to what I’m teaching that day. I love them all.”
More exotic classes are waiting to be explored as well. From the Recovery Series, a new offering that focuses on recovery techniques to Bounce 30 - a mini trampoline class - there is a fun fitness opportunity for everyone.
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