Being healthy and fit is something that everyone is buzzing about these days. Between classes, homework and the everyday stresses that come with being a college student, sometimes taking care of your body gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
Almost everyone is concerned with the way they look, whether they will admit it or not. Guys and girls both want to look their best. Although working out and getting in shape might be good for the aesthetics, it is also good for your health.
At SFA, there are a lot of different activities and facilities that offer ways for students to stay in shape and be healthy. All students have to pay a recreation fee, so there is not an excuse to not take full advantage of the brand-new facility. The recreation center offers a large, full-service gym that has something for everyone. They have treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals, stair-climbers, weights, basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, a pool, a rock wall and many more options to choose from. The recreation center also offers classes like yoga and aerobics that students can sign up for. For students who like to walk, jog or bike outside, there are trails that will take you all over campus and around Nacogdoches. There is a list and map of the trails on the rec center website. There are also different services that are offered to promote student fitness and health. For a list of services, schedules and events, check out the website www.sfasu.edu/campusrec .
A good way to get motivated to exercise is to work out with friends. It will be a lot more enjoyable, and they will be there to provide encouragement.
“It’s always more fun to go to the gym with someone rather than being by myself,” said Victoria Lampes, Houston junior. “I like to play sand volleyball or basketball with my friends. You get to work out while you are having fun.”
For students who like to play team sports, intramural sports are definitely a fun alternative to exercising. Soccer, softball, flag football, volleyball, basketball and racquetball are a few of the sports offered. Just get a team of friends together and sign up.
Most college students are always on the go, and eating healthy is not always the easiest or cheapest option. Although it is a lot easier to pick up a cheeseburger and fries, if students would just take a little time to learn what eating all of those fatty foods actually do to the body in the long-run, they might think twice and actually give eating healthier a try.
Ava Axen, Nacogdoches nursing student, had a lot to say about how exercise and healthy eating habits effect the body.
“I don’t think that many people realize how this all helps boost your own inner energy level, keeps your body in balance and is basically the key to being heart healthy,” said Axen.
Axen also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. She said that being overweight and out of shape could cause problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and gout. She said that having a regular exercise routine and eating small, healthy meals every 4-5 hours works best.
Confused on what to eat? “Fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, lentils, brown and wild rice and oatmeal are quality carbs to consume,” said Axen.
Axen said that soluble fiber is also a big bonus and is found in apples, pears, oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots and strawberries. Foods like fish, seafood, poultry, pork tenderloin, eggs, tofu and low-fat yogurt are a good way to get your daily protein. All of this may sound like a lot of trouble, but it will definitely pay off to make healthy foods part of your lifestyle.
Anyone can agree that getting a compliment is a total ego boost. As a student and a young adult, it is important to make a good impression on others. It is a proven fact that exercising a being healthy actually improves your mood and relieves stress. Bottom line: Get up and get moving! Feeling better and looking your best is easier than one might think, and all of the resources are literally right in front of you around campus.
