STORY BY ANNA ZAVELL
College is a time to shape yourself, figure out what you want to do in the future, find a group of friends who you get along with and take advantage of all the opportunities that college has to offer. It’s important to remember that when shaping yourself, you don’t reshape your body. That’s right, every first-year’s worst nightmare: the freshman 15.
“I’m terrified my clothes will start to look poorly on me, smaller and tighter. I bought all new clothes, and I do fear that the freshman 15 could restrict me from wearing them,” said first-year Rebecca Crepeau.
It’s safe to say that every first-year has heard of this curse that comes along with starting college. All the new stress from starting in a new school, the unlimited food option and possibility of homesickness can contribute to a person falling victim to this curse.
“I was a high school athlete and never had to worry about staying active because I was always working out and practicing with my team,” said first-year Taylor Pudenz. “Now, I’m not involved in any sports and I am terrified of gaining weight because I’m not as active as I was.”
Walking into Hubbell dining hall, students can immediately feel the temptations of unlimited food. Hubbell offers an unlimited amount of food, meaning as much pizza and french fries as one would like.
“I think the food here is pretty healthy, if you know what to eat and watch what you eat,” said first-year Joseph Herba. “I’m not really afraid of the freshman fifteen, as long as I eat healthy and workout, I’ll be fine.”
Some students believe that the unlimited food is not a cause of weight gain, but rather you make your own decisions, which can lead to the 15 extra pounds.
“We can’t expect the school to monitor what we eat or if we workout, so really it’s our decision to take advantage of the unlimited food options and then sit on our butts and watch TV the whole night and not exercise,” said first-year Gabriella Gugliotta.
Some students think there is no excuse for not working out because of the great facilities Drake has to offer.
“I work at the front desk at the Bell Center, so it’s super convenient to go workout right after my shift because I’m already there,” Pudenz said.
Students can workout and take group classes at the Bell Center, or use the gym at the Underground Fitness Center in lower Olmsted, free of charge.
“I plan to stay really active and use all the workout facilities,” first-year said Ben Morrett. “I think I will continue this throughout the year because there really isn’t a reason not to. It’s easy to fit in a 30 minute workout into your schedule.”
“I refuse to gain the freshman 15. My friends and I are trying to attend a majority of the group exercise classes each week for the entire year to stay fit,” said first year Cathy Ngyuen.
The freshman 15 boils down to choices: Eating right and staying active will help you stay away from the dreaded weight gain. Besides, working out may feel better then binge eating and watching Netflix.
Students can grab a group of friends and go take a class or find a time in your schedule when you can all work out. Being in a group can help motivate students to fight the 15.