Tips to staying in shape while in college

College students struggle keeping a physically active life while in college. New students coming from high school are used to a high level of activity with PE, sports, dance, etc. However, once in college, that requirement is no longer needed and students begin to pull long nights with snacks at their disposals. As students age, the natural response of their bodies is to slowdown. The trouble is, not only does their metabolism slow down, but eating habits are now changing as well.

One of the most widely known phrases out there is related to students gaining weight their first year of college, it’s called the “freshman fifteen.” They call it the freshman fifteen because it is believed that freshman students gain about 15 pounds their first year in college. While weight gain is true, the 15 pounds isn’t entirely true.

Recent studies at Indiana University and Tufts University show that, on average, students gain weight in the area of 6 to 9 pounds. Although this is only the first year of college, students continue to gain weight throughout their college careers due to the poor eating habits and lack of activity.

Here are some additional facts about their study:

• 60% of students said they gained weight from the beginning of their freshman year to the beginning of their sophomore year. The women said they put on 7½ pounds; men, almost 9.
• 67% of the women gained weight from the beginning of their freshman year to the beginning of the senior year, putting on an average of 10 pounds; 86% of men gained an average of 14 pounds during that time.

How to keep the weight off

There are things students can do to help reduce the amount of weight they gain while in college or even lose weight all together.

1. Exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week for a minimum of 30 minute durations
2. Reduce the amount of carbs you eat in your daily diet
3. Create a regular routine of eating times, limiting the snacks you eat passed 10pm

Although these are the common ways students might work to keep weight off, there are also uncommon ways:

1. Ab belt - This strategy is science put into action. These ab belts are similar to STEM machines made with gel pads that fit over your abdominal muscles. The ab belt sends a charge through the gel pads to the muscles underneath, then to the muscles that branch out from there. The signals reach all of your abdominal muscles, causing them to flex and contract. A great way to get an abs workout while studying, writing, or reading your favorite book.
2. Take up a hobby that you’ve never done before- This will change the monotony of doing the same thing you’ve always done to only stop 2 weeks later. Try something like: Surfing, Hiking, Rock climbing
3. Get a running buddy (aka a large dog) - Having a companion to run with will help motivate you to exercise. If you do get a dog, the animal needs its exercise, so being active is a must!
4. Go out for an intramural team- If you want to be in a social setting while being active, team sports are the way to go.

Those are 7 methods out of hundreds that you can do to keep the weight off while you are in college. A lack of action will inevitably lead to weight gain. Doing an ab belt review or taking up hiking on your local trails, there needs to be action for you to maintain or lose weight. What ever you do, make a commitment to do it for at least 21 days. Cognitively, people develop habits and patterns after doing it consistently for 21 days straight.