The Freshman 15 is a commonly known phenomenon in which college students tend to gain roughly 15 pounds during their first year of college. This is due to an increased alcohol intake, lack of sleep, and the consumption of fat and carbohydrate-rich foods that are served in the cafeteria and fast food restaurants. Unfortunately, as I’m sure we’re all aware, this unwanted weight gain can continue well after one’s first year in college.

In terms of health and fitness, college was the tipping point in my life. I was extremely overweight in my adolescence and weighed around 240 pounds my first year of college. Needless to say, I was unhappy with my appearance and decided to make a change for the better. I am proud to say that with blood, sweat, and tears (just kidding, just sweat and tears) I lost nearly 80 pounds and am on the road to a healthier life.

A range of variables can affect how we maintain our weight in our everyday lives such as diet, exercise, work schedule, school schedule, and sleep patterns. In my experience, however, it all boils down to desire and time management. We all have busy schedules, and we try to balance our time between work and play. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

First and foremost is one’s level of desire. How bad do you want it? Are you willing to change your daily routine or sacrifice certain things? We can’t expect to change if we’re not willing to change. Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Rather than always eating out for lunch, try to wake up a little earlier to pack yourself a healthy lunch. Take the stairs for a change instead of waiting for the elevator.

Then there is the ever popular excuse, “I just don’t have the time; I am really busy.” Do you think we don’t have anything better to do with our time? Everyone has their own busy schedule to attend to. It just depends on your level of desire. If it is something you really want, you will MAKE time for it. Wake up earlier to start your day off with some exercise. You’ll actually be more alert, have more energy throughout the day, and just feel better in general. Not a morning person? That’s cool too. Stop by the gym after class or work or go for a run around the neighborhood. You can channel that frustration built up throughout the day in a positive and healthy way. It will also help you sleep better by expending any leftover energy so you’re not wasting an hour staring at the ceiling before falling asleep.

This brings me to my next point of time management. If you have time to watch Netflix for a couple of hours, then you have time to exercise. Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean weightlifting at the gym. If you like sports, there are always people trying to play a pickup game; you just need to be active and look for them. If you love to dance, the new facilities at the BRIC have brand new dance rooms where you can choreograph or freestyle. There are also various clubs you can look into that match your interests such as boarding, ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, football, etc.

Instead of making excuses, formulate solutions. Be active and pursue your interests and hobbies.

-Train insane or remain the same!