With bikini season reaching its summit and leaves clearing the way, one has to wonder how they’ll balance the many responsibilities steadily approaching, especially college students.
College is a great place with lots of activities, allowing participants to discover new passions and form deep relationships.
It’s exciting for sure, but can also be exhausting. Often times studies and extracurricular activities come first, with exercise as a fading shadow.
However, some may argue exercise is the most crucial, and not just because it makes it easier
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to run from class to class.
According to Nelson Fegley, an adult learner at Keene State College, “Exercise allows people to get a fresher perspective, and to feel so much better than before.”
Fegley said he is 75 years old and tries to exercise every day, ranging from running track to racing sailboats.
He also mentions how exercise keeps his brain sharp, saying there is a strong correlation between your mental and physical state of being.
He finds this relationship essential for his livelihood.
As an adult learner, Fegley is a classic example of how keeping fit runs alongside with keeping mentally alert. Senior at KSC, Hank Hardina, agrees.
He is devoted in what he calls Practical Muscular Activities.
These activities consist of sports such as sword-fighting, sparring and parkour.
He believes this type of exercise is more likely to expand his capabilities, both mentally and physically, as opposed to just doing the same routine at the gym day in and day out.
When asked if he has any advice for the unathletic, he said, “If you don’t do it now, you’ll regret it later.”
For some people, routine works. KSC offers complementary membership to their Spaulding Gym.
According to the KSC website, they “are open to KSC full-time and part-time students and Recreation Center membership holders.”
From a swimming pool to a spinning class, there are numerous opportunities to stay fit while having fun at the Spaulding Gym.
Senior, Amber Long, who works at the gym, even mentioned there are personal trainers upstairs for those who need the extra incentive to keep with it.
Long said she knows how difficult it can be to take the time to exercise, but for her, joining a team made it easier.
Long came prepared her first year, and joined the swim team right off the bat.
She wasn’t about to let the “freshman 15” get to her.
First-year student, Justin Malley, also came fully equipped to personally debunk the freshman 15.
He mentioned that it’s actually much more likely that he’ll go to the gym more now than he did before college, because it’s so convenient and nearby.
When asked if he has any advice, he laughed and said “Take advantage of it, because you’re paying for it!”
This may be easier said for a student living on campus than a commuter student.
Amelia King is a perfect example. As a senior this year, King has a packed class load in addition to working full time.
She mentions how difficult it can be to find the time to exercise.
“I work a desk job, so I try getting up to walk all the time. I also use my lunch break for walking, since I can just eat at my desk anytime” she says.
She also just purchased a black card membership for the local Planet Fitness, which is scheduled to open on September 17.
With so many options available, one would think it should be easy to get out there and exercise.
However, that’s not always the case.
With other pertinent duties hovering an individual’s mind, it’s easy to get swept away with deadlines and expectations from professors, bosses and families.
Ironically, exercise might be the best option to dull the overwhelming stress brought on by everyday life.
“Exercise offers clarity” Nelson Fegley said before departing, “it allows you to get away from the overhaul of everyday life events.”
It appears exercise can substantially help people, especially students who need their mind to be in top gear. It can also help decrease stress.
Many would agree it’s time to lose the weight of the freshman 15 stigma and gain knowledge, not pounds.
Dorothy England can be contacted at dengland@kscequinox.com
