LINDSEY BOERMA
Living Assistant
Step into the cafeteria and size up your choices. A luscious cheeseburger dripping with sauce, an enormous slab of beef complemented by a side of french fries or a perfect slice of your favorite pizza. Although these options seem nearly impossible to resist, one thing pushes you over to the salad bar to fill your plate with shreds of romaine lettuce, the dreaded Freshman 15. Among college students, this concept is no urban legend. Particularly in an area where bikinis and muscle men run the show, the Freshman 15 is 15 pounds of pure terror. Fortunately, there are some ways for freshmen to avoid this terrible fate, and for sophomores, juniors and seniors, some possibilities of redemption after already being weighed down by the Freshman 15 for a few years.
Step One: Run it off
Let’s face it. Despite the appeal of staying up all night flipping through infomercials for super-charged, metabolism-boosting nutrient bars and belts that vibrate all your stomach fat off, the only surefire way of losing those extra college pounds is through good old-fashioned exercise. However, while manual labor of any sort is dreadful to even think about, there are ways to make it semi-bearable. Pick a type of exercise that’s fun for you, whether it is jumping rope, lifting weights or trying to chase the deer around campus. Also, a tip for the star gazers wanting to shed a few pounds — it has been said Pamela Anderson is a regular at the track.
Step Two: Take a class
Don’t worry. I’m not talking about taking a class involving books, tests and other scary things, nor am I advocating any awkward weight-loss programs. I’m talking about the P.E. classes that Pepperdine offers for credit. That’s right, you can get credit for surfing, sailing and playing volleyball among other things. And, in addition to getting a fun, easy credit to buff up your transcript, you can also buff up your body. It almost sounds too good to be true.
Step Three: Location, location, location
It can be speculated that we are on one of the hilliest campuses in the nation. So in theory, shedding a few pounds should prove to be no extra effort than merely walking to and from class, particularly if that class is in the CCB or SAC. Instead of considering the hills as a burden, think of them as an exercise machine eager to help you stay in shape. And, if you’re feeling extremely ambitious, throw on some sweats and jog up the hills. Sure, you may be sweaty and disgusting for class, but at least you’ll look good—in the long run.
Step Four: Eat in moderation
There is a fine line between starving yourself and eating in moderation. So, when the gym seems especially far away or the hills stand too ominous not to take the shuttle, eating right is the next best thing. Everywhere we go on campus, food seems to be taunting us. In the HAWC, the Caf and even the CCB, junk food practically throws itself at our feet. Be strong. Grab a stick of celery and wave it in front of those cookies and bags of chips with pride.
Step Five: Learn to love it
If none of the above steps work or you have absolutely no desire to try, then just accept your body the way it is, Freshman 15 and all. College is a time for all kinds of new things, including new looks. And, while pot bellies and love handles may not seem like the most appealing additions to your body, just remember, it’s more of you to love.
03-29-2007