Battle of the Freshman Bulge

Hearing the dreaded words freshman fifteen will send shivers down the spine of every young woman. I am an avid runner and I played multiple sports in high school, so I have always been very conscientious about my health. Before moving to college, I was concerned that my new environment might lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Of course, there is more to maintaining a healthy lifestyle than just eating well. You must exercise too! It’s sometimes hard to fit in a trip to Auburn’s brand-new recreation center with a full load of classes, work, and sorority activities. I have found some surprising, unconventional ways to burn calories around Auburn. So, don’t feel bad if you put off going to the gym tomorrow–just do these instead!

1. You were already planning to go to the game this weekend, right?

If you want to see any of the football game in the student section, it is mandatory to stand throughout the entire game. On average, standing for four hours (about how much time is spent at a football game) burns 280 calories. Every Auburn girl probably burned far more calories than that while watching the Auburn vs. Mississippi State game. My heart was racing and I was jumping up and down from start to finish!

Calories Burned: 280 calories

2. After the win, you have to roll Toomer’s!

This tradition is one of many that make the Auburn experience so unique. After every win, fans race across campus from Jordan-Hare stadium to Toomer’s Corner. At Toomer’s Corner, fans roll the trees and take pictures. It is always fun to see little Auburn fans play in the toilet paper as if it were snow!

Although I cannot give an exact amount of calories burned, it is a uniquely Auburn aerobic activity that can burn off the hamburger and chips you ate at the game.

3. Don’t discount walking to class everyday.

It is called The Hill for a reason. Hopefully, all of us collegiettes living on The Hill will have nice legs by the end of the semester!

Hannah Conrad, a freshman Industrial Design major, has a tough schedule, not just academically speaking. She walks from her dorm on The Hill to Biggins Hall, back to her dorm to eat breakfast, then to the Village, to Langdon Hall, back to her dorm to study, and she ends her day by walking to the Haley Center for her last class. Hannah walks almost four miles and burns 300 calories just by attending all her classes!

Calories Burned: 300 calories

4. On your way to Langdon Hall, jump the seal!

The superstition is that if you step on the Auburn seal, you will not graduate on time and you will not find your true love at Auburn. If you’re willing to take the chance, jump it! Jumping is a full body workout and it is the best exercise for your lymphatic system, which helps your circulatory and immune systems.

5. Explore Chewacla State Park.

Chewacla State Park is the best state park I have ever visited. The views are magnificent. You can do a multitude of activities- hike; kayak, swim, or paddle boat on the lake; walk your dog; and play with your younger cousins on the playground. The park is so much fun that you will forget that you are exercising!

Calories Burned While Hiking (1 hour): 354 calories

As the ancient Greek teacher Herophilus said, “When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied”. Being healthy is more than just looking good but feeling good. Our health affects every aspect of our lives, and we must remember this as we venture into another stressful school year. 

All Images Courtesy of Amy Hudson 

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