This is what Kristina Shivel, a West Virginia University psychology major, sees when she enters the student cafeteria each morning.
Syrup-drenched, butter-saturated pancakes with a side of salt-covered, crispy fried hash browns. Ham and cheese-filled omelets adjacent to mouthwatering bacon. Where are the fruits and skim milk located? – At the end of the buffet-style line.
“You hear about the dreaded ‘Freshman 15’ from middle school and beyond,” says Shivel. “It’s easy to tell yourself that you’re not going to gain that weight, but most people end up gaining it anyways.”
WVU is educating students on how to stop the weight gain before it occurs. The WVU Student Recreation Center is encouraging students to sign up for a Personal Training Certification running from February 17-19.
The class costs $304.85, but West Virginia students, faculty and staff who sign up will get a discounted price.
There are required personal training sessions, group exercise classes and a nutrition coaching lesson. The class informs how to calculate the total amount of body weight and fat that is maintained or reduced for their future clients.
“I do have a set amount of weight that I’d like to lose, but it’s not my main focus. I really just want to help others feel better about their selves,” says Shivel.
As for students, escaping the “Freshman 15” can be simple, if students are willing to alter bad habits for good lifestyles. The best way to overcome the dreaded weight gain is by avoiding the unhealthy cafeteria options, fast food items, late-night snacks and excessive amounts of alcohol.
The main goal, as well, is to exercise. It is important to remain healthy as an individual, and especially if considering being a certified fitness trainer.
At the Student Recreation Center on one recent Tuesday evening, students jogged; sweat dripping from foreheads and iPods blasting in ears. Karli Gasswint, public relations major, completed her first session with her trainer.
“I felt sore after the first session,” she said.
Gasswint completed the first required day with her trainer doing weightlifting and abdominal work.
“Place your hands over the head, elbows close to the forehead and knees slightly bent,” her trainer said. “Two counts up and two counts down. Again, two counts up and two counts down.”
The trainers reassure and push students farther in strength training than anything else. Cardio is also encouraged on the non-lifting days.
“I like how the personal trainers talk about working out and about other things in life too,” Gasswint says. “It really helps takes your mind off of what you are actually doing.”