A new calendar year has inspired some students at Youngstown State University to make a change in their lifestyle. One of the more popular resolutions on campus this year is sticking to a strict diet and exercising regularly.
Junior Jeff Hogan has made working out a lifestyle rather than just a resolution. Ever since the fall semester, Hogan has lost a total of 15 pounds through cardio and weight training done at the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
“Being 200 pounds was a wake-up call for me,” Hogan said. “But ever since losing 15 pounds, I feel much better and have more energy. The facilities at the Rec Center made the process so much easier.”
Ryan McNicholas, the coordinator of fitness and wellness programs, said he is shocked at how packed the Rec has been.
“I’ve never seen it this busy, especially over break,” McNicholas said. “Once the semester starts, I imagine it will be even more crowded.”
The Rec offers many different programs to help students stick to their resolutions.
“A few of the programs we have deal with fitness and nutrition,” McNicholas said. “The great thing about it is that all of the programs are free of charge to students.”
Personal trainers are also on staff to help students shed those extra pounds, and session costs range from $20 to $170.
A new Group X class, Piloxing, was just added to the offerings for this semester. Piloxing is a fat-burning, muscle-sculpting class that combines the basics of Pilates and boxing. Senior Group X intern Stephen Horn said the Rec offers a variety of classes.
“We like to stick with fitness trends when we decide what classes we will offer,” Horn said.
“The classes really are a great way to started on your workout and also a great way to meet new people.”
Horn added that the Rec is trying to conduct a few CrossFit classes in the near future.
Hogan said one of the hardest parts of a New Year’s resolution is sticking with it. He said he thinks the Rec Center will become less crowded as January turns to February and March.
“So far this year, I have noticed a lot of people in the weight room,” Hogan said. “But I know for a fact they will be out of there in a few weeks. Some people just lose their motivation that they had at the beginning of the year.”
Junior Dave Macek said he believes that diet and exercise is a lifestyle rather than a short-term goal.
“Diet is a terrible word to use,” Macek said. “It sets people up for failure because once they lose weight, they will go back to their old habits and gain that weight back.”
Macek said he urges students to exercise and eat healthfully the majority of the time and to not consume empty calories, such as alcohol.
“Keep the drinking to once a week because alcohol has a lot of empty calories,” Macek said. “It hurts protein synthesis, is dehydrating and prevents fat loss.”
Hogan said it is best to take long-term goals and break them into short-term goals.
“Set a realistic goal. Losing weight is good, but it can be unhealthy if you do it in the wrong ways,” Hogan added. “Go with a friend. Friends make it fun, and your workouts are better if you’re competitive against the person.”