Science & Outdoors
Is winter loosening student’s waistbands?
The Pointer
ataub878@uwsp.edu
As holiday sweets surround the winter season and cold months keep students inside, it can be hard to stay fit. However, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers many healthy food and exercise options that allow students to say “no” to the treats and “hello” to exercise.
Health science major Sam Jonen said, “Explore your options.”
Taking advantage of the exercise programs available and carefully choosing nutritious food is a must. “Don’t just assume that pizza is the only thing to eat thats tastes good,” said Jonen. Another recommendation is to keep the food pyramid in mind for a healthy diet.
Co-president of the Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics Amber Vlietstra couldn’t agree more. Vlietstra advises eating a balanced diet to boost the immune system, which is important in the winter months to fight colds. She also suggests eating a combination of foods such as whole grain breads, colorful fruits, leafy green vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
Aerobic exercise is another thing Vlietstra and Jonen agree on for winter weight control. Vlietstra attests that physical activity can relieve stress, improve sleep and enhance overall health. She suggests at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, three days a week, through different programs offered at the university.
A popular place on campus to get this recommended dose of activity is the Cardio Center. Providing equipment and numerous workout programs, the Cardio Center helps students, alumni, faculty and staff, Mid State Technical College students and retired faculty and staff improve their fitness.
Workouts for the body and mind are also available through the Holistic Health program at the Cardio Center. Classes include yoga, pilates, reiki, dance, nia and taste of energy. These classes may be paid for with cash, check, PointCash or student billing.
For those who need an extra boost, the Cardio Center also provides personal training. The nationally certified staff can start a workout plan or update current routines to assist in reaching specific health and fitness goals.
The UW-SP Group Fitness program offers classes that are available each week in the Allen Center, Berg Gym, and the Health Enhancement Center swimming pool. This allows for a workout with friends, similar to UW-SP intramurals, which also offers a competitive way to exercise.
So when the snow piles high, don’t let it be a reason to pile up the sweets and sit inside.
