As University students flock back to campus for the new year, they aren’t returning alone.
Now is the season for New Year’s resolutions, and many students are returning to campus with new goals and ambitions. While New Year’s resolutions run the gambit, some of the most popular resolutions have to do with health and fitness.
Enrico Cannella, music freshman, has set a resolution to lose weight and exercise more.
“I plan to go running and swimming more before and after classes,” Cannella said.
Joseph Biondini, chemical engineering sophomore, has made his New Year’s resolution to take a steadier, balanced approach to his fitness. Among other strategies, Biondini plans to follow a stricter diet.
Whatever the resolution, the University has many programs and facilities that lend themselves to students hoping to fulfill health- and fitness-related aspirations.
LSU University Recreation is offering a variety of programs for students looking to improve or maintain their fitness. Students looking for a more guided approach to their workouts can try any of the 32 GroupX and specialty courses being offered this semester.
GroupX courses are group fitness classes offered by UREC. They are included with all UREC memberships and range from Gentle Yoga to HardCORE Cycling, according to UREC Coordinator for Healthy Lifestyles Lacee Breeden.
“It’s a fun approach to starting a fitness program,” Breeden said.
GroupX classes begin Jan. 18 and run throughout the semester. Many classes are quite popular, and Breeden encouraged students to show up as early as 30 minutes in advance to reserve their spots in the class.
Specialty courses offered at the UREC give students who are looking for a series of progressive courses with more specialized attention. Registration for specialty courses begins Jan. 10 and costs $35 for students.
For those students seeking assistance in making healthy nutritional choices, the Student Health Center offers consultations with a registered dietician on staff. This service is free for full-time students. Blog: What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Nutrition and health professor Elizabeth Reames said students looking to be healthier in the new year should be conscious of their diet.
“Follow a healthy eating plan, and eat plenty of whole grains, fat-free dairy products, vegetables and lean meats,” Reames said.
Reames advised consulting the U.S. Department of Agriculture food pyramid when making nutritional and dietary choices.
Students should “focus on healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle for their whole life and find healthy foods they will enjoy,” Reames said.