Welcome back to Tiger country, everyone.
Remember how last year all you ate was fast food, spent time coming up with excuses for why you couldn’t go to the Rec Center, and if you did go, maybe you were intimidated by all the sleeveless “hard bodies” who seemed to know exactly what to do?
Well, today is your lucky day. In fact, it is the first day of your lucky semester, because the Reveille has decided to help you with these problems by creating a new, improved health and fitness column.
That’s right! Not just a health column about diseases we might not ever contract but exciting information about nutrition and supplement research, weight training, cardiovascular activities and other body improvement topics. Once a week, I’ll provide you with healthful tips all for the cost of nothing.
You can’t beat that anywhere. How could you possibly not want to read this? OK, I’m finished giving my pitch.
The big question you may have on your mind is, “Who the hell is the person writing this?”
My name is Kris Rappold. I am pursuing a biochemistry degree with a nutrition minor. I hope to one day develop nutritional supplements to help the obese lose weight and the aspiring athletes get stronger.
Besides being a student, I am a bodybuilding competitor. This summer I won the New Orleans and the Louisiana State Teen Championships. I also took second place in the Southern Classic in Mississippi and third place in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Most importantly, I have been a fitness junkie for the past four years – reading anything I can get my hands on and asking questions of anyone with fitness qualifications.
Don’t run off on me though. I do understand that not everyone body builds, and I will cater this column to the average girl or guy trying to live healthy lifestyle.
Future topics include the common female misconception of the benefits of weight training, best food on the go suggestions, the good and bad effects of ephedra and cardio versus weight training.
It is important to maintain your health, as this not only will improve your looks, but also your self-esteem, happiness and interaction with others.
An exercise plan will diminish your chances of having heart disease, the No. 1 killer disease. It also will serve to reduce stress – always important to the LSU student as evidenced by the large crowds in Tigerland on Thursday nights.
Make a commitment NOW to improve your body and health, and not let yourself fall into the abyss of poor eating habits and couch vegetation. Eating vegetables is healthy – becoming one is not.
Make the promise now to allot some time each week for the Rec Center, and make smarter, healthier food choices during the year.
I will be here each week to inform and guide you. But making the commitment now will help stave off that “Freshman 15” or that new pooch belly that keeps you from going to the pool.
If you ever have any questions, always feel free to e-mail me or you often can find me among the crowd at the Rec Center. I will try to provide you with the most accurate information I can dig up.
This year, pump it up and get fit. I guarantee it will be a fun and prosperous endeavor.