Of the many changes that take place during the transition year from high school to college, negative alterations to the body (weight-wise) should not be one of those considered. However, the so called “Freshman 15” continues to be a worry for new undergraduates due to the wide variety of deliciously unhealthy food available at any time of the day or night, combined with almost certain periods of academic stress. Fortunately for you, Washington University offers a great number of ways to stay active and fit throughout the year.

South 40 Fitness Center
One of the most basic workout areas available, the South 40 Fitness Center is filled mainly with cardiovascular exercise machines, such as treadmills, bicycles and elliptical machines. Also available is weightlifting equipment, but the selection is very limited. So, if you’re looking to build up some upper body muscle, this may not be the place for you. On the plus side, the center is perfect for that spur-of-the-moment-type workout, since it offers a place near the dorms for a nice, air-conditioned run. The new fitness center is located in Wohl.

Athletic Complex
For those a little more serious about fitness, the Athletic Complex (AC) provides a treasure trove of athletic facilities. On the main floor, there is a large recreational gym that can be altered for games of basketball, volleyball and tennis. If you venture down to the lower levels, you can find several racquetball courts and, for the select few who play the sport, two squash courts. For those who like a traditional workout, there is a vast cardio section complete with the standard treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines. Into heavy lifting? The AC is the place to go because it has its very own weightlifting section on the bottom floor. But the conveniences don’t stop there—also included for your workout pleasure are locker rooms, complete with separate saunas for both genders.

For those who prefer to take a more Michael Phelps approach to keeping fit, the Olympic-sized pool in the AC is perfect for swimming laps and diving. Also, near the AC are the Bushyhead Track and the Tao Tennis Center, which are great for training athletes. Chances are, no matter what workout mood you are in, the AC has what you need. The AC is located on the northwest side of the Danforth Campus.

Forest Park
This large park located directly east of Wash. U. is more than just a great picnicking area or a place to see penguins at the zoo: the many paths throughout the park offer a great opportunity for a long run, in which you can forget your worries and just appreciate the beauty of the scenery. You can stick to the basic paths or be a little more adventurous. Either way, Forest Park is a great area for jogging, walking, and biking…weather permitting, of course.

Sports/Clubs
Not into machine-based workouts or solitary runs? Wash. U.’s wide array of clubs can solve your fitness dilemma. All sports are represented and available for joining, from the completive to the intramural level. There are also clubs dedicated to keeping active through enjoyable means. For example, the rock climbing club takes you off campus to a compound where you can rock climb to your heart’s content. Also, the running club allows for you to run in a decently sized group of other students across campus. What’s great about keeping active within clubs is the level of commitment is flexible. They also provide a great opportunity to meet other students while letting you stay fit at the same time.

Miscellaneous/recreational
At Wash. U., fitness can be maintained with even the tiniest of effort. This is made evident by the small pool available next to the upperclassmen housing in the Village. Unlike the AC’s 25-meter pool, this mass of water is intended for a more relaxing swim. The best part: You are still burning calories. Unfortunately, this pool, like most, requires a lifeguard to be present, and it seems there is rarely one available when you want one.

Don’t fret, though, if you don’t have time to set aside a specific workout period/swim time for the week. Just taking that long walk to classes every day keeps your heart racing. It may not seem like much, but you will soon come to appreciate that small level of fitness once you discover that yes, that carrot cake in the Wash. U. café is indeed delicious.

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Tags: athletic complex, club sports, fitness, fitness center, forest park, freshman, freshman 15, freshman year, gym, health, south 40, staying fit, weight

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