Tag: fitness

Beauty into Beast: Holi-Daze

BY OLIVIA ANDREW // NOV. 4, 2015 //

The dreaded holiday season is upon us! Although we all love family gatherings, celebrations and creating fond memories, holidays can also be a health enthusiast’s worst nightmare.

The holidays are a time for binging. We all do it, we pig out on turkey, mashed potatoes and pie. So, how can we tackle this particular predicament?

There are two ways that I have found to be very effective for me and my lifestyle choice:

  1. Increase the intensity of your workouts and dietary restrictions for the next couple of weeks. By taking this route, you are reinforcing your discipline and enabling yourself to resist unhealthy temptations. Then, when the holidays come around, you are more likely to partake in the food festivities in moderation. With your hard work constantly in mind, it will be a lot harder for you to justify throwing it all away for three piece of pumpkin pie.
  2. Continue your current workout routines and dietary habits throughout the holiday preseason. Then, when the holidays roll around, partake in the feasting as you wish. However, have an post-holiday plan ready to go. Once the holidays are over, increase the intensity of your workouts and further evaluate your diet to help you lose any weight you may have gained.

    PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.
    PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.

There are people who are strong enough to not let the holidays affect how they eat and kudos to them! For me, half of the enjoyment and memories are eating my grandmother’s famous apple pie and my aunt’s amazing mac and cheese. I just can’t say “no”! But, with the help of a holiday game plan, I won’t have to worry about a little holiday indulgence.

I won’t lie – this past month hasn’t been easy. One of the first things I learned living this lifestyle is that lying doesn’t do you any good. You have to admit any problems you may be having and then find a way to resolve them.

My schedule has been the biggest challenge to conquer. Although I always find time to walk or run and get at least an hour of exercise four times a week, it can be hard to manage. I have so much going on outside of fitness that my workouts haven’t been as intense and my diet has wavered.

But GOOD NEWS! I have pinpointed my problem and have taken the steps to correct it. Because of my choice to body build, I have decided to make sure to dedicate one hour a day (with weekends off) to intense workouts.

I have created posters and reminders everywhere, so I have no excuse to quit or avoid. You are more likely to achieve a goal if it surrounds the place you live.

Make a schedule, put up pictures of inspiration, keep them exposed and you can achieve your fitness goals!

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.

Last month I gained four pounds of muscle! I’m very proud of myself and it’s important to remember that baby steps are good steps.

Other then discovering muscle gain, I learned that stomach fat is incredibly hard to burn! Don’t think that you can just constantly do cardio and it will go away, because it won’t. Many people give up on losing weight or getting fit, because they don’t see immediate progress. You need to remember that improvement takes serious dedication and heart. If you want it, never give up on it! Abs are made in the kitchen, not just the gym. Make sure you are getting the right nutrients into your body while also working out.

None of us are perfect. I am still struggling with my goals. My stomach doesn’t look like I want it to yet, but my upper body and calf muscles are showing improvement.

With holiday season looming and leftover Halloween candy lingering, don’t give up. You’re worth it, we all are!

Running As a Pack

BY ZOE STAUDE // SEPT. 25, 2015 //

Running is one of the simplest ways to exercise, but it also has a very social aspect. On campus, there are always groups of two or three people running together. When there are so many others running together, it can be awkward running on your own.

That’s exactly why Matt Crone and Jack Conca started the running club.

The idea was sparked last year, before Crone and Conca left for the summer. Both are avid runners and realized that running is always much more fun with a buddy. The goal of the running club is to get all of those buddies up and running together – the perfect mix of fitness and friendship.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN S. CAMPBELL, CREATIVE COMMONS.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN S. CAMPBELL, CREATIVE COMMONS.

Chief Brian Greeley of Public Safety has taken on the job as the running club’s faculty advisor. Greeley leads a motivational run every Friday morning. If excited chanting on Friday mornings has ever woken you up, it’s probably Greeley and his runners. Greeley’s passion for running and aptitude for motivating students is exactly why Crone and Conca approached him to be their advisor.

With enough members on board and Greeley as their advisor, the club is just awaiting Student Government’s approval. Without everything finalized, there is still schedule flexibility.

“We plan on meeting once during the week and once on the weekend. Most likely on Saturday afternoons, but the exact time has not yet been finalized.” said Crone.

Once the club gains SGA’s approval, Crone plans on starting runs right away. The club will begin with runs on-campus, but there are many opportunities for off-campus runs and even running in charity races.

Crone is hoping to start running at 2 p.m. Most runs will be in the three to six mile range, however there is always room to expand the runs. Crone said there is a possibility of runs in the seven to nine mile range.

He thinks one of the most powerful experiences is when individuals work together as a team to achieve one goal. Crone explained, “The philosophy of this club is to promote the community that group running brings. We would stay together at all times.”

For an amateur runner, a three to six mile run may seem unachievable. However, Crone stressed that the club is for runners of all abilities and that everyone will be working as a team.

For Crone, it’s all about how running as a group will benefit each member. Crone and Conca want to build a family of runners.

If you’re interested in joining the running club, please contact Matt Crone at mcrone2014@curry.edu.

Beauty Into Beast: A Fitness Journey

BY OLIVIA ANDREW // SEPT. 22, 2015 //

When it comes to exercise and eating healthy, everyone has those days where they feel down. They swear they are going to change and that this time will be different.

I was a gymless body builder for two years in high school. I took a yearlong break and got back into the routine about seven months ago. Sometimes, it’s important to give your body a break and after a yearlong hiatus, I was ready to get back into the routine. Now, I couldn’t be happier.

So… what is a gymless body builder?

A gymless body builder is an individual who trains to gain muscle mass, but in everyday spaces such as bedrooms, living spaces, classrooms and even outdoors. My lifestyle helps keep me on track. I can never skip a workout because no matter where I am, I’m already in the gym.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.

How did this all start?

I credit it all to my best friend, Nick Condon. Nick not only inspires my fitness goals, but he also inspires me to become a better person.

For years, Nick was bullied by his peers for anything and everything he did. Instead of becoming destructive and ruthless, Nick followed another path. That path was bodybuilding. Through bodybuilding, Nick was able to release the pent up frustration he’d been holding in from years of bullying.

Every workout became a thrill for Nick. He allows nothing but the best to enter into his life. To me, his strength and love for bodybuilding, is what inspired me. Not the physique you achieve from the sport, but just the love for it.

After every workout, I feel strong and empowered. I feel pride every time I choose the healthy meal over the fried one. Every little triumph leads to a greater success. I am still learning, but I just have to remember – my hero wasn’t always a pro. There were days when he was exactly like me, and I look to where he is now and how successful he has been. I am so insanely proud of my best friend.

Being in college definitely makes my lifestyle even harder. Luckily, being on a strict diet in college isn’t as hard as you may think. You just know where to look.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ANDREW.

Here are a few things to try next time you’re at the Student Center for a meal:

1. Get those greens!

Make sure you eat as many vegetables as you can. Find your most favorite and flavorful salad combinations. Some people like veggie-only salads. Some like fruit, meat or even eggs added on. Find the combination that makes you happy, and make sure you work it in with lunch and dinner.

2. No fried ANYTHING!

That means no pizza, no fries, no chicken tenders, no fried clams and no French fries. It is going to be tough, but just keep in mind – it’s all worth it. Plus, you always have your CHEAT DAY!

3. MEAT!

Meat is a very important staple. Meat helps support your muscle growth. As you increase in size, you are going to have to eat more to keep up with your over all size. Make sure that your protein intake is relatively high, whether it comes from protein bars, protein shakes, meat or eggs.

4. Lots and lots of water.

Water is one of the best things to give your body. Drink up!

When the going gets rough…

No grilled chicken in the dining hall? Grab the chicken or other meat available and peal off the skin or breading. Cut up the pieces and mix it into your salad. Or, my personal favorite: go to the sandwich station. You dictate what goes in it, so definitely use that to your advantage.

Craving something sweet? Instead of dessert, grab a fruit or two. You get the same sugary satisfaction, without the extra calories.

Whenever I get bored with a workout routine or need new recipes, I always refer to bodybuilding.com. I have had so much success using this site and it is extremely helpful!

It sounds simple, but searching for workout circuits on YouTube is also very helpful!

Remember – your fitness dreams are achievable. You CAN do it!

Lose Those Freshman Fifteen

BY BRENDAN CRONIN // FEB 15, 2012 //

Have you ever wondered why you simply can’t lose weight even though you exercise frequently? Are you tired of constantly running and exercising to no avail? Well, I’m going to provide some tips and tricks that will hopefully benefit Curry students to attain their fitness/health-related goals.

The simplest reason people can’t drop the pounds is their diet. If you put too much emphasis on cardio but disregard your food intake, it is likely you will not get the results you desire.

I’m not saying that you have to become a vegan or start eating raw eggs in the morning like Rocky Balboa to reach your fitness goals. It’s all about finding the right foods that appeal to your taste buds as well as your overall fitness goals. Meals that are rich in protein, such as steak, fish, eggs, chicken, granola bars, pretzels and even yogurt, will help you get the physique you desire.

That being said, you must also remember to cut down on your proportion sizes. My suggestion would be to eat more meals throughout the day that consist of small to medium proportions.

The worst thing you could do is skip a meal, like breakfast, for example, and then eat a big lunch leaving that leaves you full until dinner time. Space out your meals throughout the day, and I can almost guarantee you will see visible changes with your body. Also, try to keep away from fried foods and soda as much as you can because they contain an abundance of bad calories that quickly turn into fat.

Obviously, diet alone is only half the battle. You must balance good eating with a good amount of exercise to truly reach your fitness goals. So, don’t give up on working out. Take advantage of the Curry Fitness Center or give the shuttle bus a rest and walk your way around campus every now and then.