STAY HEALTHY AND FIT THIS FALL
Classes have started, homework and extra-curricular activities are bogging students down and summer nostalgia is developing. Amidst the stress and commitments, fitness and living a healthy lifestyle are shoved to the bottom of most students’ priority lists, but don’t let your health die with the leaves this fall! Here are some ways to take care of yourself and enjoy this glorious season.
There are several new fitness classes being offered right here on Northwestern’s campus. These classes are available to anyone who wants to incorporate something different into their current fitness routine, implement a weekly workout or meet new people who share a fitness favorite. Class times can be found on flyers around campus, but a few of the classes being offered are yoga, boot camp and killer core. These classes require no registration and are absolutely free!
Anna Perrenoud, the yoga class instructor, encourages students to come to the yoga class even if they have no prior experience.
“Students should come to yoga to stretch and strengthen their bodies. It’s suited for beginners and the more advanced, so everyone should feel welcome! It’s also a great time to slow down for a while, burn some calories…and give your mind time to reset.”
Fall is the perfect time to be outside and savor the crisp air and beauty of a changing season. A popular location among students for running, biking and walking is the Puddle Jumper Trail, located only half a mile from campus. This is a scenic, two-mile gravel trail that ends in Alton, where you have the option to head back to Orange City or take a tour around Alton.
For students who enjoy biking, there are free bikes available outside the DeWitt Learning Commons that can be checked out at the circulation desk. If swimming is your forte, consider visiting the All Seasons Center in Sioux Center, like senior Amber Gilpin frequently does.
“When the weather gets colder, I like to go swimming in Sioux Center about once a week. It’s much better than being outside and running in the cold air, plus it feels good to swim,” Gilpin said.
Gilpin takes advantage of the hour-long open swim and hot tub afterwards; the cost for admission is $5.
For students who love participating in sports, there are numerous intramural sports to become involved in. Freshman Joey Lohse, who is involved in spikeball and 3 v. 3 basketball, likes the social aspect of intramurals as well as the fitness part.
“It’s been cool getting to know not only the guys from the basketball team but also the ones we play against,” Lohse said. “It’s just a good way to meet new people and do sports I have fun doing.”
This fall, consider getting involved in flag football, sand volleyball, 3 v. 3 basketball, spikeball, foosball, tennis, volleyball, indoor soccer, kickball, ping pong or racquetball.
Even though the season is busy, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Take advantage of the free fitness classes offered on campus, the intramurals that allow you to let off steam and meet new people and the cooler temperatures which are perfect for outdoor exercise.
