The Daily O’Collegian

Lots of turkey, ham, dressing and other holiday fixings can take a toll on a student’s body.

Getting back into the swing of things after winter break can be extremely difficult.

The coldness of the season can give people a great excuse not to go outside and exercise. There are many great ideas students can use to keep healthy and fit during these long winter months.

Mary Talley, activities coordinator for the Wellness Center, had some recommendations for exercising in the winter months.

“If you use the weather as an excuse, then you are never going to exercise because it will always be too cold or too hot in Oklahoma,” she said. “Having some flexibility in your workout schedule and planning back-up activities can also help students to keep a steady workout plan.

“Basically, doing some sort of cardio workout three to five times a week such as walking indoors or out, jogging, biking or swimming will help to keep you in shape,” she said. “Also, two to three times a week doing some strength training can help a whole lot.”

In addition to working out, Elizabeth Lohrman, director of nutrition services, said keeping a healthy diet is extremely important.

“Students should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables,” Lohrman said, “and try not to eat and study, because your body does not sense that you are satisfied while you are concentrating on other things.

“If you absolutely have to have that snack to comfort you, take a break or drink some sort of tea or carbonated water to keep you satisfied until your next meal,” she said.

On campus, some of the residence hall dining areas offer health food options. They are starting a new program putting a logo on foods that are considered healthy.

Lohrman said there are basic rules in order to keep a balanced diet.

“Try not to skip breakfast, select balanced meals, plan for lunch and snacks, try not to eat too fast or too much and plan to include one new food each week,” she said.

For students living on campus, it can often be hard to keep a well-balanced diet when all they have to cook with is a microwave.

“Eat(ing) cans of fruit, ready-made veggies and salads, healthy frozen dinners and sandwiches are good as long as you balance them out with (fresh) fruits and vegetables,” Lohrman said.

“Make sure you control your portions. For example, one sandwich instead of two.”

Some students find creative ways to keep in shape during the winter months.

Jamie Johnson, human development and family science sophomore, and Malissa Rylander, interior design sophomore, said they use their television to keep in shape.

“We do the Pilates tape every night and try to eat healthy meals as much as we can,” Johnson said.

“When it gets warmer outside, we will probably start walking or doing some outdoor activities, but right now it is too cold,” she said.

Some students may feel that they are not capable of making their own exercise and meal plans.

The Wellness Center offers personal trainers, nutritionists and many other programs for students.

The center also offers many free exercise programs and aerobics classes such as cardio-kickboxing, body pump, step, resist-a-ball, abs and buns, hip hop, take a breather and many more.

Students can get the schedule and sign up for these classes in the campus recreation center at the Colvin Annex from 6 a.m. until midnight.

“It’s all about progress, not perfection,” Lohrman said. “Set small, specific and realistic goals.”

Lindsay Hughes can be reached via e-mail at news@ocolly.com