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Working out at the Carmichael Recreation Center, Megan May, a freshman in fashion and textile management, works her pectoral muscles. May said that spring break has not really affected her workout schedule, because she is a regular. "I'm a cheerleader, so I usually get a good workout."
With the frost subsiding and longer days, spring break rings loud and clear as the opening bell of swimsuit season. The recent warmer weather has coaxed us to shed the layers of coats, scarves, and sweaters to replaced them with a common spring break goal: a beach-ready body.
Samantha Dowless, a junior in psychology, has been working out consistently and watching what she eats for a little over a month in preparation for vacation in the Bahamas.
“I make it a point to exercise everyday and do at least 30 minutes of cardio,” Dowless said.
Not all beach bums are bound for international waters, like Mathenge Wambugu, a sophomore in computer science, who plans to visit Wrightsville Beach.
“I hardly get enough time to work out due to my busy schedule, but I try to sneak in a workout every chance I get,” Wambugu said. “It’s been on and off for the past couple weeks, but this past week I’ve pushed myself to go everyday to get my beach bod for break.”
His workout plan consists of working at least two muscle groups everyday and abs every other day. Diet wise, Wambugu makes sure to take protein after every workout and limits junk food.
“I have a couple more days till spring break so I have no time for games,” Wambugu said.
There are countless diets and workouts available and many claim to be the easiest and quickest on the market. However, according to assistant director of fitness at campus recreation Natalie Freeland, there is no quick fix to getting a fit physique.
“You shouldn’t do anything drastic,” Freeland said. “It needs to be a well thought out plan that involves strength training, cardio, and a well balanced diet. It’s not going to happen in two weeks if you’re just starting now. It takes a bit of time to see healthy changes and positive results.”
She said that recommendations include high intensity interval training and adding squats, lunges, pushups and planks to one’s routine.
Kristine Clark, the registered dietitian at Campus Recreation, argued that eating healthy and working out is a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix.
“You should make healthy choices everyday and select foods that are high in nutrient content, but lower in calorie content,” Clark said. “I don’t recommend a quick fix because it encourages a yo-yo mentality while discouraging healthy eating habits.”
According to Clark, a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, eggs, fish and healthy fats work best.
“Be mindful and observe what you’re eating,” Clark said. “Take the time to taste the food and eat until you’re no longer hungry rather than stuffed.”
Clark said she encourages students to read nutrition labels, forego crash diets and avoid eating in front of the television or computer. As for bloating, the dreaded enemy of the swimsuit, Clark said that watching one’s sodium intake is important as it causes the body to retain water.
“Everything can be a part of a healthy diet with moderation,” Clark said. “If you’re mindful, watch portion sizes, and select the healthier choices, eating healthy is simple.”
The simplest way to be swimsuit-ready for the warmer seasons is to stay familiar with the gym and a healthy diet year round, as to avoid the gym rush before spring break.
“I work out and try to eat healthy all the time,” said Kimberly Hodges, a sophomore in animal science. “It’s not just before spring break.”
While Spring Break may already be here, it’s never too late to make a few healthy changes and enjoy the rewarding results they bring.