Spring break can bring crazy parties, foreign locations and mountains of homework. Before that sacred week, students take the time to make arrangements and prepare, and when it comes to preparations, N.C . State students are no rookies.
Diana Quetti , sophomore in communications and a University Recreation employee, has noticed a significant increase in gym-goers in the last few weeks.
“You start to see people who have never come in before,” Quetti said. “The crowds aren’t quite as big as right after the New Year, but there’s definitely a difference.”
One might expect a greater number of girls increase their workout schedule but Quetti says she sees just as many guys come in this time of year, if not more.
“At NCSU , people are into being healthy and fit,” she said. “They want to make sure they’re healthy in the long run but still get in shape for a trip to the beach.”
Quetti herself hasn’t changed her exercise habits but is gearing up for the incoming fashion season instead.
“I’m not going anywhere for [spring] break, so I’ve got that extra money to update my wardrobe,” Quetti said.
Kendra Stowe, sophomore in communication media, is one such health-conscious student and finds that she makes alterations to her workout routine each spring.
“I try to work out every weekday for at least forty minutes,” she said. “I mix cardio and weights to make sure I reach my goal.”
Feeling good and being healthy is just as important as looking good. With a plethora of strange diets appearing everyday, it’s easy to get sucked into the hype of the grapefruit or air diets. Stowe has had a few run-ins with strange eating habits herself.
“I haven’t ever been on a fad diet myself, but I had a friend who went on the human chorionic gonadotropin ( HCG ) diet so she could lose weight for swimsuit season,” Stowe said. “She had to take these certain pills and could only eat 500 calories a day. I could never do something like that.”
Stowe and her friends have also become increasingly conscious of the paleness of their skin. Using bronzers, sprays and the occasional tanning bed, girls (and, yes, even guys) will darken their epidermis in anticipation of exotic beaches or local clubs. According to local tanning bed statistics, most customers have decided to go with tanning lotions and the bright orange bronze of the stereotypical spray-tan.
“I don’t really use the tanning beds this year because I’ve read too many articles on skin cancer,” Stowe said. “My friends and I use lotions instead. They’re better for you and are more affordable in the long run.”
Friends and relationships can also influence one’s personal preparations. While a work out or shopping buddy is nice, it’s important to know your limitations. Diana Quetti knows a thing or two about the pressures that come from friendly nudges.
“It’s one thing to go to the gym to get into shape, but it’s another to push yourself too hard in a short amount of time because someone is standing over you the whole time,” Quetti said.
Stowe is also aware of the pressures but feels they can be positive.
“No one in particular has influenced my habits, but my roommate is extremely healthy and works out everyday,” Stowe said. “If I don’t feel like going or want to take the day off, she encourages me to go.”
Both Stowe and Quetti believe the warmer weather is an incentive to work out.
“I’m living in Cape Cod this summer, which is literally all beaches. I’m going to have to be in a bathing suit a lot and that’s pretty scary,” Stowe explained.
By battling the crowds at the gym, braving the tanning beds, and experimenting with outlandish diets, men and women alike will take whatever means necessary to make this year’s adventure the best yet.
