Summer body preparation in full swing

The summer season is a major motivator in getting students to head to the gym and getting in shape, but looking model perfect is far from their goal. Photo courtesy of Joie de Vivre Image Library.

Summer is just around the corner and in addition to buying shorts and swimsuits to add to a summer wardrobe, hitting the gym in preparation has also become essential for some students.

With summer vacation just weeks away, students have been heading to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at CSULB to get their body in shape for less clothing and fun in the sun. For students concerned that their holiday weight is still holding on for dear life, the SRWC has become a place of convenience for toning a body for summer, especially for first time gym members.

“For me, a person who has really never been in shape her entire life, I try doing as much cardio as I possibly can and its been helping me build stamina,” said English major Katelyn Catt. “I'd say a good goal to set is just to say you are going to work out until you feel healthier and happier with your body image. My personal goal is to tone up rather than lose 5 or 10 pounds.”

While getting in shape for the purpose of wearing bathing suits and shorts may seem superficial, it has never the less been a motivator in getting students to exercise and to, overall, become more active and healthy. Worrying less about losing weight and focusing more on becoming healthy and more toned is where many students find themselves, in addition to maintaining a balanced diet. No matter what goals students have for their summer bodies, the main message is to get out there and be active.

“A "fit" summer body could mean different things to different people, but I think that just eating better and being more active is a great goal,” said CSULB student Emma Hawes. “As far as gym time goes, you don't have to go at all! Walking your dog, riding your bike, swimming, hiking, and being outdoors are great ways to be active without feeling like you are stuck in the gym. Start slow and work your way up. Also, make sure you give yourself enough time to rest.”

Along with trips to the beach and spending time with family and friends, social eating becomes common throughout the summer and can throw a major wrench into a summer body workout routine. Managing a balanced diet is important to exercise success, but indulging in the occasional guilty pleasure isn’t off limits either.

“As silly as this sounds, the only fast food I consider to be decent is In-n-Out because I know everything I am getting is fresh and all natural, or Chick-fil-a because who doesn’t love chicken?” said Catt. “I have been avoiding red meat because it takes a lot for your body to digest and burns up all your energy. And I certainly avoid places like McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Carl’s Jr. Although yummy it usually does not make my body feel so yummy, if you know what I mean.”