Fitness Fashion On Campus  

Fitness Fashion, Photo courtesy of google

     After walking around campus and attending class sessions here at Long Beach State, its easy to see that many new fashions and trends are set by these socal students.  College is a time where one gets more freedom, gains independence, and becomes comfortable expressing their true spirit. 

      

     One new clothing style which has caught some attention, is these students sporting their workout gear all day long.  Every where you look is Nike dri-fit, Adidas clima cool spandex pants, under armour, and all the latest neon colored fitness shoes.  This stuff is all common gym attire, yet students are wearing it as daily clothing.  So we wonder why is it catching on and becoming so popular? Could it be that the students are just coming to or from the gym? No because anyone can change after a workout and then go to class.  Could it be that they're proud of being active and want to promote healthy lifestyles?  Could it be just because gym clothing is comfortable?  We know that gym gear is comfortable, but that can't be why students wear it because we don't see classmates in pajamas which are comfy as well.

    

     When Amy Schow, fourth year international studies major was asked why she preferred fitness attire around campus she said, "It brings out my confidence and motivation.  I get a feeling of empowerment and a lets do this mentality, plus they are so comfortable."  Whatever the reason may be that fitness clothing is in, students are living active lifestyles and wearing the gear to prove it. 

Nursing Student Enjoys Walk to Class

     Some students complain about how far they may have to park from their classes, which takes up more of their time and leaves them with a strenuous walk.  We need to realize that most of us don't  excercise enough and some walking around campus is actually a great cardio health activity.  We might as well embrace our walk because we are indeed "Killing two birds with one stone," and unfortunately we can't get around it.

     Muddassir Saiyed a first year nursing student, does just that.  He said he actually preferred to save money and refused to buy our expensive campus parking pass, meaning he parks even further than most students, off campus in surrounding neighborhoods.  He says, "I enjoy my three-quarter mile walk to class, its good for my body."  

     When asked about his attitude towards students lifestyles from a health perspective he says, "I study human health but it varies, I have friends studying sports medicine, but the smoke, drink, and are terribly lazy."  Muddassir considers himself extremely health conscious, and a healthy diet and exercise are priorities of his.  He is of Pakistani decent and mentioned he prefers his family's cooking which is, "Very spicy but we use leaner meats and much more produce than American food."

Muddassir Saiyed, first year nursing student studying human health
Photo courtesy of E.Ozlen

     Muddassir understands the importance of a healthy mind and body, and even though he lives off campus, he is a member of the CSULB tennis club, and regularly visits 24-hour Fitness gym on the weekends.

Active Lifestyle Abroad

     Many students here at Long Beach State have lived in the Southern California area their whole life, and going to college is often just a short commute from our family's homes.  There just aren't many major adjustments we may face concerning our health or diet.  But just imagine being thousands of miles away from home, surrounded by new interesting foods, new friends, and new responsibilities.  Would you be able to still maintain your healthy lifestyle you led back home?  One student can, she adapted to a new environment, and continues to keep her health a main priority.

     

     Hanna Kolmeder a first year mathematics major and international student from Germany, actually was already thinking of her health and diet before she left.  She was aware of the bad eating habits of Americans, and said she was scared to death of the "freshmen 10,"  because many of her friends gained weight after going to study in the states.  

     Hanna lives on campus where dorm diets don't resemble mother's cooking at all.  She is forced to eat in the food hall three times a day, which is an all you can eat endless buffet.  She says, "Sometimes when you're really hungry its good, but its way to easy to overeat.  There are healthy options, but its too hard with temptations like pastas, cookies, and ice cream."  She explained that Americans don't eat enough produce, and German breads are always darker and healthier.  She can not believe how many cheeseburgers Americans eat and said, "In Germany we almost never eat a burger in our life."   

     Hanna admitted to feeling guilty often after binging on sweets in the food hall.  To counteract the overeating, she joined several active clubs on campus.  She is involved in the surf club, jazz & modern dance, and the tennis club.  She also takes advantage of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, where she does pilates or spin class on weekend mornings with her roommate.  Hanna proves that even with completely new surroundings, a student abroad can remain health conscious, and live an active lifestyle on campus.

Hanna Kolmeder, German international student enjoying a night at tennis club, Photo by E.Ozlen 

  Juggling for Fitness

     On any given school day around lunch time, about half a dozen students appear to be clownin' around but are actively working their minds and bodies.  Although it may be fun to watch, we aren't witnessing students practicing for a circus.  These students love this unique activity which they believe has amazing benefits to overall human health.

     Vice President of the "Beach Balls" juggling club Dianne Palley and fourth year mechanical engineering student says,  "juggling connects both sides of your brain which helps math and science thinkers, and strengthens our creative side to solve problems with patterns.  Juggling is also a great stress reliever especially during finals week."  Dianne also mentioned she uses weighted juggling balls, doing repeated motions as a fun upper body workout, specifically targeting her tri-cep muscles.   

     Jason Whittman, a third year philosophy major began a few years ago, and mentioned his uncle is the world's top Hawaiian fire juggler.  He loves that his hobby allowes him to meet interesting people, since more than one person can juggle together.  He stated, "I can juggle up to eight items at a time, and sometimes even juggle on the way into class."

Amazing Jugglers at CSULB, Photo by E.Ozlen

     The club has been around over 10 years and is a great way to meet friends and try something new.  There is no reason to not make use of our beautiful campus and enjoy the outdoors as well as remaining conscious of our total health.

     Here you can find a link to the "Beach Balls" juggling club at CSULB.   http://www.facebook.com/beachbalance#!/groups/184943478210802/?fref=ts 

Here is a link to an article where neuroscientists study the effects of juggling on the mind and body. 
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/3068/how-juggling-rewires-your-brain

Mind, Body, & Soul-- Beach Balance

       Being a student at CSULB, many new responsibilities are thrown our way on a daily basis.  Every day students are preparing for exams, finishing projects, researching for papers, or planning for presentations.  Not to mention our minds may be boggled by obligations to clubs/sports on campus, significant others, or our jobs because many students work as well.  The stressful life of a student can be so overwhelming, and there just isn't much brainpower or time left for us to keep our mind and body healthy.

     But there is a place known for its serenity, which aims to promote personal well being from a holistic approach, created just for students like us.  Beach balance is the best place students can go to unwind and create habits that promote mental and physical health.  It is here where students get nutritional counseling, tips on stress management, and overall health education.  Sharon Meyer, second semester recreation therapist says, "I recommend nutritional counseling to avoid pitfalls associated with student life such as eating a bag of chips for dinner.  The common student that walks in monitors their body mass index, gets a nutritional plan, and some may also get a massage."

     

Sharon Meyer, Nutritional and Recreational Therapist-- at Beach Balance  photo taken by E.Ozlen

     Beach Balance offers meditation classes as well as Swedish massage done by Amy De Boom, professional massage therapist.  She says, "over half of the students who get massages, come for stress related reasons especially during finals week,  We offer student rates, and do whatever we can to make student life better."

Therapeutic Massage Table, photo courtesy of Google

Beach Balance is also actively promoting health and wellness on facebook and twitter.  Here you will find daily/weekly tips for students such as diet/ fitness related, or mindfulness.  http://www.facebook.com/beachbalance