Andrea Thyrring

The first week back at college — full of friends, parties and T-Dubs dinners. You may have spent the last three months taking time for yourself, but with school back in session, your time commitments may have your wellness on the back burner. With all of the resources available to you, and a couple good tips, there is no reason why you can’t be in top shape this semester at the College.

Getting enough sleep is the best thing you can do for your body after a long day of class, meetings and time out with your friends. Cutting hours at night may seem like a great way to add time to your busy day, but you’ll pay a heavy price with your health.

Your risk for heart disease and insulin resistance – a trigger for diabetes – greatly increases when your body is sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can also lead to an imbalance of weight-related hormones, which will encourage cells to store excess fat and slow down your metabolism.

Eating a balanced diet is also important to maintaining your health. Convenience foods and quick dinners found in T-Dubs, the Brower Student Center and the C-Store, while easy, may not be the best fuel for your body. Fine in moderation, these foods do not offer you the nutrients and calories necessary for day to day wellness.

Instead, look for the Balanced Way plates found in Eickhoff or veggie-rich meals from the Stud. If you are in a rush, that is no excuse to skip a meal or to eat an unhealthy snack. There are plenty of ready-to-go options, like a pre-made salad or a Fiber-One bar instead.

There are many ways to stay active at the College to make sure your physical fitness does not decline as the semester goes on and the homework piles up. Located in Packer Hall, the Physical Enhancement Center (PEC) has all of your classic gym-style equipment from elliptical machines and treadmills, to weights and leg presses. You can also consult one of the personal trainers to develop a customized exercise plan.

Located in the link between Travers and Wolfe, the T/W Fitness Center offers a wide range of group classes every day. With new additions like Zumba and boot camp style classes, and returning classes like yoga, pilates and total body conditioning, you are guaranteed to find a class that suits your exercise style.

This year, there is no excuse to let your health fall to the wayside. With the excitement of the fall semester beginning, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Instead, utilize the options available to you on campus to make sure you are staying in the best condition possible. Not only will you avoid burn-out and the

“freshman 15,” but come December, you’ll have enough left in you to ace your finals.

Andrea Thyrring can be reached at thyrrin2@tcnj.edu.