18C ON THE HILL
FITNESS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2006
Eight ways to KU calves
BY JULIE JONES
I remember being told at freshman orientation that gym credits weren't a requirement because University of Kansas students walked approximately two miles a day on campus. The result: "KU calves."
Halfway through freshman year I began to doubt this urban legend. If it were true, where were my KU calves? Why did I still gain the freshman 15?
The answer was simple: I wasn't walking even half a mile a day on campus. I was lazy and it had started to show; I was beginning to look like a *oly-poly*. I realized if I wanted those KU calves, I had to earn them.
You can earn them, by changing just a few unhealthy habits. With hectic academic schedules, you have to fit in exercise any way you can.
Here are eight easy ways to earn that gym requirement and those KU calves.
1. Skip the bus
It's so tempting to hop on a bus and get a quick ride down Jayhawk Boulevard, especially with the free Jayhawk Express. Don't do it. Walk to class. Burn some extra calories.
2. Park far away
If you must drive to school, don't waste time driving around looking for the closest parking space. Park at the back of the lots where spaces are always available and start walking. You'll save time, and those of you who illegally park to avoid walking, will save money.
3. Climb those hills
Don't walk over to the Kansas Union from the stadium to take the elevator and avoid that killer hill. Get killer calves instead. KU hills really aren't that bad once you walk them every day and usually they are a time saver.
4. Take the stairs
Climb up to the third floor instead of punching that elevator button. Every step counts as a calorie burner.
5. Walk to school
If you live close to campus don't get a parking pass, bus pass or ride from your buddy. Leave a few minutes earlier and walk to school.
6. Avoid shortcuts
Take the long way to class. We
have an absolutely beautiful campus. Enjoy it. Your body will thank you.
7. Don't plan your schedule around buildings
When you enroll, don't pick classes because the buildings are closer to one another. If anything, pick classes that are farther away. This way you can have brisk walks between each of your classes.
8. Skip the Pizza Hut
All your hard work won't pay off if you're still eating fast food at the unions or The Underground during your lunch break. You can't see those muscular calves if they're covered in fat. Opt for something healthier with less fat and fewer calories.
If all this walking starts to become dull or monotonous, liven it up by purchasing a pedometer. This helpful little tool counts your steps by sensing body motion. You enter your stride length and it converts that into distance.
A pedometer can also tell you how many calories you've burned and will only set you back about $20.
Now you have no excuses for not having shapely KU calves. Take advantage of our beautiful campus and start walking today.
First last/KANSAN
A student works up stairs on campus. The urban legend that KU doesn't require physical education classes because of the steep walk on campus is only true if students take additional measures.
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