181 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN WWW.KANSAN.COM | BACK TO SCHOOL | MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007 FITNESS Get into shape and stay there Avoiding the Freshman 15 is made easier with workout facilities on campus BY SUSAN SCHWARZ sschwarz@kansan.com "Put your mind to it, go for it. Get down and break a sweat." KANSAN FILE PHOTO While most people can giggle about this bubbly pop song from the infamous Jessie Spano episode on "Saved by the Bell," it is no joke that exercise is the way to avoid gaining unwanted weight. Ann Chapman, coordinator of nutrition services for Watkins Memorial Health Center, said stu dents have some trouble managing alcohol, partying and high-fat foods. Chapman said students need to make sure they do not skip meals and get enough sleep to insure they can make their schuelded work-outs. Jennifer Devlin, Lawrence senior, does inclined presses in the free-weight section of the new Student Recreation Fitness Center. Many students are upset about the small area allotted to freeweights. Chapman said students should follow the food pyramid and eat four to five times a day. "Students must actively practice time management in order to bring balance and structure to the new college experience as a freshman. Amber Long, Fitness Coordinator at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, said the small things students can do to stay fit are walk to class, eat more fruits and vegetables, and exercise everyday. "The CDC recommends that Americans should exercise for at least 60 minutes at moderate intensity most days of the week" Long said. "Take time off to rest, but make sure to "The best way to fit exercise in is to schedule it in as though it were a class you've enrolled in. And choose something you enjoy doing, not something you do because you think it will burn more calories." Chapman said. "Some students benefit from fitness classes, but others like to exercise alone. Either way is fine, but it's important to start off exercising when the semester begins, so it is always a part of your routine." AMBER LONG Fitness coordinator Chapman also said it is important to follow the "Better Bites" program on campus. Students can find the "Better Bites" logo next to food that is considered to be a healthier option. T h e Recreation Center has several options for working out. Through KU Fit, students can join exercise classes. Long said the exercise classes can be a include physical activity as part of a lifestyle." fun group atmosphere. Though some students have trouble finding time to work out, Long said, "Students must actively practice time management in order to bring balance and structure to the new college experience as a freshman. Exercise typically helps students manage time and stay focused." Long's best tip for keeping off unwanted weight was to keep everything in moderation. She said students must pay attention to portion size and exercise regularly. "Find a routine filled with healthy options and do what works best for you," Long said. KANSAN FILE PHOTO John Stilling, Topeka junior, works out on a rowing machine at the Student Recreation Center. Working out and maintaining a healthy diet are ways to avoid the "Freshman 15." >> SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Class teaches financial freedom New course offered for first time BY MAGGIE VANBUSKIRK mvanbuskirk@kansan.com Hussein said students will also learn about buying and renting houses, protecting their assets and exploring the fundamentals of investments, like in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The course concludes with discussions about retirement issues and estate planning. Hussein said it is important that when looking at budgeting and financial planning, students need to be looking at the future. Beginning this semester, the University is offering Personal Finance 101 for non-business majors. The class is available to students who have fewer than 60 college credit hours, to teach them about budgeting. Samira Hussein, who is teaching the class, said class is about learning the fundamentals of financial planning by addressing financial goals and learning about money management. Students will learn about dealing with financial institutions and the lure of credit cards. "It is very beneficial for the students to find the best financial institutions for their needs, and learn about why and how they can make their money work for them by planning early in life," Hussein said. "In other words, begin with the end in mind." For students not enrolled in the class, Hussein offers some tips about budgeting to help students get through the school year. Do not start a budget before lining up your financial goals. Make your budget realistic, measurable and have a time frame for your budget. Actively monitor your budget. It is a journey not an end. You are the manager of your budget manage it professionally. Ask yourself this, would you hire yourself based on the way you manage your financial life? Edited by Susan Schwarz