BY JESSICA PALL AND MINDY PIERCE, Lions’ Pride Online and Sports Editors
Two female seniors gave their perspectives on fitness and how they stayed fit during their four years at college.
The Lions’ Pride interviewed Alison Luthman, a cross country runner who has participated in three seasons for the Lions as well as playing tennis her freshman year, and Emily Zambito, a sociology major who enjoys working out and staying fit.
Both were asked what helped them stay fit and healthy during their four years at Leo, and what advice they could pass onto underclassmen.
“I would say to make plans to workout with other people. If you have a friend going with you, you are less likely to back out of it,” said Luthman.
Zambito’s advice was to not focus on your weight or how you look.
“Focus on how you feel! When you’re feeling great and having fun, the other stuff ends up not being as important. Work out for yourself,” said Zambito.
Luthman enjoys sports such as soccer and volleyball, although most of the time she runs to accomplish her workout. Zambito likes sports such as football, boxing, or some high impact activity with her friends, but if that is not an option, she said an intense cardio workout at the gym always feels good.
Luthman usually trains around four to five times a week while Zambito goes to the gym two to three times weekly and usually plays sports or some activity on the weekends.
Thus, there are different ways to stay fit. Some prefer structured discipline of a class or focused activity like running or swimming, while others like to attain aerobic intensity during a game.
Whatever works for one the best, should be done. One is more likely to exercise if they enjoy it, which is important. Consistency is key to maintaining fitness as well as a healthy diet.
Luthman explained that some days she runs or does cardio for 30 minutes and then does weights, but sometimes she simply runs for a longer amount of time.
Zambito enjoys a more varied workout schedule to keep her motivated.
“The only consistent part of my workouts is that I always try to start and finish with cardio,” said Zambito.
Both Luthman and Zambito are conscious of their weight when working out, in contrast to the men’s fitness article two issues ago where the male students interviewed said that weight was not their focus.
“It’s always nice to see you’ve dropped a few pounds when you’ve been working really hard, but I’m more focused on maintain my weight and feeling strong,” said Zambito.
Both enjoy different activities to maintain their cardiovascular endurance and to attain aerobic intensity.
They are aware of their food choices but not obsessive over what they eat.
Luthman said she is conscious of the food choices she makes, but is not a perfect eater by any means.
“On average, I eat fast food one to two times a week,” said Luthman.
Zambito doesn’t eat fast food, but said if she plans on going for a run, to the gym, or something active, she is more conscious of what she eats so she doesn’t feel bad during the workout.
It is important to work out, but what are some other ideas to stay fit? Simply get out and go for a jog or run, play beach volleyball at one of the sand courts at Saint Leo, or go to the gym and lift some weights. If the machines are intimidating, use the free weights in the back room instead. Check out the classes the gym offers such as boxing or yoga. There are so many ways to be active and fit here in Florida as the weather is conducive for outdoor activities all year round.
Overall, both Luthman and Zambito said they’ve learned how to work out from the different sports they have played over the years.
“Each coach and teammate has taught me a little more about working out and staying healthy,” said Zambito.
One may join the intramural teams or go to the gym classes for motivation and instruction.
Staying fit will not only increase a better self image of oneself, but is a source of fun and allows opportunities to meet and become friends with peers.
