Disclaimer: I am in no way a certified fitness expert. Please contact your health physician for questions. Do not expect results of any kind.
In most high schools, a physical education class is a requirement. After that, though, your physical health is left up to you. I began my fitness journey early in my junior year of high school at GSU due to dual enrollment. I wanted to gain healthier habits for myself. Many of my peers did not have an interest in beginning an active lifestyle. I began to use the machines and learn about strengthening target areas. Though I was often working out alone, I felt satisfied with the new habits I started to form.
Why working out matters, no matter your body type
Often, people told me that I did not need to work out because my body “looked good.” However, just because you look “good” does not necessarily mean you are healthy. People do not always exercise because they are trying to achieve slimness or build muscle. Although I enjoyed the compliments, they were ignorant. What many people do not understand is that everyone’s body is different. What you eat and how you exercise will have varying results on your body, and that is okay.
I am a curvy female who is five feet tall, and genetically, I come from a generation of ailments like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. My mother always wanted me to be tall like her because gaining weight at my height can quickly become dangerous for my health. Going from a cheerleader’s active lifestyle for half of my life to using the gym on my own has allowed me to learn a lot about my body. There is not always a correlation between someone’s size and health.
There is no telling what your body can do if a balanced amount of work is applied. One of the many things I love about Kennesaw State University is that the majority of the student body leads an active lifestyle. There is hardly a day when the gym is not full of bodies hard at work. I do not find it intimidating because it motivates me to have a great workout and enjoy myself. Since completing my first year at KSU, I have seen different resources offered that have given me the ability to try new things.
Places to get fit around KSU
During my first year, I participated in many activities, such as hiking Kennesaw mountain, yoga, Zumba and much more. Many of the group fitness classes offered initially did not work well for my schedule. Compared to my previous university, KSU has more advanced devices and resources available. Some of these resources include a running track and machines to help you stretch. In the KSU gym, it is easy to target all parts of your body during your workouts.
On the full moon hike led by KSU’s Outdoor Adventures, I experienced all the radiant beauty Kennesaw Mountain has to offer from sunset to moonrise. Not only were our group leaders knowledgeable about the trail, but we also had headlamps available for our way down. Then, in the spring, I regularly attended classes for yoga and Zumba. Yoga challenged my overall control and made me feel relaxed enough to face my courses. Zumba at night was the right way for me to get pumped for my drive home. Lastly, in the summer, I enjoyed using the indoor and outdoor pool facilities.
There is always more to try!
Of all the activities I have participated in at the fitness center, there are still many things I have not done. KSU offers rock climbing, group camping trips, canoeing, and adult swim classes. Often, there is a flier in the gym regarding a fitness event like a 5K run. Renting items like a basketball or volleyball is super easy as long as you have a form of ID. The courts can be converted to accommodate both activities separately or simultaneously.
All of these activities allowed me to experience new things. I was able to find out what I enjoyed while using what I learned in my free time outside of the gym. Of course, there are ways to get a workout in on your own. For example, I enjoy watching Whitney Simmons, Yoga with Adrienne, and Naomi King to get inspiration and ideas. Last year has opened my mind and broadened my surroundings. I cannot wait to experience more this year with all that college life at KSU has to offer.
To learn more about the fitness services that KSU offers, check out our article, Treadmill Haters, Rejoice!
Cover photo by John Arano on Unsplash