Healthy Lifestyles at CMU

Story by: Brooke DuVall

Balancing college life and physical health is no easy task. As college students, we tend to get so wrapped up in our school work that our health gets neglected in the process. At CMU, there are many resources that promote physical wellbeing. 

Brooke DuVall interviewed CMU students Zoie Kremsreiter, Carolina Garcia, and Ahnika Aikens to discuss ways students can make healthier choices right here on campus. 

Zoie Kremsreiter:

What are your go-to snacks or meals?

“My go-to healthy snack is blending water, spinach, mango, and honey together.”

Where is your favorite place on campus to work out and why?

“My favorite place to work out on campus is the downstairs weight room at the SAC because they have free weights, racks, and smith machines.”

Are there any places off campus that you like to work out at? And what do you like about it?

“There’s a nature trail right by Towers, it’s called Viet’s Woods. And if you go by the water, it’s really pretty.” 

How do you balance working out and college life?

“I just try to go to the gym before it gets too late and before I go on my phone. I just think about it like if I go on my phone, I could’ve been at the gym. I try to keep it as a routine because it’s good for you and it feels good when you’re done.”

Ahnika Aikens:

What are your go-to healthy meals or snacks?

“I like pop corners. I also just love vegetables, like carrots, strawberries, and bananas.”

Where is your favorite place on campus to work out and why?

“Probably the SAC, especially the weight room. Just because I prefer lifting weights over running.”

Who on campus has inspired you to have a healthy lifestyle?

“I would definitely say Zoie and Caro because they’ve been my roommates, this is the third year going now. I always see Caro eating blueberries or going to Mid-Mitten and I’ve been going to the gym with Zoie sometimes for the last three years.” 

What is your favorite low-stress workout and why?

“I would say just walking around campus, or going to the SAC and then walking around the track.”

Carolina Garcia:

What are your go-to healthy snacks or meals?

“My go-to healthy snacks would have to be blueberries and strawberries from target. I also love going to Mid-Mitten, they have so many smoothies and shakes. Each smoothie is only around 300 calories, so that’s not too bad. I also go to Tropical Smoothie. I know people say their smoothies are not good because they put a lot of sugar in them, but I usually ask for half splenda and they still taste good. 

How do you stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle as a college student?

“I just think about my future, and how I wanna feel ten years from now, five years from now. I just remember that I’m doing it for myself. I know for a fact that I’ll never regret working out, it always makes me feel so much better and it helps me with my mental health too. I think everyone should give it a try. And if you don’t like working out, at least walk around and listen to your favorite podcast or music.” 

How do you maintain a positive relationship with food?

“I eat what makes me feel good. I think about what I gain from eating it and whether it will make me feel better overall. Everything is okay in moderation. Once in a while, if I’m craving something sweet I’ll eat it because it’s okay in moderation. 

What is your favorite low-stress workout? Why?

“My favorite low-stress workout is walking around the track at the SAC. It really helps me relax and feel better about myself. When walking, I reflect on my day-to-day and what I need to do. It helps me clear my mind and think logically. I also like to listen to music.