By Maddy Good

Although the cold weather may pose limitations on one’s ability to stay fit, there are plenty of appropriate means to help one maintain a healthy lifestyle during the winter season.

Sophomore students Andria Shook and Megan Senter are not so concerned about staying in shape this winter. With volleyball three times a week in addition to daily basketball practice, Shook states, “It won’t be difficult for me to stay in shape, but I want to be in better shape than I was last winter.” On the other hand, Senter is looking forward to eating healthy and practicing with her swim team this winter. “We practice every day after school from 3:30 to 5:30, and then on some Saturdays,” Senter explains. Both Shook and Senter agree that their diet changes along with their busy athletic schedules. Shook does not allow herself to have any pop, and loves snacking on healthy fruits like apples and green grapes. Senter adds that she eats healthier in the winter by choosing lots of fruits and vegetables. The girls are going to be strict on themselves this winter to perform their best in sports. They will need to keep their bodies in top shape in order to do their personal best in sports. Shook gives advice to others by saying, “Either watch what you eat, or run a certain amount every day to stay in shape.” There are plenty of ways to make exercising fun and exciting this winter. Senter and Shook both agree that nothing is better than working out with friends. If you are with someone who you have fun with, than it tends to make exercising a lot easier. Shook and Senter try finding fun ways to work out and stay in shape. Shook believes that listening to music helps make exercising a better experience, while Senter’s favorite way to stay fit is doing cardio workouts. Despite their differences, both girls find importance in keeping their bodies in healthy condition even in the most difficult months.

Seniors A.J. Ruffing and Lauren Kelso also work their bodies to stay healthy during the cold winter months. Kelso recognizes how laborious it can be to keep your body in good shape in the winter, but she plans on participating in something new this winter to benefit her. “Well, normally I workout a few times a week, but this year I am doing diving, so I will have those practices to keep me in shape.” Kelso explains. She will be working on diving every day after school and on some early mornings. Kelso believes that it’s difficult for some people to stay shipshape when it’s cold out, because all they want to do is curl up on the couch instead of going out and being active. Ruffing agrees with her in stating, “A lot of us just stay inside and do nothing.”  The frigid winter weather only encourages people’s motives to stay toasty by staying inside. Ruffing avoids this by lifting weights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the winter. His favorite place to work out is in the weight room at school. He has a plan on how to stay in shape this winter and is hoping to be able to follow through with it. Ruffing wants to watch what he eats, and consume a lot of fruit.

In addition to diving practices and meets, Kelso enjoys the benefits of winter, and keeping herself active outdoors. “In the winter, a fun way to exercise is going outside to sled in the snow, or ice skating!” Kelso states excitedly. It’s easier to work out when you are finding fun ways to do it. Munching on delicious apples and yogurt are also healthy alternatives that Kelso prefers instead of winter favorites like hot chocolate and cookies.

Kelso ends with, “Staying active, working out a few times a week, and eating healthy are ways to keep your body in shape in the winter.”