Butt. Stomach. Thighs. The pounds are piling on many freshman as they gain the dreaded “freshman 15.”

Many students gain the extra pounds simply because they fall into bad habits.

“Between the extra food and the drinking, that’s more and more calories,” said John Sweeney, director of campus recreation.

Sweeny also said students may be so overwhelmed with the new work load when they enter college they aren’t able to find time for exercise.

Chris Hartnett, a junior physics-acoustics major, agrees.

The pounds are piled on “from just sitting around and studying and not working out,” he said.

Hartnett admits that when he was a freshman, drinking contributed to the extra poundage.

“I didn’t study at all,” he said. “But I drank and partied.”

Christina Zoeller, a freshman music education major, said she eats more junk food because she doesn’t have time to eat healthy.

“I went out and bought so much junk food it’s disgusting,” she said.

Weight-conscious freshman shouldn’t panic.

The Office of Campus Recreation offers many programs to keep students in shape.

tudents can participate in intramural softball, tennis, racquetball and even get a personal trainer.

The Rec is also available for open play, when students can come and work out or play indoor sports.

“The rule of thumb to stay in good shape is to work out at least three times a week,” Sweeney said. “The formula is simple. You need to expend more calories than you take in.”

Senior marketing major Jenna Osness said students definitely gain weight when they enter college.

“It’s not always 15 pounds,” she said. “It’s the freshman 5 to 15 or more.”

Zoeller said she has plans to visit the Rec.

“[I plan to] keep walking to classes,” she said. “That can help burn off some of the calories.”

Osness also knows what to do to stay thin.

“Watch what you eat and exercise regularly,” she said. “No matter how hungry you are, when you get home from partying don’t order Papa John’s!”