Incoming freshmen will forever hear accounts of the infamous freshman 15.

Cookies, potato chips and late night snacks combined with a dependence on the Huskie buses bring on this invasion of fat cells and slow metabolisms.

Fast food numbers are readily available on the bulletin boards of every dorm floor, and specials and coupons can be found en masse between the pages of newspapers and in mailboxes. The fatty and carbohydrate-loaded foods that students eat all day are ones that they feast on until weekend trips home.

This is where weight gain sets in and the freshman 15 can turn to the freshman 20 or 30. For unsuspecting students, there are ways to maintain a healthy weight and still eat good foods, but at the right times and in modest portions.

“Take everything in moderation, and incorporate exercises in your schedule,” said Becky Lewis, fitness coordinator at the Office of Campus Recreation.

There are a variety of options for students on campus to aid them in staying healthy.

The Office of Campus Recreation is an excellent source for working out. The Recreation Center is located across from Lincoln and Douglas Halls. With all sports available ranging from basketball to tennis, the Rec Center is a convenient place to exercise.

“I gained five or 10 pounds when I was a freshman, but when I started working out at the Rec, it helped me to lose fat and gain muscle,” said junior corporate communication major T.J. Bulaclac.

Not only does the Rec Center offer a free place for NIU students to work out, but also it offers programs outside of just working out in the cardio room and free weight room.

Aerobics classes, intramural sports, yoga, massage therapy and pool passes also are available.