Many students at Ohio State are welcoming spring with a plethora of parties and some extra hours at the end of the day to exercise, but can a balance be achieved between exercising and consuming alcohol?
Jared Yaw, a sophomore in molecular genetics and psychology, said there is something about spring quarter that makes everyone want to drink and be outside, while still maintaining a healthy body for swimsuit season.
“It’s got to be the weather and all the sunshine,” Yaw said.
Jackie Buell, director for sports nutrition and lecturer in human nutrition, said students do not need to stop drinking, but they need to learn to do so in moderation.
According to OSU Sports Nutrition, there are about 140 calories in one 12 oz. beer. Buell said if students have a few drinks, the calories would not amount to much, but many students do not stop after a few drinks.
“I don’t know a college student that’s a guy, that drinks two beers and says ‘that’s enough,'” Buell said.
On average, a 12-pack of beer equals 1,680 calories, more than half the 2,880 recommended calories for an active 5-foot-9 male per day, according to webmd.com.
Corbin Campbell, alcohol education coordinator, said OSU provides students with many ways to balance drinking and exercise. The Student Wellness Center located in the Recreation and Physical Activity Center offers several prevention efforts to help students make smart decisions concerning their bodies.
Presentations are given each quarter in dorms and at various organizations on campus to help students understand how to stay in shape and consume alcohol moderately.
Campbell said students often want to know the effects alcohol has on their exercise routine. The office provides health risk, fitness and nutrition appraisals. Campbell said she is amazed at how many students are health conscious, but continue to drink heavily.
“A lot of (drinking) is erasing all the good effects they’ve just done from exercising,” Campbell said.
Dave McDermott, recreational sports grant coordinator, said he is not trying to convince students to not drink alcohol, but would like them to have more information.
“More than five drinks in one sitting can affect your body for the next three days,” McDermott said.
Students that want to drink and stay in shape have to work their bodies harder, McDermott said. Students that drink have to compensate for a lack of energy and a loss of memory while they are playing sports.
McDermott coordinated a grant called Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds that is meant to help students make good decisions. The program is open to all students involved with intramural and club sports at OSU.
According to studies done at the University of Nortre Dame Alcohol and Drug Education Center, alcohol that is consumed after working out can cancel out any physiological gains that could be achieved. The research shows that long-term alcohol consumption can result in a decrease of muscle buildup and short-term alcohol use can slow the process of muscle growth.
Christina Marko, a junior in biology, said if students plan out an exercise routine and balance their drinking, they can have the best of both worlds. She made a workout plan to help her not feel as bad about drinking. Conscious of the calories that alcohol adds to a diet, Marko said she drinks beer one night and then usually switches to liquor the next because she feels beer contains more calories.
Marko, a lifeguard at the RPAC, said she feels spring quarter brings in a lot of students that are concerned with staying healthy. She said students seem to be doing a good job at staying in shape and still having their fun on the weekends.
“Students just need to find that balance,” Marko said.
