We have all heard about the not so mysterious freshman 15, and we all vow to ourselves that it will not happen. Recently my roommate told me about the alleged sophomore 20, I was clearly concerned the moment I heard. Last year, in order to make sure I did not fall ill to the freshman 15, I decided to do a triathlon challenge my school has at our fitness centers.

The challenge went like this:

Pick three sports/activities

Stairmaster 3,500 flights

Swimming 20 miles

Running 75 miles

Upright Bikes 175 miles

Recumbent Bike 175 miles

Elliptical 75 miles or 110,000 steps

Aerobics 30 hours (1 hr. of physical activity- i.e. tennis, racquetball, basketball, soccer, workout DVD etc.)

After each workout we would submit our hours and they would post our progress to the gym wall (our name with our three sports and a progress bar they would color in). We completed our three activities in a semester.

It was a great way to jump start a workout routine at school and it kept me motivated. I know not all schools do this challenge, but it would be super easy to make a poster with your roommates, friends, people on your floor etc. and start your very own triathlon challenge.

Another great way to stay motivated is to do a work out class with a friend, then there is no way of getting out not going when someone else is counting on you to be there.

p.s. I beat the freshman 15 and I swear it was due to the triathlon challenge.