The Intern Dish: My Marathon Story

At the beginning of this year, I had set the goal for myself to run a marathon. I had already raced in several 5Ks, a 10K, and trained for (but was too injured to race) a half marathon. So, naturally, the next step was to jump into the great big pool that is the marathon. 26.2 miles of mental and physical toughness and hours on your feet. January 2 was my starting date and for the next 16 weeks I dedicated myself heart and soul to my training schedule, which was a combination of plans from Runner’s World magazine, running blogs, and a name that is synonymous with running, Hal Higdon. Throughout my nearly 4 months of training, I never missed one workout or run, and I came to learn a lot about running, life, nutrition, and fitness:

- Choosing the right race can be just as important as choosing the right training plan. I chose the Lansing Marathon because it’s local (literally right down the street from Michigan State University), and fairly small. Some people like the excitement of running with 15,000 other runners and spectators along every square inch of the route, but it’s all up to you! Also, this was an inaugural race, which can make some people worry, so you may want to look into a more established race like Chicago, Detroit Free Press, or any of the Rock n’ Roll marathons held around the country.

- Do more than just run. Yes, it is important to get all of those miles under your belt/feet, but cross-training and strength training are equally important. I did full-body lifting 2-3 times a week and rode a bike 2 times a week in addition to running 5 days a week.

- If you’re just hoping to finish, then focus more on the time spent on your feet than on the total mileage. I went in with a specific finishing time in mind (which I met!) and so incorporated speed workouts and interval runs into my plan. I also did easy runs twice a week and one long run each week to build endurance.

- Chances are, you won’t be running a full 26.2 miles at once before your race… and that’s OK. The longest training run I had was 21 miles and that’s proof positive that you can do it even if you have never run that distance before. That’s not to say that it won’t be hard, but half of endurance running is the battle going on in your mind. By that time, your mind will have to be stronger than your body to keep you motivated and moving forward.

- Don’t be afraid to walk. I intentionally went into the race with a run/walk plan that I had been following on every training run. Even with walking, I still met my goal time, which just goes to show that you do not have to run the entire way in order to race. Your running muscles will thank and reward you for giving them a little break and letting your walking muscles take over.

- NOTHING new on race day. Clothes, fuel, shoes, water timing, should all ideally by the same on race day as it was in your training. I wore shoes that had a couple hundred miles on them, but still far from needing to be retired and clothes that kept me warm and had been worn before with no problems. I also carried a handheld water bottle with me and brought my own Gatorade G2 mix with me so that I was getting carbs while I run. You will have to ingest calories in some form for a race this long. I have a sensitive stomach, but many other use gels, beans, and chews for energy while running.

- If you can, get family members to come and stand along the 17-20 mile mark. This is when many runners experience what is called “hitting the wall”. The glycogen stores in your body are depleted and muscles are starting to ache. Having a cheerleading team right when you need them will help motivate you to finish up the last few miles. I brought a cell phone with me and sent my family text messages with my mileage so that they knew where I was and when to expect me to cross the finish line.

- Expect the unexpected. No matter what you do or how much you plan, know that there are things that you cannot plan for. Number one being Mother Nature in all her glory. There was intense wind blowing all of the runners back for my race and there’s just nothing you can do to prevent that, so try and train in all conditions: rain, snow, heat, cold.

- It is worth it. I cannot adequately express the emotions that came over me when I finally sprinted across the finish line and received my medal. When you finish, I can only compare it to feeling like you belong to something bigger than yourself, and having both of my parents there to see me finish was the icing on the cake.

If you have ever thought that you can’t complete a marathon, stop thinking that. Start with a 5K, then a 10K, then a half marathon, and then a full marathon. You don’t have to run the entire thing and you don’t have to do it alone. Find a friend or a group of friends and train together. Just remember, don’t ever compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Fast for you may not be fast for someone else, and that’s OK! Only 1% of Americans can say that they are a marathoner, and now so can I.

You can read my race recap on my blog here and check out my training plan with weekly updates.

Run classy.

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She completed her first marathon in 4:05 and plans on running in several half marathons later this year.

 

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The Way To Be: Gluten-Free

In the past few years, it seems like there has been an explosion of people being diagnosed with gluten allergies and intolerances, such as Celiac disease or wheat allergies.  Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat/rye hybrid).  For the true Celiac patient, avoidance of gluten is imperative for good health and treatment.  If you do not have an allergy, that’s okay!  Gluten-free products have come a long way and can taste just as good as their wheat-filled relatives!  Here are just a few gluten-free recipes to please your palette:

Five-Minute Carrot Cake
By Chocolate Covered Katie

¼ cup brown rice flour
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
¼ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
½ egg (can use flax instead)
1-2.5 Tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar, or a combination)
1/3 cup canned carrots, drained
1 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp oil (or more milk)
¼ tsp vanilla extract

In a small bowl, mix dry ingredients (not carrots). If you have a blender (or Magic Bullet), mix all wet ingredients and blend. (Option for those without a blender: simply fork-mash the carrots very well before combining with the other wet ingredients.) Then mix dry into wet and stir.  Pour into greased ramekins, a little dish, or a mug. If using the microwave, cook for 1 minute 20 seconds (or more or less, depending on the strength of your microwave). Or you can cook this in the oven at 350F for around 15 minutes. Let cool before trying to pop out. Serves 1-2.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
By Clean Eating Chelsey

1/3 cup gluten-free flour (check the label!)
2 Tbsp almond flour
1/8 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp sweetener
1 egg –OR– 2 egg whites
1-2 Tbsp milk (if needed to thin out batter)

1. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup gluten free flour, 2 tbsp. almond flour, 1/8 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Stir to combine all ingredients.
2. Add 1 egg (or 2 egg whites), 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp. agave to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth. If the batter still needs a little more liquid, you can add 1-2 tbsp. of almond milk. The batter should be fairly thick, but should still drop off of a spoon.
3. Gently fold in the tbsp. of chia seeds.
4. Heat a greased griddle to medium high heat and pour batter onto griddle (I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to section out the batter). Cook on one side until bubbles start to form on the outsides of the pancakes (about 2-3 minutes). Once bubbles have formed, flip and cook for an additional minute on the other side.
5. Serve immediately with favorite pancake toppings.

Simple Purely Pumpkin Muffins
By Alyssa Lemus (Quest Nutrition)

½ cup coconut flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
¼ cup sweetener
¼ cup applesauce

Preheat oven to 400d F. Place muffin cups in a 12 muffin tin. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, combine all wet ingredients in another bowl. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined. Spoon mixture evenly into 12 muffin tins. Bake for 18 minutes. Let cool and Enjoy!

Life is getting easier for those who need to be gluten-free, with new products and companies coming out all the time.  Even if you don’t have an allergy, you may want to try going gluten-free to see how it makes you feel. Who knows, you may feel great and never want to go back to eating wheat!

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. While she does not have a gluten allergy/intolerance, she tries to eat gluten-free when she can. Her favorite gluten-free foods include quinoa and oats.

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Trail Mix: Not Just For the Trails

Also called “gorp”, trail mix is traditionally a mixture of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate and was developed as a snack food to be taken along on hiking adventures. However, we all know that you do not have to be in the deep woods to enjoy a nice handful of trail mix. Easy to make, customizable, and of course delicious, there is a mix out there for every taste bud and occasion. Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired for trail-mix-making greatness!

The Classic
Peanuts; Raisins; M&Ms

The Handful of Everything
Dried pineapple; Craisins; Dried cherries; Dried apricots; Yogurt-covered peanuts; Chocolate chips; Raisins; Almonds; Cashews; Coconut

The Caffeine Fiend
Dark chocolate-covered almonds; Mocha pecans; Dark chocolate-covered espresso beans; Praline almonds; Chocolate chips; Hazelnuts

The Oriental
Rice crackers; Sesame sticks; Wasabi peas; Almonds; Cashews

The S’mores
Chocolate-covered peanuts; Mini marshmallows; Graham squares; Chocolate chunks; Pecans

The Cajun
Butter toffee peanuts; Spicy peanuts; Corn nuts; Honey sesame sticks; Almonds; Cajun sesame sticks

The Savory
Roasted peanuts; Parmesan cheese; Pretzels; Veggie crisps; Sourdough bread; Pumpkin seeds; Pistachios

The Cheesy Ranch
Quaker ranch-flavored Quakes; Goldfish crackers; Pumpkin seeds; Sunflower seeds

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. Her ultimate trail mix combination would include dried pineapple, dark chocolate-covered almonds, mini marshmallows,  and dried cherries.

Shake It Up to Maximize Your Workout

There is a one hour window after working out to get the nutrients your body needs to repair itself. This is also when your metabolism is at its fastest and nutrients (like glucose, or sugar) go preferentially to your depleted muscle glycogen stores. After you have worked so hard in the gym for those sleek and toned muscles, you want to treat them right and refuel with purpose.  Many people make the mistake of skipping their post-workout recovery meal of high-quality protein and carbohydrates to kick-stat the repair and building process. Here are some intern-tested and approved shake and smoothie recipes that taste terrific and are great for your strong body.

Green Monster
Popularized by Angela Liddon (aka Oh She Glows), the Green Monster has an entire movement supporting its great taste and healing powers. It earns its name from the color that the smoothie turns from the addition of fresh spinach, but don’t let the color scare you off! I promise, you can’t taste the spinach. The basic combination is simple:
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1-1.25 c milk (soy, almond, cow’s, etc.)
- 2 c spinach
- ice
Of course, you can add whatever other mix-ins you would like. Protein powder, cocoa powder, peanut butter, berries, and flavor extracts.

Sweet Potato Smoothie
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates that your muscles crave after a hard workout. Combined with your favorite nut butter, this thick smoothie will have you (carefully!) licking your blender to find those last dregs of deliciousness:
-  1 baked sweet potato, peeled and cooled
-  1 c milk (soy, almond, cow’s, etc.)
- 1-1.5 T nut butter (sunflower seed, peanut, almond, etc.)
- optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ice

Banana Split Protein Shake
How about a little dessert for after your workout? This shake does not include any ice-cream, but you won’t be missing it.
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- 1/4 c pineapple, frozen
- 1/2 c cherries, frozen
- 1-1.5 c milk (soy, almond, cow’s, etc.)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder
- 1 T cocoa powder

Cook’s Tip: Put the lighter ingredients (powders) on the bottom, followed by the heavier ingredients on top and liquids for last. This will help keep the lighter ingredients from flying around and sticking to the sides.

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. After lifting weights, she loves making up a glass of her go-to Green Monster recipe.

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Focus On: Kettlebells

Kettlebells have been used for decades, but they have seen a great rise in popularity in the past few years. You may have heard of them, but do not really know what all of the hubbub is about. If you have ever wondered what a kettlebell is or why you should add it to your fitness routine, look no further.

The kettlebell itself is a cast-iron ball with a looped handle on top. Weights usually range from 2 – 100+ pounds. Unlike a dumbbell, which has its center of gravity in your hand, the kettlebell has a center of gravity outside of your hand which requires multi-directional movement to stabilize the kettlebell and better mimics real life movements.

The reason that kettlebell training has been getting to much attention lately is because it requires functional, whole body fitness. Multiple muscle groups have to work together and all at once to control kettlebell movements, especially those in your core. Believe it or not, this is both a cardio and a strength training machine. Two-for-one!

Because this is a total body workout, you can get an intense sweat going and not be spending precious hours in the gym away from school, friends, and family. The list of benefits is a lengthy one, but here are just a few:

- Improved coordination and agility
- Better posture and alignment
- Increased bone density from weight-bearing exercise
- Increased power and endurance
- Low risk of injury when correct form is used
- Time efficient and simple exercises

Just a word of warning before you dive in. Start off with a lighter weight and make sure that your form is perfect before you move up in weight to avoid injury. If your gym offers a class or coaches to help correct your form, take them up on their offer! Kettlebells are like nothing you’ve used before, so movements may take some time before they become second-nature.

No kettlebells at your gym yet? That’s okay! Voice your opinions and suggest that they invest in a set of kettlebells! They won’t regret it and neither will you. Here’s a nifty kettlebell workout from Women’s Health that you can do the next time that you’re at the gym!

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She started using kettlebells in January 2012 and hasn’t looked back since.

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Fuel Up and Head Outside

With winter seeming like spring this year, and spring seeming like summer, many are bringing their workouts outside much earlier than usual. And, yes, playing ultimate Frisbee with your friends is a workout.  Working out in a gym is a bit different than working out outside, and it is more important than ever to make sure that your nutrition is on point for optimal performance. Make sure that you’re fighting fit with these handy tips!

Adjust your workout according to the conditions
When the heat is one, you need to take the weather into consideration when planning your workout. In high heat (85+ degrees) and low humidity (under 30%) reduce your run by 20%, if there is high heat and high humidity (over 60%) then keep the run easy or consider going inside for a run on the treadmill instead.

How much you sweat tells you how much to drink
Weigh yourself (no clothes, after going to the bathroom) before you go outside. Keep track of how much you drink during your activity. Weigh yourself (without clothes) when you come back inside. Subtracts your post-workout weight from your pre-workout weight. Multiply by 16 (to get ounces of water). Add to the amount that you drank while outside to figure out total fluid loss. Divide by 4 to determine how much you should drink every 15 minutes to remain properly hydrated.

For long workouts, you need to eat during your workout
If you plan to exercise for more than 90 minutes (such as for a practice or a long run or bike ride) you need to eat not only a pre-exercise snack but also additional carbs to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Sugar is fuel for your brain, and when blood sugar drops you lose focus and energy and your performance suffers. For running sports (cross country, soccer) you may want primarily liquid carbs like in a sports drink. Cyclists may be able to tolerate more solid foods like a granola bar, dried fruit, or bagel bites with water. Consume 120-240 calories for every hour you exercise lasting 2-3 hours.

What you eat after exercise is just as important!
Rapid refueling is especially important after intense exercise. In the first 15-60 minutes immediately after a workout your muscles are ready to receive fuel and start repairing themselves. Whatever you choose, make it easy to digest. Liquids are better than solid foods, simple sugars are better than complex carbs. Many athletes like to refuel with a glass of chocolate milk which has an ideal 4:1 or 5:1 carb-to-protein ratio. Even after this you should eat again an hour or two later and focus more on consuming quality protein sources, such as eggs, tuna, or turkey, and complex carbs like brown rice in addition to vegetables for vitamins and minerals.

What’s right for you may not be right for everyone
You may have a more sensitive stomach than someone else. Some people are able to eat sports gels, candy, and pretzels while running, but I have found that they disagree with my stomach and so stick with sports drinks to fuel my workouts. You may sweat more than your friends and so need to consume more water and electrolytes during exercise to prevent dehydration. Experiment, try new things and routines, and see what works best for you!

Nutrition is not the only thing that you have to think about with outdoor workouts. Be sure to wear sunscreen, watch out for cars and other pedestrians, and let someone know where you are going. Have a happy sweat!

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She like to drink Gatorade on her long runs and refuel with chocolate milk.

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What’s Fresh for Spring

Appetizer: Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Entree: Pasta, Pancetta, and Peas
Side dish: Sautéed Carrots
Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. Her favorite spring fruits and vegetables are asparagus, broccoli, pineapple, and carrots.

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Snack Right While Traveling

Spring Break is in full swing on college campuses across the country. For many classy co-eds, this means travelling. Whether by train, plane, or automobile; to places exotic or back to your hometown; you will probably get hungry. After working for weeks to get swimsuit-ready for your Spring Break trip, don’t let getting the munchies at a gas station derail healthy eating. Here are some of College Lifestyle’s favorite snacks for traveling.

Whole-grain cereal

Many cereals that tout the “Whole Grains” stamp of approval are available in single-serving cups for your consuming pleasure. Look for brands that have at least 4 grams of fiber per cup, like classic Cheerios.

Energy bars

Often, energy bars are just a fancy way of saying “candy bars”. Be a label-reading maven and look for a bar that has at least 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein while keeping a eye out for the sugar content. Kellogg’s Special K Protein, Kashi Go Lean, and Clif Bars all make excellent choices with a variety of delicious flavor options.

Trail mix

Preferably made by you! Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and peanuts make a great source of healthy fats and protein. Throw in some dried fruit such as Craisins or dried apricots and maybe a few dark chocolate chips to sweeten the deal. Just make sure to pay attention to portion size or you may be in for more than you bargained for.

Fresh fruit

Many places are now making fresh fruit available, even if it is just the ever popular apple or banana. If you’re lucky, you may run across fresh fruit cups, such as those produced by Del Monte. Fruit provides a hefty dose of vitamin C to help you battle those nasty bugs that always seem to go around when travelling. No one wants to have a cold while sitting on a sunny beach!

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If you have the time and ability to plan ahead and bring a cooler along, for instance if you are taking a road trip or driving to your destination, then that’s even better!

Pack your cooler full of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, baby carrots, and fresh fruit. Drink plenty of water and try adding a packet of Crystal Light if you crave a little flavor. I like to make my own protein bars whenever I’m away from home and need a healthy snack. Here is my go-to recipe:

Pumpkin Protein Bars

1/2 C Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend (Ideal)
1/2 C No Sugar Added applesauce
1 T ground cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 t vanilla extract
4 large egg whites (3/4 c liquid egg whites)
1 – 15 oz. can of raw pumpkin
2 C oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein
1/2 c almond milk

Preheat oven to 350deg F. Spray a 9″ x 13″ dish with non-stick spray. Combine first 11 ingredients (through pumpkin) and mix well. Add the final 3 ingredients, and mix until incorporated.
Spread batter into dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Have a safe and successful Spring Break, from College Lifestyles to you! Prepare to come back and finish the semester in style.

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. For Spring Break 2012, she will be staying in town, relaxing with family and friends.

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Classy Co-Ed On Campus: Katelyn Block

Katelyn Block, also known as Chef Katelyn by the readers of her blog, has it all: beauty, brains, personality, and style. College Lifestyles decided to catch up with Katelyn to find out what makes this chick so fantastic and to get her input on what it takes to be a classy co-ed on campus.

College Lifestyles: What does being “classy” mean to you?
Katelyn Block: When I hear the word “classy”, a few others come to mind: grace, style, and kindness. College life isn’t always such, but I try to handle daily occurrences with grace, walk and live with style, and interact with kindness. No other way to go!

CL: What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
KB: Kind, bubbly, and incredibly passionate.

CL: What is your dream job?
KB: That’s a tough one. Honestly, if I could have a full-time job blogging, doing freelance writing and graphic design, and working in PR and/or at a magazine, I would be the happiest girl alive. Right now I am incredibly happy with where I am — the future is on its way.

CL: How do you stay healthy in the chaotic world that is college life?
KB: I don’t get too choosy about what I eat in the dining hall, mainly because it’s the least of my worries. Nineteen credits? That’s where my worries are! I always try to keep it balanced, for example, if I find myself wanting that gorgeous piece of chocolate cake for dessert, I nix the pizza and have a brown rice and tofu stir-fry instead. Maybe some veggies with hummus. It’s not always easy for me to choose the vegetables (I’ve had this problem ever since I was a child), but if I can’t bring myself to have veggies, I’ll at least have some quinoa.

CL: What is your favorite way to move?
KB: Yoga! And walking across campus. I used to be a cardio queen (gym junkie, if you will), and even ran a half marathon. For some people, this is enjoyable for a lifetime. For me, it lasted a season. These days, I’m all about mindfulness and making it natural.

CL: If you could only eat 3 foods the rest of your life, what would they be?
KB: Easy. Hummus, chocolate, and baby carrots. All together. (Just kidding ….kinda)

CL: What are your “must-have” beauty items?
KB: Mascara, foundation + bronzer, and most of all, my chapstick that looks like a glue stick via Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

CL: Any advice for our readers or anything else to say?
KB: My advice for every walk in life: be yourself! Those around you will appreciate your genuine nature, and you’ll be a happier person. Get those endorphins.

Katelyn is an OrangeWoman at Syracuse University, living each day to better her own life through bettering others’. She hopes to pursue a degree through the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and a minor in Nutrition. Being the overachiever that she is, there will most likely be a double-major thrown in there as well. She is a new member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

Her senior year of high school, Katelyn began Chef Katelyn, the blog where she focuses on self-love and nourishing oneself with whole foods, a bit of sweat, and some sprinkles thrown in. Since beginning her blog in August of 2010, Katelyn’s audience has grown in sync with her Twitter followers, surpassing the thousands.

Katelyn can be reached at:
Twitter: @ChefKatelyn
Blog: http://www.chefkatelyn.com/
E-mail: chefkatelynblog@gmail.com

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She is a proud reader of Chef Katelyn. #sorryimnotsorry

State of Fitness

“Beyond basic training, to a complete and healthy lifestyle…” State of Fitness Gym in East Lansing, MI, just off the campus of Michigan State University, has only been around for a few years, but the secret is quickly getting out.

This gym prides itself on having something for everyone and of every skill level. It does not matter if you are training to become a professional bodybuilder or are trying to turn your life around and are stepping into a gym for the first time. The trainers here will help you reach your health and fitness goals. Here is a little taste of what State of Fitness has to offer:

Group Coaching: Groups of up to 14 people make up group classes. These small personal coaching classes allow you to get an efficient full body workout that is sure to get you in shape. They use a wide variety of functional exercises and equipment like kettlebells, stability balls, TRX straps, free weights, and more. Workouts are done in a circuit style that creates a metabolic burn to elevate your metabolism and burn fat. There is also a special session for those over 50. Fit Over 50 include all of the elements of the traditional group coaching classes at a less intense level.

Semi-Private Coaching: Fewer people than in Group Coaching classes. These workout routines are designed to build muscle, burn fat, and increase overall strength. Modification, progressions, and regressions are offered for all exercises to match each person’s fitness level.

Private Coaching: All trainers are available for private coaching sessions for members or guests that desire a more personal and/or private session. Sessions are 50-55 minutes long.

Mind Body: In addition to the regular training classes, State of Fitness also offers Mat Pilates, Stretch and Roll, and Vinyasa Yoga classes.

Cardio machines are each equipped with their own Cardio Theaters so you can watch your favorite TV program as you exercise. Whether you prefer to lift weights, swing kettlebells, or run on the treadmill, you will find everything you need.

State of Fitness is truly a diamond in the rough when compared to the usual “24-hour fitness” facilities that are rampant on college campuses. That is just one of the reasons that I am so proud to be an intern there. So, if you are in town, stop on by for a class or two! You never regret a great workout.

Address: 2655 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

Hours of Operation:
MON-THURS: 5AM-9PM
FRIDAY: 5AM-7PM
SAT: 7AM-5PM
SUN: 7AM-3PM

Website: http://www.mystateoffitness.com/
Blog: http://mystateoffitness.wordpress.com/

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She has been an intern at State of Fitness since January 2012.

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