Dealing With The "Beginning of Semester" Davis Center
By: Marcelle Allen
The beginning of a new semester is a lot like the beginning of a new year, we create new goals and aspirations then cross our fingers as we hope to stick to them. Very similarly to our super legit New Year’s resolutions, many of us decide we are going to recommit to going to the gym regularly this semester, hoping that with each day we’ll get closer to achieving one of the many six-packs we saw all over Instagram this summer.
Yes, deciding to become a gym regular and not-so-ironically ascribing to #NewYearNewMe is a great thing, and I fully believe everyone should do their absolute best to live a more active lifestyle. However, for the Davis veterans, the influx of unfamiliar faces can be inconvenient for those of us accustomed to a certain routine.
When Davis is full of everyone rocking their new Lululemon leggings 24/7, the easiest option would be to stay home, comfy in bed, and wait out the beginning of semester rush. Instead, try a simple dorm workout! Grab a jump rope, resistance bands, and a heavy book or two and you can get in a solid body weight workout with minimal equipment, without ever having to leave your room. Even though it has been oppressively hot outside lately, walking to grab off-campus dinner instead of driving a short distance is an easy way to get some more steps in if you are still avoiding the gym.
We are also super lucky to be in the Villanova area, as there are endless boutique style workout classes available along the Main Line to keep you occupied if you are willing to drop some cash. While the two Orangetheory locations in Ardmore and Devon that are closest to us are my favorite, there is also Bulldog Yoga, SoulCycle, [solidcore], and many others just a short drive or Uber ride away. Being quite literally forced out of Davis could be a blessing in disguise, you could find your new favorite off-campus workout spot!
For the new Villanovans, especially women, I urge you not to be afraid to go work out whenever you want, even when the gyms are at max capacity. Venture into the “men’s” weight room in Stanford, or be bold and unafraid to lift heavier than the boy next to you in Davis if that’s what you enjoy! Any gym full of people that seem like they have their lives completely together can be intimidating, and can be even more so if you run into the cute boy/girl from your Ethics class on the way in.
Personally, the way I was able to get over Davis gym gitters was to go with a friend. It’s a lot easier to venture out of your comfort zone when you have someone by your side feeling the same way! Gym buddies are great, you can both hold each other accountable while smiling through the pain.
The most authentic way to live is to be unapologetically yourself, and working out can do wonders in helping this confidence develop. Do what works for you, whether it is finding your own zone off campus or fighting for floor space in the Davis Center, everyone will find their niche and everything will balance itself out.
