Exercising is one of those words that either makes people happy or makes people cringe.

Personally, I’ve know several of each type and I’ve even been each type myself.

Exercising is hard. Hard to get up and do, hard to find the motivation to do, hard to find the time to do and even scary to get into.

However, it’s really not all that bad if you start out slow and work your way up.

I started working out daily when I was at a young age. From soccer season to basketball season to indoor soccer and then to summer ball.

Going through practices everyday for three hours a day was just a familiar cycle that I learned to love and hate.

The key to exercising is to be motivated. You have to want it, you have to have the drive to push yourself past your limits because it’s the only way you’re going to get better. Take it from me, working hard gives amazing results.

However you have to start somewhere, so why not talk about getting abs.

There’s a lot of exercises you can do that give you abs.

Sit ups (crunches), bicycle crunches, side plank, cross body climbers, the regular plank, mountain climbers, leg lifts, and down-dog to plank.

These are a lot of terms, but they are are pretty simply exercises that if you regularly do, will guide you to abs.

All of these exercises will help you burn some extra calories and lose your belly fat, which will eventually lead to abs if you stick with it!

There are other exercises you can start off with as well, such as running, cycling, zumba and even lifting. Whichever one interests you the most!

Although I wish I could say that by doing simple workouts you’ll always get abs, a lot of it has to do with what you eat.

Eating the right foods and sticking to healthy proportions is one of the biggest factors that could help lead you to a leaner, in-shape body. Protein intake is very important.

Lightly prepared chicken is a good energy booster, but your vegetable intake should be higher than your meat intake.

Fruits are also a great substitute for fattening treats that people often turn to.

Overall, a good place to start when trying to get in shape is finding a workout that fits you, pushing yourself and evolving your food intake to match your exercise routine.

And remember, exercising really isn’t that bad when the end result is wo rewarding. So find the motivation and hit-up the gym; the visit will be well worth it.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Spring sports are just around the corner, meaning pre-season for softball is in full swing. Now is the time for the whole team to focus on conditioning and skills in order to get themselves ready for regular season.

Puja Thapa / Business Manager

Keene State College senior Shae Crosby said the pre-season is the time that the team starts working with Sarah Testo, who is the Strength and Conditioning coach. With the new exercises and focus on improving physically, Crosby said Testo is really helpful with designing programs and workouts that are specific to the softball teams skills and movement.

For the team, having that starting foundation and guiding leadership is important with helping them become faster and stronger players before the winter’s end. The work is hard, though, and every practice pushes each athlete to their maximum potential Crosby said.

“The workouts are tough, and can seem tedious, but it is all because we are just so ready to start practice and games. Pre-season is really the time to get in shape. Our workouts are so intense that they motivate us to get be in the best shape that we can be,” Crosby said.

The softball team has to cover a lot in limited time, so they try to focus on hitting specific pitches, bunting, small ball, as well as defense such as ground balls and fly balls. “We try to make it as realistic as possible indoors,” Crosby said.

Pre-season primarily focuses on conditioning and physically improving, but Crosby said it is also a time where team bonding occurs. Crosby said that pre-season is a time to build team relationships, especially with the incoming first-years who are awaiting the start of their first college season. “Pre-season it is a less intense version of the season, so a time to practice time management and balance all aspects of life before crunch time really begins,” Crosby added.

Sophomore Alli Canavan said that pre-season is the foundation that helps the team build up for the rest of the year. The pre-season allows each individual player to grow and improve physically, as well as bond with other players through practices Canavan said. Team bonding especially makes the first-year students feel more welcomed and a part of the team, which then gives them more confidence during the regular season.

Pre-season is also a time when the team’s schedule is more flexible, which allows the team to do community service, such as chaperoning middle school dances at the Keene Park and Recreational Center and also helping with Special Olympics Bowling at Yankee Lanes.

Overall, pre-season really helps the team get back into the routine of things, as well as getting ready for softball in general, Canavan said.

Team members Mikayla Pacy, Katelyn Hill and Cassie Woods were unable to comment.

With the spring right around the corner, the softball team hopes to cover a lot of ground and get into the thick of practices so they can be ready to win during the start of regular season, added Crosby.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

With the winter season coming to a slow but gradual end, the spring sports, such as baseball, prepare for their seasons to begin.

Junior pitcher Connor Johnson said there is a lot more to baseball pre-season than people think. Baseball starts early too, with pre-season beginning in fall, a few weeks after the return of students. “We begin with tryouts that are run very much like games with two teams against each other and such. That’s just to see what guys can do in game-like pressure situations,” Johnson said. 

Puja thapa / Business Manager

As the fall progresses into the winter, the team focuses on weight lifting and getting stronger so they can become durable during the season, Johnson added.

On top of the physical exercise comes the phase of actual practices in the gym, which gives the team a taste for baseball and makes them hungry to go outside and play, Johnson said.

“Pitchers throw their bullpens to deactivate our arms after we shut them down from the end of fall to the beginning of Christmas break. As our pitchers get back into the hang of things, we will do ‘live days’ where our pitchers face our batters in “live at-bats” to simulate at-bats in a game,” Johnson said.

Focusing on the little things such as bunt coverages, defense with runners on first and third and pick-offs from pitchers really helps the team focus and keep their mind on the important parts, Johnson added. “You get what you put into it. Even though we have a hard-working group, we need to put our effort into our craft and make it hard for ourselves, which I think we do well.”

Junior pitcher Brandon Heath said there is no off season in collegiate baseball.

“During the winter months we have team workouts four days a week to help prepare our bodies for the season. The pitchers also start throwing to strengthen their arms and hitters take a ton of reps in the batting cage to perfect their swings,” Heath said.

Due to the New England weather, the team has to spend most of their pre-season inside, which is difficult because inside infielders don’t get true ground balls and outfields can’t practice fly balls like they can on a baseball field, Heath said.

“When in practice we like to take advantage of what we can do. To practice as realistic as we can, our pitchers throw live to batters in the cage so hitters can face real pitching like a  game situation,” Heath said. “As far as practices go, you are trying to get better for the season so they should be hard. If every practice was easy then you aren’t giving yourself and your team mates the best chance to succeed in the spring. We work hard in the off season for a reason,” added Heath.

Senior Noah Rizio said that each day of pre-season is different, with a variety of exercises that the team focuses on.

Rizio said the team starts in the summer with playing in different summer leagues along with lifts that the trainer, Sarah Testo, gives them.

Then in the fall, the team has practices for about four weeks with two games at the end of the fall with any school that’s close to them, Rizio added. “We’re pretty relaxed as a group.

Of course we get on each other sometimes, but sometimes you have to.

We all want the same thing, and that’s to win in the spring.

We all know what we have to do,” Rizio said. In the past, the baseball team had some issues with negativity, but Rizio said the team and players have grown since then.

“We’re now all on the same page and it’s more fun to be a part of this team than it has in any of the last three years I’ve been here. I have a lot of confidence that we will be more successful because of it,” Rizio said.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Usually, when the winter rolls around, people groan, quickly finding shelter under layers and thick blankets.

However, for others, winter means it’s time to wax those skis and hit the slopes. You don’t always have to be a die-hard skier to enjoy the sport, and as I say, I would rather get up and be active than do nothing all winter.

There are so many mental and physical perks that come from skiing, all connecting to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Skiing combines the great outdoors air with physical activity and some sunshine exposure that many people forget about. Skiing also ties in physical, mental, emotional and social aspects, which all contribute to a healthy persona.

The physical aspect of the sport is huge. Skiing is a very tiring sport for beginners, but it offers so much physical exercise.

Many people, especially beginners, don’t really realize how much brain power actually goes into the sport itself.

Skiing is a proprioceptive activity, which refers to the ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts, according to an article on the University of New Hampshire (UNH) website titled, “The Benfits of Skiing.” This almost defines skiing because the sport involves balance and coordination.

There are numerous movements (sometimes slight) and positions that you and your body must be conscious of in order to ski well.

The more you ski, the more you strengthen your ability to be aware of the movement of your body parts.

This is important because proprioception weakens with age so the more you are involved in skiing, the better you will get. Skiing also strengthens your joints, such as your knees, which mostly endure the weight.

Strengthening these areas makes an injury later in life less likely, as well as makes your bones stronger. Your movements will also become faster, so not only are you having a fantastic time gliding down the slopes, but you are preventing knee damage and increasing your proprioceptive strength.

If you’re a skier, you know just how social the sport is.

People will say “hi” on the slopes and you’ll ride up with strangers on the lift, often leading to mellow conversations. Waking up at the crack of dawn to drive an hour or more, to spend a day in the freezing cold may not seem appealing to a non-skier. But if you add a whole group of close friends that all share an enjoyment and love for skiing, you’ve got one heck of a good day.

What is unique about skiing is that it brings together people of all different ages and cultures.

All over the world there are mountains and snow, and people skiing. So not only do you have a great group of people having a fantastic time, you’ve got a motivational team that encourages you to get off the couch in the winter and get active.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m so thankful I got off the couch and let my friend drag me to the mountain to learn how to ski.

For me, I am always learning and always gaining knowledge. With each run comes an establishment of a forever skill. It sure does make my winters all the better.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Just like many years before, the Keene State College women’s swim and dive team has claimed yet another LEC title, making it their 12th straight title. With 12 years under their belt, the women’s swim and dive team succeeded again in their respective field, claiming their title in Owl Nation.

Colton McCracken / Senior Photographer

Sophomore Madison Pechulis said it feels amazing knowing her team’s hard work has pulled off each year. Continuously claiming the LEC title gave the team and individuals the extra strength they needed to push through the next season, Pechulis said.

The preparation that goes into each meet is a key part to the team’s success. Pechulis has to practice six days a week, doing doubles some days, and working in the weight room. “Each Friday, the girls have a quick meeting after practice where we each talk about the good things we saw from others during the week. It helps to have the support of your whole team,” Pechulis said.

Having all of the hard work pay off in the end is the best part to it all, Pechulis said. “To know that your teammates believe in you and are cheering for you at the end of the lane is sometimes what you need to believe in yourself.”

Senior Rachel MacKinnon, who has been with the team for the past three LEC titles, said it feels great to have pulled off such an accomplishment.

MacKinnon added that to win an LEC means a lot to the team and to have accomplished 12 years in a row is amazing.

“As the team captain, I’m extremely proud of the girls and how we performed. I definitely cried a little because of how happy I was with this win. It was an exciting meet and I can’t wait to see what our next championship has to bring in a week,” MacKinnon said.

The training process was rigorous this year, the team knowing just how big of a deal it was to pull out the win, MacKinnon said.

“Especially for the seniors since we’ve been apart of it for four years now. We didn’t want to lose it our last year so we had the drive to win. We’ve worked countless hours, swam thousands of laps to prepare for that,” MacKinnon said.

As a senior, MacKinnon hopes to see the legacy of dominance continue for another decade. “I have faith in our program that we can successfully continue this streak.”

Sophomore Sydney McGough said it feels amazing to be a part of something so much bigger than herself. “I was seven, when the women won their first title [of the 12 straight], and to now be a part of the legacy is just surreal,” McGough said.

McGough said that the key to her teams success is their unwavering hard work and their ability support one another in and out of the pool.

“We go into the meet with a positive mindset. Positivity and support are crucial, especially at such an important meet,” McGough added.

With so much history of success in the women’s swim and dive team, McGough hopes to continue the legacy for her next two years and keep up the hard work.

“I hope that as a team we can continue this win streak for many years to come. I know it won’t come easy, but we know the work required and we are willing to do it,” McGough said.

Senior Alexandra McCafferty said it felt amazing to claim another LEC title and that it’s a true honor to be a part of this legacy at KSC.

“I appreciate all of the alumni who started this team and that worked so hard to be able to get us to the point of winning 12 straight LEC titles. I also look forward to watching my teammates carry on this tradition for years to come,” McCafferty said.

In order to get this end goal, McCafferty said the team put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this win; training every single day and devoting their overall time to the sport.

Their hard work has paid off, too, for the past twelve years, which McCafferty hopes will continue.

“My hope for the future is that the Keene State swimming and diving program continues to grow and to continue our winning traditions. I will always be a part of this team in my heart even as I graduate this spring; I will continue to support my team as a Keene State owl,” McCafferty said.

Senior Margaret Dean said winning 12 straight titles makes the team feel accomplished, but each win feels like a new chapter the team has added to their dynasty.

“Our team is still in touch with most of our alumni and its not only important to our current team but past teammates that our success story of LEC’s continues forwards. And it’s amazing to think I am part of this team’s journey and it’s awesome to know I am part of this success story,” Dean said.

Dean also added that each win feels like a contribution to something much bigger than being a champion and that, as a senior, it’s fulfilling to be a part of KSC’s legacy.

The team steps up when needed and works together, often participating in events they normally don’t participate in just to add points up for the team.

“Working together on our team means swimming your part and knowing everyone, regardless what place they come in, is a valuable asset,” Dean said.

As a senior, Dean will move on, but she hopes, as she continues her journey, that the swim and dive team will continue to work hard and continue the legacy.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The Keene State College Swim and Dive team is in mid season and already has multiple victories under their belt. The work that goes into each practice and meet can be easily forgotten about, but it is that work that causes such great success for the KSC Owls. Members of the Swim and Dive team gave a little insight to the work that goes into every ounce of success.

Colton Mccracken / Senior photographer

Sophomore Kyle Shadeck said that it is all about the work in practice leading up to the meet. Shadeck said, “When I know I have trained hard, it helps give me confidence that I will perform well.” The drills that each athlete focuses on during practice are also key to individual success, Shadeck added. “As a team, our biggest focus is the underwater dolphin kick outs off each turn. Each practice we take the time to work on our kick and our lung capacity so that we are fast off our turns,” Shadeck said. Being able to dedicate yourself to the entirety of the season can be difficult due to how much time is takes up, but Shadeck said mental strength is key. “Personally I would say the hardest part of the sport is staying mentally tough throughout the year. It can be a very long season, lasting up to six months with up to 13 workouts a week, so the season and wind up being mentally draining in addition to physically draining,” Shadeck said.

Junior Lauren Arsenault said that mentally preparing yourself for meets can at times be difficult, and often that preparation comes from the level of competition that you’re facing.

Arsenault said she tried to be confident in the pool and remind herself how hard she works each day to achieve those goals.

“I think about the little things I need to focus on such as breath control, strong breakouts, turns, and my stroke. Then I just tell myself to go in and leave it all in the pool,” Arsenault said.

Physically preparing for a meet occurs on a daily basis, Arsenault said.

“Each day we go into practice and have to push past our limits. When we are in the pool or weight room we have to constantly push ourselves,” Arsenault added.

Outside of the pool, each person has to be aware of the foods they are eating and the amount of sleep we are getting; all of these things affect our physical readiness for a meet, Arsenault said.

In practice, Arsenault said the team goes through the motions with swimming laps and learning how to push past the fatigue and pain.

Just like Shadeck, Arsenault believes that the hardest aspect of the sport is being mentally tough.

“With any sport, being physically tough is extremely important, but with swimming, mental toughness is a huge part of it,” Arsenault said.

Sophomore Sydney McGough said that she likes to visualize her swims before the meet.

McGough said, “Our team has a relatively rigorous practice schedule. As a mid-distance swimmer, I have nine swim practices a week and three lift sessions.”

With so much time going into each and every week, McGough said that it’s important to focusing on improving personal skills and being smart about time management.

“I think the hardest part is how much time we dedicate to the sport. I would never trade it for the world, but there is a huge time commitment that comes with being on the team,” McGough said.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The New England Patriots are known for their comebacks and their extreme ability to tackle the scoreboard as the time ticks down.

However, the Patriots ran out of time this time around, losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41-33.

The Eagles are NFL champions for the first time in the Super Bowl era, denying Brady his sixth Super Bowl ring.

There was no doubt that each team came ready to play, as the Eagles pushed offensively and the Patriots made key plays in the end zone.

Patriots defense worked to keep their one-on-one defense tight, but faltered, giving the Eagles one particularly well-played touchdown. The surprise touchdown pass to quarterback

Nick Foles had Eagles fans screaming, showing the sheer risk Philadelphia coach, Doug Pederson, was willing to take against the Patriots.

The game was full of back and forth action, as the Patriots won the coin toss and chose to give the ball to the Eagles first, who worked quickly to gain yards and points to the scoreboard.

Touchdowns after touchdowns, each team climbed the ladder, the Patriots pushing to lead above the Eagles the entire game.

The Patriots quickly gained momentum, as the Eagles defense struggled to keep up with Tom Brady’s pace, finally gaining a lead of 33-32 in the fourth quarter of the game.

Gronkowski and Brady were a perfect duo, as they worked together to gain yards. Gronkowski eventually scored two touchdowns, Brady performing his magic when it was needed the most.

The Patriots worked to regain the lead with two minutes to go in the game, but Eagles’ defense crashed, hitting the ball from Brady’s hands before he had time to make the play.

Patriots fans looked on as the Patriots got their first turnover of the game. The stress increased for Patriots fans as the Eagles pushed further on offense.

The Patriots flew home as losers,  despite putting up a Super Bowl-record 613 yards and despite Tom Brady playing one of the games of his life.

A head coach who was a backup NFL quarterback (Pederson) and an offensive coordinator who was a backup NFL quarterback (Reich) and a quarterback who was a backup NFL quarterback (Foles), beat Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

The Eagles knew the only chance they had at beating the Patriots was to call a top-secret play when it wouldn’t have mattered if the Patriots had 15 players on defense.

This is what it takes to stun the Patriots: a play they’d never seen run by the Eagles, with a passer who’d never thrown an NFL pass, and a receiver who’d never been thrown an NFL pass.

The Eagles had a three-point game, against the best team of the generation, and no doubt if the Patriots had more time, they would have overcome the Eagles score once again.

However, all respect goes  towards the Eagles. They were able to beat a team that had made nine trips to the Super Bowl, and who have shown incredable skill and strength for years. Maybe this wasn’t the Patriot’s year, but they will be back.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The KSC women’s basketball team has faced significant struggles in the 2017-2018 season, resting at a 4-17 record going into the second week of February.

Priya Gautamchhetri / Equinox Staff

The Owls were able to pick up wins against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Plymouth State University (PSU), and Rhode Island College (RIC). Facing loses early on, The Owls were stuck in a slump mid-season, however they found their momentum against Plymouth State University.

The team was able to take away their first LEC win against the Panthers, boosting their confidence and rejuvenating their attitude. The Keene State College women’s basketball team used a strong start and hot shooting from three point range to beat PSU  62-49 in Little East Conference action on Wednesday night at Spaulding Gym. The Owls went 1-7 overall in the conference, but the one win was a much needed boost, causing them to soon after push past RIC with an overall score of 62-50.

With the basketball team being so young this year (one senior, one junior, five sophomores and four first-years), the dynamics of the team have changed. The Owls are facing adjustments and trying to make that team connection before the season is out. With these recent wins it looks like they are ready to start turning it around. With only four games left before playoffs begin, the women’s basketball team hopes to make a turn around and prove their skill in the games to come, as well as pulling out a few well-deserved wins.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

So many KSC athletes receive Little East Conference (LEC) weekly and monthly awards and the feeling of that accomplishment is often lost in the noise of the regular season. These individual accomplishments mean a lot to each and every Owl who receives one and symbolize the great succes that KSC holds within its athletic department.

Colton McCracken / Senior Photographer

Senior and women’s volleyball athlete Rachel Lamica said winning an LEC award felt great. “It’s an amazing accomplishment, and it made me believe hard work does pay off,” Lamica said. Lamica added that winning these awards build an athlete’s confidence and makes her personally feel like she has what it takes to accomplish whatever she set her mind to. “It is fulfilling to be recognized. There were many hours put into training and practicing volleyball my whole life, so it felt great to get an LEC award,” Lamica said. Although winning an LEC award is based on individual success, Lamica said that her team is a big part of her success and support. “My team is incredibly supportive, so they are proud and congratulated me afterward receiving the award,” Lamica added.

Senior and member of the women’s swim and dive team, Hope Walsh, said winning an LEC award was a treat. “You do not expect it, so it is a little surprise that keeps you motivated and reminds you, that what you are doing is working, and being noticed. And in a sport like swimming where it is so mentally draining, it really helps keep you positive and moving forward,” Walsh said. Walsh said that receiving an LEC inspires her to get faster and motivates her to really push herself in the pool. “Being recognized is always fulfilling. What athlete doesn’t want it? It might not be what we work for, but it is an added perk. It reminds you why you do it, and I am grateful for that,” Walsh added. Just like Lamica, Walsh said that her team plays a very important role in her individual success. “When one person succeeds we all do, because we couldn’t do it without the support of each other,” said Walsh.

Senior Erica Stauffer and member of the women’s field hockey team said that winning an LEC award is always appreciated and a well-included reward when competing in a college sport. Working everyday and striving to get better becomes that much easier when being rewarded for the effort you put in, Stauffer said. However, Stauffer added, no individual success can be met without a team and the coaches that lead. “My team supports one another and always encourages one another to get better. We lift each other up in times of success and in times of struggle,” Stauffer said.

Winning LEC awards isa perk to the hard work that goes into each and every sport. But the real success is found in the individual’s drive and ability to motivate themselves to become better. The more work you put into a sport, the more you get out of it. The more dedication you have in a sport, the better you will perform.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Skiing has been around since the 600 B.C.E. era.

Brandon Moulton / Equinox staff

In those days, it was used as a form of transportation over snow-covered terrain, but since then it has evolved immensely.

Skiing is now a way to increase exercise, a way to enjoy the long winters and a sport that simply never gets old.

Rock paintings of skis were preserved and show that hunters and trappers used skis at least 5,000 years ago, but skis are even older than that.

As the glaciers retreated, the Stone Age hunters followed reindeer and elk herds from central Asia’s Altai region, moving to the northwest and northeast.

They used skis to do so, covering themselves with fur that worked like modern climbing skins.

Skis thus came to be used across the Eurasian arctic regions.

As time progressed into the modern age, skis were in regularly used by Scandinavian farmers, hunters and warriors throughout the Middle Ages.

By the 18th century, units of the Swedish Army trained and competed on skis (www.skiinghistory.org).

In the 1840s, the cambered ski (a shaped alpine ski with relatively little sidecut and classic camber: the tip and tail touch the snow while the midsection is in the air) was developed by woodcarvers in the province of Telemark, Norway.

The bow-shaped, cambered ski arched up toward the center to distribute the weight of the skier more evenly across the length of the ski.

Before this invention, skis had to be thick to glide without bowing downward and sinking in the snow under the skier’s weight (they were concentrated in the middle).

If a ski is allowed to bow downward this way, the skier finds himself constantly skiing uphill, out of a hole his own weight has made in the snow.

But with this new ski, the skier no longer sank in the snow, but instead glided smoothly across it. This was the start of the new and ever improving ski (www.skiinghistory.org).

In the 1860s-1900s the ski continued to transform, as new models and ideals were put to the test. Skis were made narrower, the edges were thickened and sharpened, and in the early 1900s skis were laminated, which was the first attempt at waterproof skis.

Lacking good materials though, the glue used to laminate the skis quickly deteriorated due to water, proving useless within a few days (www.skiinghistory.org).

But the inventors and improvers of the ski world never failed to stop improving and that’s why we have such good quality skis today.

Looking at old pairs of skis, it’s amazing to think that anyone could even ski on them.

But the sport of skiing proves to be unstoppable in that aspect.

It’s always interesting looking back at where something began. Skis are impeccable now, with so many designs, lengths and parts that provide safety and fun to the skier.

It’s nice to be a part of that history, even if it’s just a small sliver.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com