‘Strong and Healthy’ promotes fitness on SUNY Oswego campus

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Oswego, N.Y.- With midterms rolling around, busy schedules as well as the winter weather have made things difficult for college students to achieve their desired fitness goals, especially losing the Freshman 15. Enter ‘Strong and Healthy’, SUNY Oswego’s newest fitness organization devoted to motivating students to not only stay active year round, but to think differently about how they work out.

‘Strong and Healthy’ Founder and President Autumn Caldwell started the organization in January. She suffered from depression after gaining 20 pounds during her first semester. A year later, Caldwell lost more than 25 pounds and regained her confidence.

 ‘Strong and Healthy’ President Autumn Caldwell before and after her weight loss. Photo from Autumn Caldwell.
‘Strong and Healthy’ President Autumn Caldwell before and after her weight loss. Photo from Autumn Caldwell.

“I used to hate working out,” Caldwell said. “But working out has made me stronger as a person. Not just physically, but mentally.”   

Since launching in January, ‘Strong and Healthy’ has gained the attention of more than 150 SUNY Oswego students. Secretary Erin Clegg was unhappy with her skinny body and cardio workout. She eventually turned to strength training and became much happier with herself.  

“I really wanted to break the boundary between women and gaining muscle and lifting,” Clegg said.

Erin Clegg before and after her fitness transformation. Photo from Erin Clegg.
Erin Clegg before and after her fitness transformation. Photo from Erin Clegg.

“When a lot of people think of the word ‘strong,’ they think of muscles and abs and a six pack,” Caldwell said. “When they think ‘healthy,’ they think that means you have to be thin. That’s not necessarily the case. Being skinny does not necessarily mean that you’re healthy.”

‘Strong and Healthy’ will be holding a kick off event on April 22nd. For more information, visit their Twitter and Instagram pages.