12 minutes to make pizza

| Lisa Waldera

Lisa Waldera (24) is a master’s student Communication Studies from Bremen, Germany. For three years now, she’s been living on campus. Next to her study, she regularly visits the cinema and enjoys concerts of all music genres. Every other week she writes about her life at the University of Twente.

Photo by: Annabel Jeuring

The variety of sports facilities at the UT seems endless. A swimming pool, climbing wall, running track, gym. More than enough opportunities to stay in shape and clear your head in between online lectures and exams. At least, that was what I thought when I first walked over the campus. I pictured myself playing basketball and beach volleyball. Only to find out soon that my willpower is not that strong. Getting up and working out takes way more energy than putting a pizza in the oven for 12 minutes.

Once in a while, I was able to overcome my weaker self. I went to the gym on campus. Fitness is one of the latest big trends. Very individualistic but also flexible. Sometimes I question though, if people are really trying to be healthier. Or just lift weights for their next Instagram post. Anyway. For a while, I went to the gym at the UT and I have to admit the renovation made it a lot more inviting. After that subscription stopped, I tried a bigger gym in the city. Hoping that the fancy machines and variety of workout possibilities could keep me motivated to go regularly. False. I decided it was not for me to sport indoors.

Another hurdle for me was the associations culture on campus. I understand it has its advantages to have people being responsible for their own sports club and their material etc. At the same time, I would have to join several clubs to get access to the different sports facilities. I did not really want that but try out new things when I started studying. I get that this is not a problem for everyone and some people also play a sport to join a club. Maybe I just have a hard time making decisions in general. Is that reason for my lack of willpower to get up and work out? Or could it be the short time span of 12 minutes to bake a pizza instead? All I know is that getting a dog solved the problem for me. Walking outside, carrying him up and down the stairs and sharing half of my pizza.

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