Trying to avoid the freshman 15? There’s a dorm for that.

Many students gain weight when they start college, so some schools now offer residence halls that focus on fitness and wellness to help combat what is commonly referred to as "the freshman 15." Frostburg State University in Maryland has bWell dorm for students interested in living a healthy lifestyle, offering workout programs and healthy meals, and encouraging students to take a substance-free pledge. April Baer, Frostburg’s director of student wellness, explains, “We show them that fitness is more than just walking on a treadmill.” In addition to healthy fitness and nutrition, bWell also helps students learn to cope with stress. Other schools in Maryland such as Groucher College, Mount St. Mary’s University, and the University of Maryland are also implementing similar programs to help students stay healthy on campus.

Washington Post, 8/27/13