In an effort to drop extra pounds put on over break, returning students typically flood campus gyms and fitness centers across the country to battle the post-holiday bulge.

"[It is] the biggest time of year for people to be involved in fitness activities," Chip Harrison, head strength and conditioning coach for Penn State said.

Because many holidays celebrated during winter break revolve around food and provide greater access to food, college students are more likely to gain weight, said Jill Garrigan, fitness program coordinator for Penn State.

Penn State sees an increase in fitness memberships and gym attendance after the winter break.

"Numbers are huge in January," Garrigan said.

The reason behind the increase has less to do with weight gain during winter break and more to do with New Year's resolutions, Garrigan said.

Still, for many students, post-break weight gain is a major reason to hit the gym.

Cassandra Derr (junior-advertising) said she gained weight because

she ate more over the winter break than at school.

"I'm going to try and exercise more," Derr said. "I want to get rid of the weight."

According to caloriecontrol.org, the average holiday meal can pack up to 3,000 calories. Holiday snacking can add 1,500 calories. From Thanksgiving through New Year's, the average person can gain five to 10 pounds from holiday eating.

Less activity can also account for weight gain, said Garrigan.

"Before Christmas I was exercising, then I stopped," Matt Billingsley (junior-English and American literature) said.

Billingsley said he would like to change his eating and exercising habits so that he can join a team sport.

"I want to play for the squash team, so I have to [start exercising again]," he said.

After the initial bump in January, gym membership and attendance rates start to even out.

"In general, attendance is pretty consistent through the whole semester," Harrison said. "We see about a 10 percent difference from start to finish."

According to Garrigan, attendance begins to dwindle as the semester continues and further declines as the weather gets warmer.

For students looking to lose weight or improve their workouts, Penn State offers "Get Fit," a no-cost program available to those with a fitness membership.

The program consists of three sessions that can be taken together or separately throughout the semester. Session one is designed to introduce newcomers to the gym and fitness equipment. Session two pairs each patron with a trainer to design a customized fitness program. Session three allows the patron to go through the program once with a trainer as a guide.

Maria Jones, assistant strength coach for Penn State strength and conditioning, said she feels the program is beneficial for students.

"Those [who] have gone through our program are more comfortable around the gym afterwards, as well as satisfied in knowing that they have a customized plan for their weekly workouts," Jones wrote in an e-mail message.

Sign-ups for "Get Fit" start Monday and run through May 4 in Rec Hall.