Being ‘in shape’ is very ‘in.’  Web pages are lined with ads for supercharged workouts tips and fat-burning foods. Whether America is healthy and fit is up for debate, though.  The real question is: what can people do to get there?

Hilltopper athletes have some tips on the subject—they know what works from experience.

Brady Faglie

Workout: Running

Faglie, a senior, has been on the Rugby team since his freshman year.  He works out two to three times a week and tries to run at least twice a week on top of his workouts.

Faglie said he actually runs more often when rugby is not in seasonn.

He describes his sport as 80 minutes of running and tackling. When he runs, he mixes up sprinting and jogging to build up endurance. “It really kills you,” Faglie said with a grin. On top of his solo sprint training, the St. Edward’s Rugby Football Team practices four times a week in the fall.

Rugby’s made me be in some of the best shape I’ve been,” Faglie said.

Diet: Quantity

With a workout routine like this, Faglie’s body needs something to burn. “I eat a lot of everything,” Faglie said. Breakfast tends to consist of six eggs and five pieces of toast. In a day, Faglie claims to be able to drink an entire gallon of milk.

He attributes his diet to the three following things: a few thousand calories, a lot of fat and a lot of protein. “There are some guys who try to eat more veggies,” Faglie said. “But that’s when they’re trying to lose weight. I have a fast metabolism. Guess that’s the blessing of being young.”

Brianna Hinnenkamp

Workout: Soccer Drills

Hinnenkamp has been playing soccer since she was four years old. As a senior, her three years on the St. Edward’s Women’s Soccer team have necessitated more commitment than ever.

“Our workouts are super intense,” Hinnenkamp said.

The team works out together for at least an hour six days a week, doing a series of drills that include sprinting, jogging and full-body weightlifting. NCAA mandates that the team have one day free a week from workouts. If the team performs well enough in their games — scoring 3-0 or better — coach Nick Cowell grants the girls another day off.

“For anyone else who’s trying to get into shape,” Hinnenkamp said, “I wouldn’t suggest doing a [whole] hour.”

Diet: Replenish

“We can pretty much eat whatever we want,” Hinnenkaamp said.

Most of her team takes in over 2000 calories a day to maintain their body weight. Hinnenkamp prefers to eat healthy, as she likes cooking and trying new vegetables.Coach Cowell described the “Golden Hour.” During the hour after physical activity, Cowell encourages the girls to pack in as much food as they can. “Cookies, ice cream, whatever,” Hinnenkamp said, laughing.

It flies in the face of conventional diet wisdom, but these tips work for this St. Edward’s athlete.