Regardless of your year in school, the Freshman 15 can strike anytime, anywhere. Besides proper eating habits, a solid exercise routine will help keep the extra pounds off. Unfortunately, the schedule of a college student certainly isn’t conducive to working out on a regular basis. So how do the classiest of co-ed’s manage to have stellar grades, healthy bodies and a super social life? Follow these tips and see for yourself.
Buddy Up
Having a friend to work out with not only makes exercising more fun and enjoyable, but gives you an extra motivator, too. There are always going to be days when you want to lounge around, but having a buddy to push you to work out, even for 30 minutes, will keep you toned and on track.
Tip: Instead of meeting up with your friend for lunch, go for a walk outside or take a dance class together. Small adjustments like this keep your body and your social life healthy!
Keep It Fresh
Just like with anything else, repeating the same workout routine every day gets old! Do yourself and your muscles a favor by changing up your workouts on a regular basis. Lift weights in the gym one day and go hiking on your campus’ outdoor trail the next. Constantly changing your workouts (and musical playlists!) ensures your body never gets comfortable with a routine. This will help you achieve the results you want at a much quicker rate. Who doesn’t want that?
Pencil It In
Between class, clubs and saving the environment, it’s easy to forget or skip out on a workout. At the beginning of the week, look over your schedule and write in times you can fit in exercise. When you carve out the time to hit the gym or jog with your friends, you are much more likely to do it.
Tip: If you’re looking to stick to a stricter schedule, look up times for fitness classes offered at your school gym and make sure to attend them on a regular basis. When you fall into a routine of attending class, it will feel strange when you don’t go.
Creativity is Key
Working out is all about flexibility – both figuratively and literally. When you can’t make it to the gym, find new and innovative ways to stay fit. Next time your can’t-miss TV show is on, give these dorm room exercises a try during commercials. A good workout doesn’t require fancy equipment or a gigantic gym – all you really need is a drive to succeed.
GOAL!
Before starting any workout regimen, set a small, manageable goal for yourself. Write it on a post-it and put it where you can always see it – on your bulletin board, notebook cover or window. When you see a goal staring you in the face each and every day, you’ll be much more motivated to get up and move!
Tip: After completing each goal, treat yourself with a reward – such as a night in with your girls or new outfit. You’ll be inspired to set more goals and work even harder to achieve them!
What keeps you motivated to stick to a workout while at school?
Casey Galasso is junior at Marist College. Follow her on Twitter at @omggcasey. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
