It's finally the new year (yes, we did in fact survive 2016) ! Exactly one year ago, I made a promise to myself that 2016 would be the year I got in shape and worked on my personal overall fitness. One year later, I find myself a busy college student who's twenty pounds lighter and more muscular than ever before, still working towards my overall fitness goals. This list is my top seven fitness tips that definitely worked in 2016 and that I am going to carry over into the new year and beyond.
1. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go.
While it may seem annoying at first, it is so important to drink at least eight cups of water a day. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and the benefits of drinking large volumes of water everyday are endless. Your skin will look healthier, you'll feel more alert, and I found that on days where I drank more water, I was overall less hungry and prone to randomly wander into the kitchen out boredom to snack. The list could go on and on of the benefits, so just pick up a few reusable water bottles from the store, keep them accessible and filled with water, and you're good to go.
2. Make time for yourself everyday. You are worth it!
Life is hectic, and oftentimes we find ourselves saying that there is no possible way we can make it to the gym because we are too busy. It doesn't have to be going to the gym, but make time for yourself everyday. Maybe that's just going on a long walk with a friend, checking out a yoga class, or playing a pickup game of soccer or some other sport with friends. Exercise helps clear your mind and is definitely a great way to destress.
3. Get a gym buddy!
Oftentimes, newcomers to the gym feel a bit intimidated going alone and don't know where to start. Grab a friend who's also interested in starting a new workout routine and set a few times a week for the two of you to meet and workout, inside or outside of the gym. Teamwork is key, and now you have someone else to help motivate you to put the time in to workout.
4. Moderation is key.
Just because you are trying to become healthier doesn't mean you need to completely cut all of your favorite foods out of your diet. Everything is okay in moderation. Still eat your favorite foods, but just became more aware of portion sizes and the frequency which you are eating those foods. There's nothing wrong with having your favorite fast food meal once in awhile, or maybe having a bowl of ice cream every Friday night. However, eating too much of your favorite food, no matter what that food is, can lead to problems later on.
5. Join a recreational or club league sports team!
Maybe you played sports in high school or you've never even dreamed of playing a team sport before. Take a chance and look for what teams are having tryouts or need players, or form a rec league team with your friends. A sports team will get you up and moving a few days a week for practices, games, and tournaments, and you will make some new friends along the way as well.
6. Drop Uber/Lyft/other ride services, at least for reasonable distances.
As a college student, most likely you are not going to have access to a car, and for most this means turning to Uber or Lyft or some othere ride sharing app when having to go somewhere besides class. Growing up, our family motto was that if the place you were going to was five miles away or less, you can walk. Walking in general is a great source of exercise, and you tend to take more of your surroundings in than if you were in car. Of course, be smart with this one. If it's two in the morning and you're in an unfamiliar neighborhood, then yes, get an Uber or have a friend pick you up. Otherwise, keep on walking! Who knows what you'll find.
7. If you're not feeling a workout or are too exhausted to go to the gym, don't force yourself. Figure out a routine that keeps you motivated.
I've found from personal experience that if it's early in the morning and I'm not feeling an early morning workout, it's better to not go and have a successful workout later that day. If you're unmotivated or just overall exhausted, you're not going to have a good workout. Figure out a time during the day that works for your personal schedule to make it to the gym, stick to it, and be productive while there.
Happy New Year, and good luck with all of your New Year's Resolutions! You can do anything you set your mind to this year.
