College; the time where you have to balance everything from 18 credit hours, work, clubs, and organizations, and even your social life. With so much going on, it's easily forgotten by many college students that your body needs to be taken care of too. Though we are busy, our body is the only one we will ever get, so it is important to take care of it. Try to remember these simple tips to help you stay on track.
1. Embrace the Dorm Workout.
Whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, it's time to get used to doing a few small workouts in your room. All you need is a yoga mat and some free weights, then you’re good to go. Going all the way to the gym can take up more time than you have so; being able to do a quick 20-minute cardio session is all you need! Oh, and always remember that 30 crunches are better than no crunches.
2. Take the Long Way.
Being a college student, we literally walk everywhere. Walking to class, walking to our cars, or even walking to the gym, our legs never stop moving. Rather than taking all the short cuts to class, leave 5 minutes earlier and take the long way. Not only that, take the stairs at all costs. By walking more and climbing stairs your are instantly burning more calories, while getting to the same place you needed to be when you took the short cut.
3. Find a Workout Buddy.
Rather it is your classmate, roommate, or your best friend, find someone who can stick to the same schedule as you. This will give you someone to push and motivate you because we all know sometimes it is hard to motivate ourselves. Not only will they hold you accountable, but it also makes working out more fun. That way going to the gym doesn’t seem so much like a task.
4. Have a Schedule.
Not only will this help you work in your work out, but it will also help you stay on track with other tasks like remembering that your homework is due at 10 p.m. and not 12 a.m. Taking the time to write an hourly schedule will benefit you in many ways. It also doesn’t allow you to give the excuse that you simply just "don’t have the time."
5. Take a Wellness Class.
This may seem weird if you are not a Kinesiology major, but it was one of the smartest decisions. While taking a wellness class I have been able to keep up with my fitness. Most schools offer classes like weight training, conditioning, or even swimming classes. By taking a class makes you work out anywhere from 2-3 days a week while getting a grade for it.
You'll never be younger than you are in this moment so take advantage of it and get in the best shape that you can with these few easy tips. Hey, you never know, you could turn into the next gym rat.
