We can't all be gym fanatics so this is for you if you want to stay fit in easy, everyday ways.
1. Walk
Walking is one of the easiest things to do to stay fit. Living in a dorm I would walk to class every day but once I move to an apartment I would either take the bus or drive every day, walking maybe a couple minutes from my car to class. At least one thing good came out of the new parking permits thanks to Virginia Tech you have the opportunity to walk a lot more! You can park all the way in McComas or Duck Pond lot and you will most definitely hit that 10,000 step mark walking all the way to the academic side.
2. Bike
If walking isn't your thing Virginia Tech has added this great new service where you can download and app and rent a bike for a certain amount of time. This service is a quick and easy way to get around campus and as an added bonus you also get to exercise!
3. Hike
Blacksburg has some amazing hiking trails less than 2 hours away. It's on the Hokie bucket list to try out all of the popular hiking spots around and this is also a great way for you to get some exercise in. Everyone has to go to the cascades at least one time while they are here at tech so I definitely recommend that one first because it's pretty easy. If you are looking some something a little harder, McAffe's Knob is a little more challenging and has some amazing views of the Valley. The trail for a little more experienced hikers would be Dragon's Tooth, after hiking that I was dog tired and got way over 10,000 steps plus some awesome rock climbing.
4. Swim
If land activities aren't your thing swimming is another great option. Both McComas and War have some amazing pools that you can jump right in and swim your laps. Swimming is a good form of cardio and very easy on the joints.
5. Workout at the Gym
McComas and War are the places to be when you want to gain some muscle or even loose a few pounds. There are classes you can take like yoga and spin class, or you can follow your own workout plan.
6. Get your protein
Protein is important to have a balanced diet. It keeps you full longer and can taste great. This does not always have to be meat, for all you vegetarians and vegans out there are always meat substitutes and other ways to get meat that are healthy for you. Nuts, tofu, milk, protein shakes and what-not are all great other options.
7. Eat your Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and Vegetables are also very important for a balanced diet. These can sometimes be hard to find when you are in the haze of all the other amazing food that we have here at Tech but believe me, it is there. You can always keep apples and bananas in your dorm and take them on the go or go to the grab and go at any dining area and there are options for you.
8. Choosing what you eat
Virginia Tech is notorious for their healthy food options. My freshman year I found it a little difficult to choose the healthier options when I knew that the dessert bar at D2 was all you can eat, however, if health is your priority then you have the choice to make whether you want to eat green beans or a slice of cake. D2 has both a vegetarian and vegan station, Owens has a salad bar and a fresh market, West End also has a salad bar, and Turner has a salad place and other great options. All the dining halls have great options to eat healthily and you should definitely take advantage of that.
9. Rest
Sleep seems like a bizarre component of being healthy but it is very important. When you workout getting a good nights sleep after helps your body recover and repair itself. Getting enough sleep every night helps you feel refreshed and ready to take on the next day.
10. Improvise
Not all of these tips will work for you, everyone is different and has a different way of staying healthy that works for them. There are so many different types of diets out there and you need to figure out what works best for you. A balanced diet and exercise are important for a healthy life but the way you go about doing these things is up to you.
