One of college students' most common goals over the summer is to exercise, get in shape, and lose weight. Many kids blame their lack of physical activity on their hectic school and Greek schedule, and promise themselves that since those distractions aren't valid over summer, it will be their time to work hard and return to fall semester looking like a 10. Unfortunately, I am one of those kids who doesn't know how to maintain a steady fitness schedule and would rather sit at home eating everything in the fridge while watching "Friends" on Netflix.
However, when I left school, I promised myself I would get back in shape. For me, and probably almost everyone else, the hardest part about exercising is physically getting up to go do it. It would be so much easier to just sit in bed all day than put pants on and leave the house. But here are a few tips that I've been using to ensure I stay on track and achieve my summer goals:
1. Sign up for fitness classes.
In a class or group training session, you are being trained by people who know what it takes to get fit, and, most importantly, know what they're doing. You can go to the gym or go running every single day and not get the results you're looking for simply because your intensity may not be high enough or you may be targeting the wrong muscles. Having someone there to tell you what to do, how many times to do it, and pushing you to the highest degree is the best way to get the results you've been craving. Besides, if you're paying for classes, why not go?
2. Organize workouts with friends.
This way, you won't be able to make up excuses not to get out of bed, plus their determination and work ethic will motivate you to be just as good if not surpass their progress. Their support, and the fact that you can't bail, will somewhat force you to exercise and achieve your fitness goals. Plus, working out will be twice as fun considering it's doubling as a social hour.
3. Stay focused.
This doesn't mean stay focused on fitness, which you should be doing regardless. This means that if you plan to work out today, do it. Come home straight from work and don't get in bed or on the couch. Put your stuff down, change your clothes, and go outside. The minute you sit down and get comfortable, the less of a chance you're getting your butt to the gym today.
4. Set up a schedule.
Organizing a schedule at the beginning of the week to plan out what you're going to be doing every day is a smart way to stay on track. Being spontaneous doesn't always work out in your favor, and more than often you'll find yourself sitting on the couch for a whole afternoon instead of dedicating some time to physical activity. Make note of your plans on your phone, on a sticky note, or tape a piece of paper to your wall. It's easier to stay committed to something if it's written down rather than if it's just a thought in your head.
5. Find time.
You have to make time. A prominent reason college students don't exercise is because they say they don't have the time. Between school, Greek life, and spending time with your friends, it can be hard to try to fit in a workout. Planning your day in advance can help you do just that. It also really doesn't take much time to get a good workout in; it doesn't have to be long as long as it's effective. For example, running for an hour or less can add up to running about 3-4 miles, depending on your fitness level.
6. Eat healthy.
One of the more cliché tips, but definitely one of the most important. Many people exercise daily but then go home and eat chicken nuggets and fries and wonder why they don't see any results. You don't have to necessarily "diet," but eating right is a large part of achieving any fitness goal. The hamburger you swallowed in 20 seconds was not worth wasting the hours you've committed at the gym.
