College Fitness Tips That Actually Work

The Freshman Fifteen is a very real thing, but it’s also avoidable. Below are some tried and tested fitness tips that are perfect for the busy college student.

1. Buy a calendar and hang it up where you can see it and access it easily, color in every day that you work out. Motivate yourself to fill in 4-5 days out of the week to stay healthy. You can make it decorative and colorful, or surround it with motivational quotations or photos.

Personally, I always feel excited and proud seeing my calendar all colored in. On days that I don’t feel like working out, I force myself to go, because seeing that one blank spot on my calendar will drive me crazy!

2. Update your motivation as much as necessary. Sure, make a motivational wall or poster, but switch it up! Looking at and reading the same photos or quotations every day will desensitize you to what once excited and inspired you. Look for new images and ideas to re-motivate you on a weekly basis.

3. Go to the gym as early as possible. I don’t mean that you have to go early in the morning or as soon as you’ve woken up.  As soon as you’re done with your last class or work, go straight to the gym, or wherever it is that you work out. I find that if I tell myself to go after I’ve finished studying or catching up on my Netflix queue, I end up making excuses for not going to the gym. By going to the gym straight after class or work, you get your workout out of the way and you’re free to completely manage the rest of your time from there.

4. Before you cheat, count. Instead of just scarfing down that doughnut because it’s there and you’re hungry, count to your age. Once you’ve counted, remind yourself that it’s not worth it; have an apple and water instead. Don’t starve yourself either, staying satisfied on healthy foods makes it easier to bypass that doughnut.

5. Surround yourself with healthy foods. You’re in college, you’re an adult, you choose what you surround yourself with, and that includes food. You can’t use the excuse that your parents only keep junk food in the house. Stocking up on ONLY healthy foods in your dorm or apartment makes it impossible to cheat. If you’re on a meal plan, avoid the pizza or burger section. Head straight to the salad bar to grab some veggies and look for a lean protein.

6. Choose your drink wisely. Drinking’s a pretty big part of college life for many students, some people aren’t willing to give it up completely to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just remember that mixed drinks and beer are filled with sugar and empty calories. If you absolutely want something to take the edge off during a night out, opt for “skinny cocktails” or go for straight shots. Just remember to take it easy.