Everyone struggles with weight and sluggishness in college, and Hoyas are no exception. When we get stressed out about assignments, due dates, and the never ending cycle of midterms we have, we forget to take care of ourselves. The best way to cope with stress, cold weather, and to stop getting sick is to work out and eat healthy. Here are a few Georgetown specific tips to stay fit and healthy for the rest of the semester!
1. Hit up Yates a few times a week
Even if you only go to Yates twice a week for 30-45 minutes, that’s enough to keep your energy levels high and run some stress out on the treadmill. Plus, your tuition comes with a free Yates membership, so you might as well get your money’s worth.
2. Get Smoothies at Crop Chop, Royal Jacket, or Whisk
I personally love Whisk smoothies the best, plus you can meal exchange for them! Right after an intense workout a smoothie and protein bar can go a long way. Plus the walk from Yates to Leo’s will be a good cool down.
3. Start a weights routine!
The best way to see lasting results to burn off the Freshman Fifteen or get toned is to do some light weights at the gym. I recommend going to the back of Yates and using the dumbbells and squat racks. There’s so much free gym equipment and so much mat space during the gym’s less busy hours that you can always try something new. I also recommend lifting with a friend so they can help you with form.
4. Hit up Down Dog Yoga for a good sweat
If you really want a good sweat and to get your heart going, take the Friday $5 dollar power class at Down Dog Yoga just two blocks away from campus. Not only is it a super cheap hot yoga class, but its also the best class work out you can get on a budget in a super nice studio. The experience levels vary, but the class is aimed at newcomers and those who just want a quick intro to hot yoga. Remember to bring a towel and lots of water!
5. Don’t crash diet
It might be tempting to try and get weight off as fast as possible by running on the treadmill for long periods of time or trying dieting pills and lose weight fast fads, but this isn’t really sustainable in college. Your body needs nutrients and especially if you don’t sleep much, crash dieting is a really bad idea.
6. Start cooking for yourself
As great as it can be to just Tapingo food or take a box to go from Leo’s, often the healthier alternative is to make your own food at home. This can be challenging if you have a communal kitchen, but try and cook in bigger serving portions so you can portion your food out during the week instead of having to cook every day. If you cook for yourself, you’ll also know what is going into your food.
7. Try tea instead of soda and coffee
Everyone loves lattes and ocassionally we need the all-nighter boosts of sugary drinks, but try to avoid these as much as possible considering tea has a decent amount of caffeine too but without all of the calories. Green tea also helps boost metabolism!
8. Make a great work out playlist
If you make a great work out playlist or download your favorite podcasts before hand, going to the gym won’t be so hard. Put some music with fast beats on the playlist or pick podcasts with a time span of 30 minutes to an hour and commit yourself to working out until the podcast ends!