The fall semester is a new beginning. Harp on the cliché “new year, new me” talk all you want, but it can actually be very positive if you set new goals during times of new beginnings. Many college students struggle to find time in their schedules for physical fitness, and, before they know it, they’ve packed on an additional freshman fifteen and then some! Yikes! Whether you are new to fitness altogether or not, this guide will help you set and reach your goals.
Now let’s whip your body into shape!
Decide, Plan, and Prioritize.
First and foremost, you have to make a decision to get fit. All action is preceded by a thought. A decision is a thought with power. Make a clear, definitive decision! While fitness is a lot of things, it comes down to two main things: diet and exercise. You have to eat well, and you have to exercise. How are you going to do this? When will you step on the treadmill? What part of your fast-foods are you willing to cut back on? Fail to plan, plan to fail. We make our lives happen. Our academic studies are important, but so is our health! Make your fitness a priority.
Figure out what works for you.
I started using workout videos to help me stay focused when I’m working out at home. This is great when you can’t afford a personal trainer. There are lots of choices. A workout program like Cosmo Body will give you unlimited access to their workout videos for a price under $10 per month. Fitness Blender has over 100 free workout videos available on YouTube. There are also many free fitness applications for iPhones and androids. Some gyms now specialize in certain kinds of workouts, like yoga or barre classes– look into it! Find something that you like and know you will enjoy over the long-term. This is how to keep yourself on the pathway to success!
Use portion control.
Given that the word “diet” has the word “die” in it, there may be something wrong with the word. Some of the fancy diets out there are fine, but I think there is something simple out there for all of us. I don’t believe in self-denial. Love dessert? HAVE SOME! But practice portion control. You can also make switches. Instead of going for a triple fudge chocolate sundae at Cold Stone, go for a piece or two of dark chocolate. When you go out to eat, don’t feel too pressured to finish everything on your plate. In the United States, we are often served unreasonably large portions that are far more than what is served in other parts of the world (hence our national problem with obesity). Cut back just a little and you will see big results!
Surround yourself with positive influences.
A person’s surroundings can affect their mindset greatly. Keep yours as positive as possible, with supportive people and intellectual food for thought. Go to a Zumba class with your girls, read books on mediation, and try creating a workout journal for your eyes only. Stop comparing yourself to other people because it will only fuel uber-insecurity. A healthy mind is the first step towards personal fitness.
Be consistent.
Once you ease yourself into a personal fitness program, you will feel it become part of your life. Very rarely do people regret their commitment. Endorphins do not allow it. The key to seeing results from any fitness regimen is to be consistent. Sporadic exercise sessions are pointless. You may as well be eating Twinkies while watching Gossip Girl on Netflix. Yes, every bead of sweat amounts to something, but if you hit the gym twice every other month, it won’t amount to much at all. Make it part of your life!
Track your progress.
Take “before” and “after” photos in order to document personal growth and any weight-loss or muscle development you are interested in achieving. You do not have to be one of those people who is constantly sharing gym pics on social media. A workout journal will keep you organized and focused. Short one or two sentence entries are all you need. This will help you see how far you have come thus far and keep you motivated to do more. Success!
A healthy lifestyle involves good diet and consistent exercise. It will improve your way of thinking and enhance your self-confidence. Rock out your fall semester, collegiettes! See you at the gym!