Let’s be honest, we’re all in college; we all know how busy our schedules can get, but don’t let that be an excuse to skip the gym. I have an obsession with working out if I miss more than a day each week I have a mini heart attack but I know most college students aren’t like me! I’ve come up with a few helpful tips and exercise ideas to do on days where you just don’t have enough time.
1. STAY MOTIVATED.
That is one of the biggest things people struggle with. My friends always ask me how I stay so motivated and my answer is wanting to be better. I want that better body, I want that healthier lifestyle, I want to feel good in my own skin. It is easy to say, “Oh, I’ll just skip today I have to much to do.” Set goals for yourself, keep reminding yourself that 30 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.
2. INSPIRATION.
Everyone is different so find out what gets you fired up. My friends, including me, get inspired by transformation images. I even know some people who set their screen savers on their phones of pictures that encourage them to get the body they want.
3. HAVE A PLAN.
Rachael May, a sophomore at Ohio University, shared a routine of hers when she has less than an hour to workout. “I usually bike for awhile and put the resistance up really high. After that, I’ll row. The harder you pull and push with legs the more resistance and it’s more of a leg workout! I do this for 10 to 15 minutes and finish my workout by lifting.” When arriving to the gym make sure you have an idea of what you want to accomplish.
4. EAT CLEAN!
I know pizza and ice cream are tempting but on days where time is an issue, a healthy meal will make you feel better!
5. Study while you sweat.
If you have a test or exam the next day; take your notes to the gym! I know plenty of people including myself who study while doing cardio machines at the gym. You’re burning a sweat and aren’t missing out on an study time. You can do it!
Enough with the tips; get on with the exercises
1. One of my favorite things to do when I am on a time restraint is Pilates! I started Pilates about four or five years ago and do it almost every day! I follow the same account– her name is Cassie Ho. Her channel on YouTube is called ‘Blogilates.’ For those of you that are unaware of what exactly pilates is, it is a system of physical conditioning involving low-impact exercises and stretches designed to strengthen muscles of the torso and often performed with specialized equipment (dictionary.com) I mostly focus on abs, obliques, legs and butt. This video is only 10 minutes long and is one of my favorites; I highly recommend it.
2. RUN! Whether it be outside or inside; running can make you mentally and physically feel better. I use the free running app called Runtastic to keep track of how far I’ve ran and how long I’ve been running. Well, if you’re into that sort of thing …
3. Lift! If you work out on the regular I bet you were excited about Ping’s new equipment?! It was like waking up on Christmas morning all over again! Leg day everyday, right?
4. Don’t forget the group fitness classes Ping offers Monday through Saturday! I’ve been to HIIT and Zumba and I loved it! It’s a great way to burn a lot of sweat in a short amount of time!
5. Of course, if you workout everyday of the week maybe let your busy day be a skip day. Your body needs rest in order for it to improve and grow! Make time for yourself.
(Gifs courtesy of giphy.com)
(Video from Youtube.com)