College is one of the busiest times of our lives. With going to class, studying in the library, hanging out with friends and getting enough sleep, some of the other things that we wish we could be doing often fall to the end of our list, like working out. Even though the gym is only a walk or a bus ride away, we often find ourselves making excuses not to go.
Although not everyone feels that exercising is a crucial part of his/her weekly routine, working out can improve your physical and mental health, help you to sleep easier, help with your digestion, and can overall make you a happier person.
Along with all of the benefits of working out, one of the biggest reasons people choose to exercise is to improve their physical appearance. With spring break sneaking up on us, now is the time to get ourselves swimsuit ready! However, as it is still winter, our motivation to work out may be lowered by idea of trekking to the gym through the ice and snow. Thankfully, there are many workouts that you can do in the comfort of your own dorm to help you get bikini ready. Here are some of my favorites!
For your abs:
Your abdominals are probably one of my least favorite muscle groups to work out, but these quick exercises make toning my abs a little less tedious.
For your booty:
For your legs:
My friends and I did the squat challenge last spring, and while it definitely made getting up the stairs a bit more difficult, it was totally worth it!
For weight loss:
Please note that losing 10 pounds in 2 weeks is extremely unhealthy. However, the workout is very effective for a normal loss of 1-2 pounds per week with a healthy diet.
For all over toning:
For any Friends fans:
I’m a huge Friend’s fan, so when I saw this exercise I had to put it in. If you’re a fan of the show, this would definitely seem like more of a game and less of a workout!
In addition to sticking to one or more of these quick and easy exercises, it can also be helpful to be more mindful of the things you eat. While the options for eating on campus are somewhat limited, substituting some of the foods that you normally eat for healthier options can make a big difference. My friend Dan Feldman, a student at UVM and personal trainer at The Vanderbilt Club in Norwood Massachusetts, says “don’t focus on your calorie intake”. While many people believe that maintaining a low calorie diet will help them lose weight, Dan says to keep in mind that there are both good and bad calories.
So rather than calorie counting, substituting things like salad for a sandwich, or vegetables for chips are some of the smaller decisions that can lead to better results. In addition to that, definitely make sure that you are drinking a lot of water, and less sugary drinks. This can help you maintain your weight, as well as keep you healthier during flu season!
Hopefully these tips will be steer you in the right direction towards a healthier lifestyle and will help you to achieve your goal of getting bikini ready in the comfort of your dorm! Good Luck!
SOURCES:
http://collegelifestyles.org/2013/03/get-your-body-bikini-ready/
http://sweatbands-and-spandex.tumblr.com/post/42214898029/im-a-fitness-b…
http://backonpointe.tumblr.com/page/2
http://shrinkingjeans.net/2013/04/squatchallenge/#_a5y_p=833395
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/560416747352721792/
http://backonpointe.tumblr.com/post/13892758410/allmymonsterssinging-don…
http://just2birds.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-years-resolution-day-2-friend…