Working out can be a low priority for college students. Between classes, extracurriculars, jobs and all the stress, it may seem daunting to add another thing to the to-do list. But the good news is that starting to exercise is the hard part, and once it becomes a habit, it will be an enjoyable stress reliever. Here’s how to make and stick to a workout routine.
1. Figure out your goals
If you don’t have a fitness goal in mind, your motivation to go to the gym will quickly dwindle. Take the time to think about why you want to incorporate exercise into your life. Is it to become stronger? Healthier? More confident? You can also make your goals more specific, as long as they’re realistic. Setting the goal of running a mile is more achievable than the goal of becoming “skinny.” Think about these goals the next time you’re hesitant to go to the gym.
2. Change your mindset
Don’t think of exercising as a chore or something that’s taking time out of your day. Think of it as a time to focus on yourself. Working out is super productive: you’re taking a mental break, releasing endorphins, building your strength and/or endurance and improving your health all at once!
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3. Do things you enjoy
This may seem obvious, but you’re way more likely to go workout if working out is something you enjoy. Don’t like doing the elliptical for 45 minutes straight? Then don’t do that! There are so many different options out there, from running to cycling to weightlifting.
4. Plan ahead
When’s the last time you went to the gym spontaneously? Chances are, if you don’t plan on going to the gym, you won’t. Find a free window in your schedule a few times a week that you can make time to work out. And, to make it a habit, try going to the gym on the same days and at the same times every week.
(Photo by unknown via CHAARG)
5. Exercise with a group
Hold yourself accountable by working out with other people. Whether you drag a friend to the gym with you or sign up for a workout class, it can be way more fun to push yourself in a workout with other people struggling alongside you. There are also so many clubs at Pitt that promote working out, like Pitt CHAARG, Panther CrossFit or even an intramural sports team.
6. Start small
If you don’t already have an exercise routine, don’t kill yourself in the gym with hour-long workouts five times a week. Even 20 minutes at the gym two or three times a week is better than nothing, and you can increase your workout’s length and intensity as you go. Overdoing it can lead to extreme soreness or even injury, so know your limits. Start with walking or light jogging as your cardio, followed by bodyweight exercises, like these from Buzzfeed.
7. Workout even when you don’t feel like it
This is the hardest, but most crucial step in establishing a routine. If you wrote down in your planner that you were going to work out, make yourself go to the gym. Unless you’re very sore or sick, you have no excuse not to. If you really don’t want to go, just tell yourself that you’ll walk on the treadmill— once you get there, you’ll probably decide to do more. If not, walking is better than nothing! The first few weeks it’s very hard to have this kind of will power, but if you follow these tips, then motivation will come as you continue to exercise.
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