One of the biggest struggles in college is finding the time to get to the gym or get a workout in in-between classes, clubs, socializing, and sleeping. Also, as it gets colder, we all know it’s going to get harder and harder to go out in the cold weather and get to the gym. Here are some tips to help you make sure that you still get a workout in every now and then!
1) Make it a commitment: Make a plan to go with a friend or meet up with a trainer. Brandeis offers training sessions through the athletic department with a certified personal trainer. Making a plan to go with a friend or with a trainer means you are committed and can’t decide that morning you don’t want to go.Â
2) Do it regularly: Whether it’s once a week, twice a week, every day, make it a routine. Make sure it’s a time that works with your schedule that you can stick to. It takes 30 days to make a habit so if you go to the gym regularly at a similar time each time, then you are likelier to go frequently.Â
3) Short and sweet does the trick: If you are someone who doesn’t love going to the gym, then create your own routine or find an online workout program you really like. Programs like eight-minute abs, P90X or BMAX all offer great quick workouts and they are available on YouTube. Any sort of workout will help you get in a better mood and it’s a great way to relieve stress from the busy schedules we all have!
4) Make it fun: check out a class or two that the athletics department has set up. There is a calendar full of classes offered by students, ranging from Zumba to Yoga. The schedule of all the classes can be found at http://www.brandeisjudges.com/recreation/group-fitness. All of the classes are free and it’s another great way to meet people and have a fun time working out.
5) Play intramurals: Brandeis offers a lot of different intramural sports throughout the year. Those are great ways to get in exercise and have a lot of fun doing it, either with your friends or new people you just met. You can sign up as a team with a group of friends or if you are feeling social and want to get to know new people join a team of random people, you never know where you might make a new friend!
6) Don’t be intimidated: Coming from someone who hadn’t set foot in the weight room until this year, take this advice to heart. Do not be afraid to go into the weight room! I know it might look scary with all the super built guys using them, but it’s your gym too! If you need help learning what machines to use or where things are, then go with a friend the first few times. Working out in the weight room with a friend and not alone makes it less intimidating.
7) Feel good while you are at the gym: I use going to the gym as an excuse to show off my sense of style. Get one or two cute pairs of shorts that are fun colors and maybe a matching top to go with them, or mix and match. Get a pair of sneakers that you really love and wear them with pride. It’s acceptable to have cute workout clothes, you can look put together while you are doing cardio or lifting weights. The cutter you look the more confident you will feel and the harder you will work out.Â
8) Make a rocking playlist for when you are at the gym: Depending on your music taste put together a playlist and keep it on your iPod or whatever device you listen to music on. Working out to music keeps you going and is a great way to push yourself without really realizing it.Â