You know that amazing feeling you get when you try on shorts and tank tops from last summer and they actually fit?! That, my friends, is the feeling of pride, achievement, but mostly relief. Spring is finally here (even if there is still snow sticking to the ground) but the notion of the season is alive and well, which means it’s time to get out of the bear cave and into the fresh outdoors of spring. What I mean is, if you want that satisfaction of fitting into your former summer outfits after a long winter of hibernating activities (eat, sleep, study, repeat) – it’s time for a spring workout and fitness plan. Thanks to some great eating tips from my health-crazy sister Andrea who is currently pursuing her Nutrition Science degree here at Carleton, I will be providing those goodies along with helpful workout tips to ensure your body rocks those short-shorts this spring!
Workouts at the CU gym
Partner up! Exercise is so much more fun and motivating with friends. Sometimes you need a healthy push, and you’re likely to burn more calories when you work out alongside someone for that friendly competition. You can even find time for a session in the Carleton sauna, one of my favourite post-workout spots, a place for your muscles to relax, the heat sweats out that extra water weight, all while catching up on some girl talk.
Commit 2 Fit programs: Dance, swimming, yoga and more!
Not a workout –at-the-gym kind of girl? Not a problem. At Carleton, there are SO many options to stay fit with Carleton’s Commit 2 Fit program that offers a variety of activities such as dance classes, yoga classes, cardio classes, biking and aquatic activities. I’ve just discovered a new love for zumba, argentine tango and the salsa, and I just want to do it all but can’t choose! The best thing to do if you’re as indecisive as me on which amazing workout class to take, the CUfit pass will allow you to take all these classes with one base pay! Score! So grab your friends and go dancing, swimming, and you’ll be sweating off those pounds without even realizing. Check out all your options here: http://athletics.carleton.ca/f…
Recreational Summer Leagues Now in Registration!
Dance or aerobics not your thing either? Sign up for a Carleton recreational sports team this summer! The Carleton Adult Leagues are open to everyone, whether you are a Carleton student or not. Not only are you being active, it’s a great time to meet new people and enjoy all the benefits of teamwork, winning and sportsmanship! Check it out: http://athletics.carleton.ca/leagues/
Commuting Tips
Take advantage of our huge campus. Take the stairs (Yes, even the UC stairs); even if you have to visit your professor at 1604 Dunton tower. Start getting used to walking or biking to school, because when that sun comes out and the snow has melted, with all the beautiful flowers in bloom, it would be a waste to take a ride on OC Transpo (and skip out on that aversive odour of crowded sweaty people, am I right?).
[pagebreak]
To complement your hard-working exercise plan, a couple of tricks to maintain your weight with a few tips from Andrea, third-year Nutrition science major and natural health foods enthusiast.
1. High-protein foods after a workout
After a workout, it is always important to replenish your muscles with something high in protein; one of the best is whey protein, which provides extremely high-quality protein, and can help you lose weight and gain muscle, plus it provides powerful support for your immune system. Greek yogurt is also high in protein, so why not add some flax seeds and granola for a nutritional and yummy post-workout snack.
2. Have a Fibrous Diet
Start your day with a bowl of natural oatmeal, or foods high in fibre so that it slows down the rate glucose is stored in your intestines and lowers cholesterol in the liver (I.E higher your metabolism and maintain your health!) Not only are veggies the epitome of nutrition, they also contain insoluble fibres which helps move your bowels pleasantly and more often (which is a sign of a good diet).
3. Substitutes & Additions
Use coconut oil to substitute for other cooking oils – it’s great for frying and baking, and very important for your immune health. In addition, take a good multi vitamin every day (for a good one: you need at least 25mcg of each vitamin d, 30mg of vitamin). Trade that soda for water, easier said than done, but hey, add some lemon juice or some MiO from your grocery store, and you’ll be chugging that water all day like it’s soda!
4. Save your $
The average student spends most of their disposable money on fast food even if they’re scraping the bottom of their couch for rent money. Skip out on caf food and your daily timmies breakfast bagel, and pack a lunch instead. Not only are you saving loads of calories, you are also saving cash for more important things (like tuition!).
Photo Sources:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XABVbRl1HM8/T0NqMEU8hII/AAAAAAAAAmM/zWObruI72wo/s1600/Zumba+love.jpg
http://healthveda.com/balanced-diet-helps-in-maintaining-health-and-fitness-4343