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Staying in Shape Post-Spring Break

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CMU chapter.

Getting in shape for Spring Break is an important commitment that many of us make in order to look and feel our best for vacation. However, once Spring Break ends it can be very difficult to stay motivated to work out and eat healthy once coming back to school, especially after spending the week laying by the pool at a tropical resort. Here are five tips to help maintain your fitness to finish the school year strong!

1. Get a Workout Buddy

Having someone to workout with can totally boost your motivation to work out and hold you accountable to fulfilling your fitness goals.

2. Make a Plan

It can be difficult to regain the drive to work out after Spring Break so it is important to make a reasonable workout plan that will allow you to hit all of your goals each day. Try to work out at least three days a week when initially coming back from break, then gradually increase to four, five, six, and seven days a week as the semester progresses. Starting off slow when you get back will make it easier for you to get back into a routine again. It is also helpful to write designated workout days into your calendar as a helpful reminder and another way to hold yourself accountable.

3. Keep It Simple

Working out at school can seem like a daunting task, especially when coming back from break to a heavy work-load and extra-curricular activities. The best way to avoid over-thinking your workout schedule amidst all of your other commitments is to keep your workout simple yet effective. Obviously you want to challenge yourself to make the most of your workout, but don’t feel as though you need try a ton of new exercises each time. Sometimes going for a run can be the simplest, most effective form of exercise during our day.

4. Join a Fitness Class

If you feel pressured make your own exercise decisions once coming back from break, one great solution is to join a CMU group exercise class offered in the University Center. A wide variety of classes are offered ranging from kickboxing to yoga and class schedules are posted online, so it is really easy to find a time slot that works well for you.

5. Remeber that Summer is Coming

If you get back to school after Spring Break with no motivation to work out, remember that summer is just around the corner. Use the rest of the school year to get in shape for summertime to ensure that you finish the school year healthy and strong.

Photo Sources:

http://actionpotential.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/runners-high.jpg

https://fitainteasy.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/workout-plan.jpg

http://www.chatelaine.com/health/fitness/how-to-improve-your-running/

http://www.self.com/flash/fitness-blog/2013/02/how-not-to-let-others-ruin-your-fitness-class/

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-cause-i-can-t-wait-for-summer/

I'm currently a Junior majoring in Architecture and minoring in Technical Writing here at CMU :) Outside of academics I have a passion for fitness amd makeup artistry. 
I am a junior Materials Science and Engineering mjaor at Carnegie Mellon University, and I am also minoring in Professional Writing and Business. I am a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.  I love TV and trying out new beauty products.  I follow E! on Twitter so that I can stay up-to-date on celebrity news.  I'm royal-obsessed, and I love Kate Middleton's style.  I'm kind of a Sephora addict, and I could easily spend hours there.  I also spend way too much time on Pinterest.  Finally, I love hockey and all Pittsburgh sports.