My love affair with Pinterest started back during my senior year of high school. I was growing my hair out for all the senior festivities, and planned to donate it to locks of love after high school graduation. I started out with just two boards – “Nail Art Ideas” and “Hair Inspiration” but slowly I’ve been able to integrate Pinterest into all aspects of my life including, but not limited to, my closet, my DIY ideas, and my dorm room. However, I feel like the best aspect of Pinterest, and the one most useful to Collegiettes everywhere is the Pinterest “Health & Fitness” board.
As busy college girls, our schedules are filled to the brim with difficult classes, part-time jobs, and fulfilling extracurricular activities. Yet, college is not simply all work and no play, as we socialize with our friends as well. It’s hard to find solid chunks of time to visit the gym for a calorie-blasting workout! Sometimes, the motivation just doesn’t exist. This is where Pinterest comes into play. Here’s advice on how to use Pinterest to become a healthier person:
1. Create a “Health” Board – Why not start a health board? People plan vacations, outfits, dorm rooms, and even weddings on Pinterest (my wedding board is secret so no one else can judge me) so how about investing in your future and creating a health board. Don’t simply just limit your health board to workout ideas or pictures of quality Nike running shoes. Dedicate a week of time to trying out each workout, and get your friends involved as well! The beauty of Pinterest is that you can share ideas with enthusiasts from around the world! Don’t have time to visit the ARC or CRCE? Look up a “Quiet Dorm Room Workout” that requires no extra materials. Want to try out HIT Training? Check out advice from women who have started working out. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start using yoga pants for finding your inner peace instead of donning them to your 8 AM.
2. Good Eats – I’m guilty of spending hours of time fawning over the beautiful array of cake and other desserts on Pinterest. Sometimes, we all have to satisfy our sweet tooth. As college students, the majority of us do not have the means to create healthy, nutritious meals, and dining hall food is our only option. Don’t let this deter you from looking up easy swaps on Pinterest! The pins you find can be incredibly useful, from “Dining Hall Dos and Don’ts” to “Foods that Make You Bloat”, and can even inspire you to start making simple changes in your eating habits.
3. Inspiration – Every time I see a pin of a woman documenting her weight-loss transformation on pinterest, my jaw drops. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to tone up for spring break or lose the freshman 15 – you do not have to go through this struggle alone. Other members of Pinterest have changed their lives using this website, and can provide you with all the support and motivation you need. It just takes me a couple of minutes scrolling through my Health board, and my willpower to workout strengthens. You can build a board of quotes, pictures of strong women, healthy snack ideas, and unique workout playlists to jumpstart your mood and get you to the gym.
Pinterest has already been integrated into the lifestyles of collegiate everywhere. Take a chance and use it to become a better, stronger YOU. Just remember that there’s always going to be a workout that you enjoy, but you just have to find something that works with your schedule and makes you happy. Remember what Elle Woods said, “Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!” Happy Pinning, everyone!