We all see those girls on Instagram, Tumblr, twitter, etc: they look like they’re having an absolute blast while working out, and their clothes look cute and don’t even have sweat stains! Although they make it look sexy, effortless, and easy, there is no denying the hours of hard work that they put in each day in order to maintain that level of fitness. They’ve placed exercise into their routine, making it something that they actually enjoy and use as a stress reliever. As I start my second semester of college, I am inspired and determined to get back on my fitness track and start living a healthier life.
I played soccer at a national level for thirteen years of my life. Needless to say, I did a lot of running and working out. I was in great shape, and I loved what I did. Once high-school started up, however, I slowly stopped playing and began focusing on my schoolwork. My last game was in the spring of my freshman year, and that was also the last day I ever really ran or worked out. Fast-forward to now, the spring semester of my freshman year in COLLEGE. Seeing my roommate and others going for their morning run or time in the gym made me realize that, honestly, I needed to get my shit together! Not only did I want to look good, I wanted to be healthy! Obviously, I couldn’t start back doing the same workouts I did years ago, so I knew I had to ease my way back into it. Here’s what I have been doing:
First of all, I found a workout buddy. They keep you motivated and distracted! Playing loud music with them or talking occasionally makes the time pass even more quickly, and you don’t even realize you’ve been working out for ten minutes! Oxford has many groups with people of all fitness levels that work out together each week and motivate each other. Secondly, my workout buddy and I started out slowly. We would only go for about 30 minutes max when we started, and increased it by 5 minutes each time after that. You don’t want to start out hating the gym, so it’s best to spend small increments of time there and get used to it. Thirdly, we set a time and day that worked for us both, and we did all that we could to stick to that plan. Having someone else holding you accountable really makes sure that you actually go out and do it! I know that I would never get out of bed if it weren’t for my workout buddy calling my phone and, sometimes, coming into my room. Lastly, we try and make it as much fun as possible. Working out is supposed to be good for you! Laughing will make everything more enjoyable, and being with friends and others who want you to be the best you that you can be makes all the difference.
Luckily, Oxford is blessed to have a gym in each dorm as well as a whole building full of weights, a pool, and various other machines and equipment. Not only is it very likely that you’ll find your own private time to focus by yourself in the gym (or, if you’re like me, be more relaxed and know that someone isn’t silently judging your lack of fitness, even though no one is), but you also have access to actual trainers who are more than happy to help you! They are willing to help you set up a routine, and they can even work with the dining hall in setting up a diet plan if that’s something you also want to do. They’re not judgmental at all; in fact, everyone I’ve ever met in the gym has been absolutely wonderful and so very helpful. Everyone here wants you to be happy and the best you can be, so there is no fear whatsoever that someone is snickering behind your back. Also, they’re too focused on what they’re doing to even consider thinking about you or whoever else is in the room!
Long story short, Oxford offers many helpful trainers and gyms to help you achieve the healthiest version of you possible. The community, as well, is just as supportive and helpful! Working out is not only good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind. It’ll help alleviate some stress, give you a break from academics, and make you feel recharged. It’s a safe space, and it’s there to make life a lot easier and healthier.
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