As a college student, I have found it especially hard to keep my gym regimen and my stamina up with exercise while I am at school. Whether it is an upcoming exam or an invite to get food, it is so easy just to skip the gym and do other things while you’re at school.
Personally, I have found that creating time for the gym is something that I need in my life just to relieve stress, stay fit, and feel a little better about myself. At first, it was easy for me to go because I had more free time freshman year and the gym was right next to my dorm building. This year, however, it has been harder to motivate myself to get back into it.
Here are some tips on how to get yourself back into living an active college life!
1. Go with a Buddy
You’ll have someone to hold you accountable for showing up AND you don’t have to suffer alone!
2. Schedule a Specific Time
Like a class, jot that into your planner and treat the gym like a regular class that you have to attend. It allows you to cut time out of your day to get there!
3. Take a Class
If you aren’t really a “gym rat” and get anxious about “what to do at the gym”, take a class! Yoga, spin, cross fit, whatever! It all gets you up and moving and it is a nice escape from your day to day routine.
4. Take the Stairs
Even if you can’t get to the gym, optimize your day with a little leg work – whether it is taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking the long walk to class, a little bit is better than nothing.
5. Join an Intramural
A lot of my friends were in sports in high school but have been struggling to get back into exercise in college. Join an intramural! Universities and colleges offer these for multiple sports or just start your own with your friends. Its a laid back way to get back into the sports you love without the pressure of being on a university team (plus the exercise)
I have found all of these options very helpful when it came to getting some exercise in college and I hope they inspire the “fitness nut” in everyone!