The hardest part about going to the gym or working out is actually getting up from your bed and doing it! During my freshman year, I lived in workout clothes without actually making it to the gym, strange concept right? I always wore the outfit and told myself today would be the day I get up and go. But…that did not happen. It is hard to find time to exercise on top of classes, clubs, studying, jobs etc. But, I promise you, the sooner you make the choice to do what is best for your health and stay active it will become part of your routine.
Pro tips:
We all love lying in bed while mindlessly snacking while binge-watching our favorite television series. During commercial breaks, it is so easy to do sit up’s jumping jacks, squats, crunches, or push-ups during that time.
Next, if you enjoy doing workouts at your school gym go for it! Syracuse just built a beautiful new gym and did you hear they have a juice bar?! The amenities are awesome and there is rock climbing, swimming, weight machines, treadmills, etc. The school has made it very hard to use the excuse of “I don’t know where to work out.”
Also, always carry a water bottle! It is so important to stay hydrated during the day. Between constantly being on the run to class, having water will keep you hydrated throughout the day and fill you up! Also, it helps your skin too so that’s a plus. You will be amazed by how much increasing your water intake helps.
You don’t need a fancy workout center, there are no excuses to not be able to fit in a short workout! Most college campuses offer free membership for gyms and at Syracuse they definitely do. Depending on where you live there could be a gym very close by.
Even your dorm or apartment is a great place to work out. I recently decided to order a yoga mat for my room even though I don’t do yoga. But… this was one of my best purchases. I have been going on YouTube and googling quick workouts to do right at home and there is a plethora of them out there. All you have to do is grab a mat, devote 15 minutes, and you’re already improving your health and lifestyle.
There are so many different types of workouts to do. Between yoga, cycling, hiking, barre, dance, Zumba, pilates, the options are limitless. Also, a great thing to do is bring a friend with you! Having somebody with you helps to motivate each other and keeps one another accountable.
There are also some fitness accounts I follow on Instagram. These accounts are great for some inspiration and also food and fitness tips. Some of my favorites are @nycfitfam, @heidikristoffer and @sweatlife_nyc.
In college, I have learned that you have to put working out into your schedule just like you have a class. Adding in a little bit each day will add to your healthy habits and can truly make a difference in your overall fitness.
What do you do to exercise and how do you incorporate it in your everyday life? I would love to hear your stories!
Jamie,
I was the exact same Freshman year, and I swear everyone must have thought the only clothing I owned was workout clothes. Throughout my time at Syracuse, it has gotten a lot easier to motivate myself to go to the gym and maneuver my schedule to fit my workout schedule, but I completely agree that the motivation factor is the absolute hardest part. I am currently training to be a personal trainer and am a complete nerd over these conversations; however, my sister is the opposite, so I have learned that motivation is both the biggest and hardest step.
I also have loved following different fitness accounts, and that is actually what started my interest in going to the…