With only a couple months left till summer vacation, students are either already in summer mode, or trying to figure out how to manage all of their work before the big break. For many students, the school year is the only time when a daily routine is set in place. Class during the day, homework at night, and a workout later that night? The last part of that seems to not happen for most people, even though it’s on many students’ minds.
If getting into a healthy eating or workout routine is a top priority for the remaining two months of school, the best way to begin is with the classic ‘buddy system.’ Having a supportive friend with the same ambitions as yours will help you fulfill your goals. Setting up a time to workout with a friend means that breaking plans will not only negatively affect you, but will negatively affect your friend as well.
Time flies by when half of the day is spent in class and the other half is spent doing homework for class. It seems that the only down time students can get is streaming a show on their laptop to relax. Instead of planning a time to workout on top of this, combine the two. With each dorm equipped with weights, cardio machines, and a television, why not work out while watching your favorite show? College is all about multi-tasking. Instead of lying in your bed staring at your laptop after sitting in class all day, some cardio at the gym is the perfect way to refresh yourself.
Once at the gym, the next step is simply working out. Most people like to begin with a 20-minute cardio warm-up on the elliptical or treadmill, but this isn’t necessarily the best for your body. Fitness doesn’t only imply cardio. Instead of going straight into a workout, set aside 4 minutes of your time for a dynamic warm-up. A common misconception about exercising is that sitting down and stretching will loosen your muscles, but static stretching relaxes your muscles, which won’t allow you to get the most out of your workout. Stretching shouldn’t be done before working out, unless you have a chronic injury that you are sure will negatively impact your workout.
While exercising is a great way to burn those extra calories, something not to do is workout excessively. Meaning, if you plan on running on the treadmill for 30 minutes, make sure that you begin at a slower pace, and work your way up. By jogging at a slower pace at the beginning and at the end of your 30-minute run as well, you will prevent muscle soreness the following day.
Not only is excessive exercise unhealthy, but attempting to use all the equipment in the gym also limits you to a less fulfilling workout. Choosing 6 exercises will keep you organized and allow you to maintain a steady routine. If a 45-minute workout is all you have time for, any of these dynamic warm-ups ranging from squats, chin-ups, pull-ups, and lunges will keep you fit and healthy.