Struggling to keep up with your New Year’s resolution of “working out more” while in college? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
I know the struggle all too well, and for four years, I’ve tried to fit an effective workout routine into my already busy college schedule. And I finally succeeded at a point!
Yes, it is possible to be active and healthy even in college; you just have to get a little creative. So here’s how I did it – and how you could too!
Why it is important for College students to Work Out?
Simply said, College life is awesome and it’s filled (at least mine was) with late-night studying, parties, and unhealthy snacks.
And this is exactly why staying active in college is just as important as hitting the books. Not only does exercise give you more energy to tackle those finals, but it’s also a great way to help keep stress levels under control and improve your mental clarity.
Plus, getting regular physical activity is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so why not get yourself in gear during college? That way, you can keep up with your academic responsibilities and still have time to cut a rug at the campus dance.
So if you’re ready to get into shape, here’s my take on how to stay active even with a hectic college schedule.
Related: How to Eat Healthy in College When all you Have is Ramen Money
Setting Healthy expectations for your College Workout Routine
When it comes to your workout routine, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
It’s okay if you can only squeeze in a 20-minute run or a quick ab session during the week. That’s still better than nothing!
Also, don’t worry if you don’t have time for the gym – there are plenty of exercises you can do in your dorm room or even in the library. The important thing is to keep moving.
And hey, if you feel like going off campus for a hike on the weekend – go ahead and treat yourself! Take it one day at a time, and soon enough you’ll be fitter than ever.
How to Create Time for Working out in College?
Trying to fit a workout into my college schedule was like trying to squeeze the last drop of ketchup out of the bottle – impossible!
At first, I felt like there was no way I could possibly make time for exercise while maintaining my academics and social life.
But eventually, I figured out how to work physical activity into my days without having to sacrifice too much of my precious sleep.
1. Wake up early to get your workout in before classes start
Waking up early to get your workout in might sound like torture, but trust me – it’s worth it!
Before classes start can be the perfect time to hit the gym or go for a run. Plus, you’ll have plenty of energy and focus to tackle all of your day’s tasks.
And even if you don’t have time to hit the gym, you can always do some quick bodyweight exercises in your room or dorm hallway. Whatever works for you!
Related: 56 Ways to be a Productive College Student: A Glimpse Into an Ultra-Productive Life
2. Do a quick at-home workout routine that you can do in your dorm room
When it comes to working out in college, you don’t necessarily need an expensive gym membership or a fancy piece of equipment. In fact, you can get an awesome workout right in your dorm room!
All you need is about 15 minutes and some basic props like a chair or couch.
I know what you’re thinking – a workout in my dorm room? Oh please, no! But trust me, it can be done! Here are some easy exercises you can do in your own space and get the same results as a traditional workout.
1. Push-Ups: This classic exercise is a great way to work your upper body and core muscles. All you need is some floor space and you’re ready to go!
2. Squats: This exercise is great for strengthening your glutes and quads, and it’s pretty easy to do in a small space.
3. Tricep Dips: This upper body exercise is easy to do with just a chair or other sturdy object.
4. Burpees: If you’re looking for an all-around cardiovascular workout, try burpees! Start in a standing position, then drop into a crouch and jump your feet out behind you while extending your arms forward. Jump back up to the starting position and repeat as many times as you can.
3. Join a campus fitness center and use their equipment/ classes
When I first arrived on campus, the last thing I wanted to do was join a College gym. But after visiting my college’s fitness center, I realized it wasn’t so bad!
Not only did they have tons of equipment and classes that I could take advantage of, but they also had a great social atmosphere.
Best of all, joining the gym was totally affordable – it only cost me a few dollars per month. Now, I can’t imagine how else I would have stayed active in college without it!
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to get fit in college, joining a campus fitness center is definitely worth considering.
And if you’re worried about having to devote too much of your time or money, don’t be – there are plenty of ways you can make it work.
Related: Time Management Tips for College Students: How to Fit Everything into 24 Hours
4. Take Advantage of the ‘in-between’ Time: Working Out in College
It’s almost like college life was designed to be conducive to staying active.
With all the breaks between classes, meetings, and jobs that you have to attend, you can for sure squeeze in a little bit of physical activity! Taking 5-10 minutes here and there adds up.
For example, if you have a break between classes and your dorm is only a few minutes away, why not try walking it? Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or explore your campus on a bike.
I mean If you’re already out and about, might as well use that time to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping
5. Find a friend who is also interested in working out in college
We all know that working out with someone else is more fun than doing it alone!
Finding a workout buddy will help keep you motivated, encourage you to stay on track, and make the whole experience much more enjoyable.
It’s also great for accountability; if one of you starts slacking off or making excuses, the other can give them the push they need to keep going. Plus, having someone else there will make the time go by a lot faster. So grab a friend and get moving!
Related: Dive into the Social Scene Already! (How to Make Friends in College)
6. Invest in some basic pieces of Fitness equipment: Working out in College
Investing in some basic fitness equipment doesn’t have to break the bank. You can get yoga mats, resistance bands, and jump ropes for fairly cheap.
Plus, having these items at your place makes it easier to fit exercise into your busy schedule. My favorite purchases were my foam roller and a set of free weights – both of which I use almost daily!
If you’re looking to get more serious about your workouts, there are more advanced pieces of equipment that can help you reach your goals. Investing in a few weights and a bench, for example, can be great for lifting heavier loads or doing HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).
And you don’t need an entire home gym to get the job done. Just a few items can make all the difference – and they don’t have to be expensive either!
At the end of the day, fitting in a workout routine while balancing college isn’t going to be easy. But if you approach it with a little bit of creativity and determination, you’ll be able to stay fit and healthy while still being successful in your studies.
And that’s something worth celebrating, don’t you think? — one rep, set, or class at a time!
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade — and then use those freshly-squeezed lemons to power your next workout!”
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