With exams right around the corner and graduation coming up, the end of the school year is very hectic for college students. It gets easier and easier to forget about our New Year’s resolution – Getting Fit. College students often fall into the routine of going out to eat too often and drinking too much. It’s hard for everyone to stay fit and even to start making healthier choices. But don’t worry, I’ve come up with a list that has been helping me this semester! Just remember the scale isn’t everything, even the smallest changes can be better for your overall health.

Go to the salad bar

I know it’s scary to even walk into the university cafeteria after your freshman year, but not everything is bad. Put that meal plan to use and enjoy the salad bar, load it up and enjoy.

HIIT workouts before you shower

High intensity interval training is a workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest. They are very short usually around 15 minutes but they are highly effective.

Here are a few links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr6DuNMTQBc&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhdXXqcoco0&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPpObC5PnwM&feature=youtu.be

Take advantage of the school gym

So, we get charged student fees anyway. That includes the gym! Go there! It’s really not as intimidated as you think. I was definitely one of the people that wouldn’t go in there without a friend (just a few weeks ago) but I’m getting better. Everyone is in their zone and I promise nobody really cares if you look like a fool.

Change your commute

Instead of driving across campus, try to walk or ride your bike to class.

Drink more water

Buy a refillable water bottle and in the mornings fill that sucker up. They say we are supposed to drink half of your weight (in ounces) of water every day. For example if you weigh 130 lbs., divide that by 2, so you drink 65 ounces of water or more. Water will keep you hydrated throughout the day and can even help you to curb some bad habits.

Opt for fruit

Instead of grabbing that muffin for breakfast try grabbing something even less messy like an apple. If you have a sweet tooth, eating some fruit is great way to stop those cravings.

Cut the soda and alcohol consumption

If you’re drinking diet soda that still doesn’t mean it’s good for you. It may have zero calories but it also has zero nutrition and tons of added chemicals! Also, try to stay away from hidden calories like the ones in frozen cocktails. A normal piña colada can have up to 880 calories!

Get a fitness app

Download a fitness app to help you stay on track. You can input your food intake, keep track of your workouts, and keep your goals in view. My favorite app is MyFitnessPal.

Find a workout buddy

Working out is always better when you have someone with you. I have found it so helpful to have someone on this journey with me and I also have friends that are already super fit and I’m so thankful for them and their motivation! Plus, having someone who knows what they’re doing helps me to try new things that I wouldn’t have if I was doing it alone. Find a buddy and you won’t regret it.

Create a fitness Instagram

Motivation is hard to find sometimes, I know! Especially for college students, we all just want to stay in bed all day. If you take progress pictures, or pictures of what you’re eating and post them on social media this will help you stay accountable for your actions (especially once you start getting followers) and stay motivated when you can actually see the progress you’re making.

Set a goal and an incentive

Set a reasonable goal and give yourself a time frame you want to accomplish it in. Then, find something you really want, once you have reached your goal, go and get it! There are visual aids that can help, check out Pinterest and find some really great ideas. I really like saving pocket change for each time you exercise. Once you have reached a specific time frame, take out the money and go and buy yourself something nice & maybe a sweet treat too!

Get more sleep

If you don’t sleep enough you’re going to feel grouchy in the morning and just want to cave into all your cravings from the day before. Go to bed at a rational time and try to relax.

Here’s an article that talks about the importance of sleep:

http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/why-sleep-no-1-most-important-thing-better-body

Find your groove

Ask your friends about what music they like to work out to, find a playlist online and pick and choose from there. Once you have created your own playlist, you’ll be unstoppable.

Set a realistic routine

Try to go ahead and plan out when and where you’re going to be working out. Getting into a routine of when you’re going to exercise really helps because then you start planning your day around something you’re already committed to. Just make sure it’s something you can stick with. If it’s too aggressive you won’t be able keep it up.

& don’t forget your cardio!

Staying in shape and feeding your body right will help to ensure your future. Heart disease is the number one killer in America and can be prevented by focusing a little more on your health. So, as the semester comes to a close don’t let your health suffer because of the work load in front of you. A well fueled body is more focused and ready to tackle the long days ahead.