With work piling up and midterms nearing, it may seem like summer is still far away, but time flies and before you know it, May will be here. If you want to get in shape before you hit the beach, but feel like you do not have the time, there are some things that can help you achieve the body you are looking for.
Exercise is always a factor to keep in mind, not only for physical appearance, but for your health. Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for staying fit and energetic. Although that may not seem like a problem, students must worry about it now, everyone will experience aging eventually.
With that said, everyone is different, so the right exercise regimen has to be tailored to the individual. Whether you enjoy heavy lifting and building muscle, or extreme cardio and yoga, there is a workout out there for you.
Cardio is a must if you want to get your weight down, and also keep your heart healthy and reduces stress.
Many exercises like running, power walking, biking, using an elliptical, jumping rope, and so on can be used to burn calories and increase heart rate. Home fitness videos such as P90x, Insanity, and MU’s own COREiculium are perfect if you would rather workout at home than go to the gym. These videos allow you to work on your abs, strength training, and more in the comfort of your home or dorm room.
Chair of Health and Physical Education, Dr. James Konopack, adds that in order to lose weight and be happy about it, you must find a workout that is fun for you.
“Seek out modes of physical activity that are enjoyable and sustainable rather than plodding through uninspired workouts in order to reap some superficial reward,” Konopack said. “The end result could be a form activity that you’ll love to do for years to come that just so happens to also improve your overall health and well-being.”
Konopack notes that biking, running, dancing, playing basketball, practicing yoga, CrossFit, tennis, martial arts and swimming are all workouts but also are rather enjoyable.
Once you find the workout that best suits you, work on sticking to it. It may seem difficult at times to keep up with a set schedule, but it will all be worth it when summer rolls around.
Freshman business major Brian Bartone believes it is crucial to make a routine system in order to find the desired results. “The hardest part of diet and exercise is to get started,” Barton said. “The only motivation you really need is to look in the mirror and see if you’re satisfied. It’s not going to be easy at first, but it’s worth it in the end.”
While exercise is crucial to live a healthy life, the most important thing to keep in mind is a healthy diet. As the saying goes, you are what you eat and if you want to look good, you must eat well. It may seem like a struggle to make healthy choices, but it is possible.
Breakfast is an important start to your day. Egg white omelets are a low-carb, high-protein choice. Granola accompanied by yogurt is another tasty, yet healthy option. To add some protein, cut up an apple or banana and eat it with peanut butter.
At lunch and dinner, avoid oily, fatty foods like fried chicken and french fries. Instead, sautéd carrots, spinach, or broccoli with a drop of olive oil and some seasonings can be a perfect substitute. Grill your chicken instead of frying it, and pair it with a salad and light dressing. Swap out sweets like ice-cream or cupcakes for a piece of fruit.
Cutting down on carbs can also be used to your advantage. Try to limit your intake of bread and pasta or choose whole wheat and multi-grain options instead. Drinking your calories is also a waste, so avoid soda temptations and thick drinks such as smoothies for options like water or green tea.
If you still desire a fruit like taste, you can add Crystal Light flavor packets to your water in order to get the flavor without all the extra calories.
One tactic to strongly enforce when dieting is the avoidance of any late night snack. Resisting th urge to eat after 8:00 at night may seem hard at times, but it prevents you from sleeping on an overly full stomach.
Junior health studies major Jennifer Goldberg thinks eating right is essential. “You can work out as much as you want, but if you don’t stick to a healthy plan, you won’t see any transformation. After a while, all the healthy food tastes good,” she said.
Many believe in cutting out seemingly unhealthy foods all together but rewarding yourself is not out of the question, and it can actually help your diet. Having a ‘cheat meal’ once a week has been said to boost metabolism and allow the body to reset its hormone levels. It will also give you something to look forward to after a week of hard work.
Being fit for the summer season is something many people want to achieve, and although college can seem challenging, fitting diet and exercise into your schedule is feasible. By trading junk food for healthier options, you will not only look better, but feel better too. You can never go wrong with fruits and vegetables, and cutting carbs can give you the results you are looking for.
Exercise routines can be made to fit your schedule as well as your interests, and the possibilities for being active are endless.
Through effort and dedication, you can achieve the summer beach look you have been dreaming of.
