How do you prioritize exercise amid the million other things on your to-do list?
Whats the secret to navigating your schools massive gym?
Is it possible to find workouts you actually enjoy?
Flamingo Images via Stocksy / Amanda K Bailey
Its basically a hack for being your best self.
Moreover, building a good fitness routine during your college years can serve you well later in life.
Whats most important, though, is to listen to your body.
Remember: Exercise will probably leave you sweaty and breathless at times, but it shouldnt cause physical pain.
They can help advise whats safe and recommended for you.
(Your college health center can help with this.)
When setting goals, confirm they are realistic and achievable, says Musser.
Start off small and build on that, says Carroll.
(Heres morepro advice on building realistic fitness goals.)
Try a bunch of different workouts.
The best exercises and workouts for you are those that feel good and that you truly enjoy doing.
Now, it may take experimentation to discover something that clicks for youand thats okay.
Try outgroup fitness classes, look into intramural sports teams, or consider joining fitness-oriented clubs on campus.
Enlist a workout buddy.
I definitely recommend bringing a gym buddy with you, says Carroll.
Plus, it can also cut down on gym intimidation.
(More on that in a minute!)
Dont have a buddy?
Take advantage of school and other resources to ease gym intimidation.
Most universities will have a wellness center as well as fitness programs and services that students can use.
All of this can be vital for combating gym intimidation.
Many schools also have personal trainers on staff who are often students themselves.
Personal trainers can also introduce you to basic movements, terms, and concepts.
Many also have resources that show how to use equipment as well as demonstrate how to do certain moves.
Check out nationally accredited fitness organizations like theAmerican College of Sports MedicineandAmerican Council on Exercise.
There are also a ton of free fitness resources here at SELFcheck them out!
That said, life happens, says Sullivan.
For example, can you take a 10-minute break from studying togo for a walk?
Can you spend five minutesstretchingbetween classes?
It’s not just about exercise in the gym and weights and those types of things, says Musser.
It’s really just about movement.
Build in recovery time.
As you’re easing into your new workout routine, ensure youre also prioritizing recovery.
Rest days are vital, says Musser.
They really serve a purpose at the gym no matter what you like to do, she says.
With rest days, youre taking a day off from your normal exercise routine.
The best way to knowwhen you need a rest day?
Pay attention to how youre feeling.
Therewillbe times when, despite your best efforts, you arent able to complete your planned workout routine.
Give yourself grace, says Musser.
Just think, whatever youre doing now is a bonus from before you started out.
Or will you instead think back on how great it felt to ace that course?
Let fitness be something that adds to your life, not something that stresses you out.
