The beginner”s guide to working out
College students know the struggle of finding the time and motivation to work out at the gym. Here are some hacks to use when the Rec seems a little too far away.
The best time to work out is any time
Studies fail to prove that any time is more beneficial to the body. Any gap in the schedule is a good time to squeeze that workout in.
Mary Phipps
Rawr
Eat foods that boost metabolism and burn calories
Some of the best options include oatmeal, almonds, eggs, grapefruit and green veggies.
Drink green tea – it”s the healthiest beverage on the planet
It”s loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial substances. Many studies show that green tea helps with burning fat and losing weight.
Weights are not always key
When the goal is to get in shape, the form of workout will depend on body type and fitness goals. When the goal is to build muscle, then worry about weights.
Do research
When trying out a new work out, make sure you know if you are capable of doing it, and that it”s going to have the positive affects you want it to have.
Remember “three”
Exercise at least three times a week, and don”t go more than three days without exercising.
Get up early
Everyone loves sleeping in, but getting an early start on the day and eating breakfast early in the morning is a great way to jump start your metabolism.
Keep track of progress
It takes four weeks to notice your body changing, eight weeks for friends to notice, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world to notice. Fuel up on carbs about 30 minutes before the workout.
Stay motivated and confident
Make a pump-up playlist, indulge on motivational quotes and compliment yourself on every little improvement you make.
Keep expectations low and go at your own pace
It”s important to have goals, but be sure to keep them realistic. You don”t want to push yourself too hard.
Don”t worry about how much you sweat
Sweat is not always an indicator of how hard you”ve worked out. Sweating is how the body prevents itself from overheating. Everyone is different, and some people get super warm when they work out while others don”t.
Finally, be sure that you are doing this for you, because you want to. Love yourself and your body, and don”t let anyone or anything make you feel bad for the way you are.
Mary Phipps can be reached [email protected]