Welcome back to campus and to a whole new year of trying to pursue the resolutions you made a month ago. Hopefully the month hasn’t been too rough on some of you, causing feelings of failure to sink in: We’ve got 11 more months to go! Last semester we covered ways to create a healthy diet for day to day life on campus; here we are all ready and nutritionally balanced, so let’s start working out! Below are a few tips to new and old gym goers to follow to enjoy your fitness experience.
Have a good meal at least two hours beforehand
Lack of calorie intake pre-workout because you will have no energy to work off of!
Drink water throughout the day (Before, during and after)
Lack of hydration for your workouts can end with light headedness and lack of energy during the workout.
Stretch Before and After
Reach to the sky and the ground to avoid cramps and injuries. Your body will be a more relaxed and ready to do more activities if you’re stretched out.
Do machines and activities you are comfortable with
If you get onto a machine that you’re not sure how to work, you may feel embarrassed and less likely to go your hardest at the exercise (or that might have just been me)
In that case, bring a friend that knows their way around, or ask someone on the Fit Crew how!
However, don’t push yourself too hard!
Doing too much can hurt your body later and keep you from continuously attending the gym like you intended.
Don’t go everyday! Give yourself breaks; your body needs it.
Vary up your routine
If your body gets too used to the exercises you do, it’s less likely any improvements will happen because your body is too familiar.
Have a good playlist on deck – or not…
Know what stimulates your workout! For some (like me) having a playlist with crazy beats are exactly what I need (ex; Take Ü There by Jack U ft. Kiesza). Others may just like the sound of machines and dropping weights as a background.
**If you’re working out on a cardio machine, most screens have working television and on demand!
Post workout meals should include good nutrients as well
Because you’ve used up all your energy, it’s important to fill up on nutrients again to replenish your body
**The on campus nutritionist told me that I should drink chocolate milk after my workouts…I’m not complaining
Find a time to go when it’s not packed
The best time to go to the gym is when it’s somewhat empty – that way you don’t have to wait for machines that you want
*I predict that the gym is not going to be constantly packed (like it is now) after a couple of weeks…But I believe in the rest of you!
Going around 7AM when the fitness center opens is a prime time because no one wants to be up at that time unless you really want it.
I also suggest this time so that you can do other things during the day, and not feel guilty about potentially missing a gym day.