Tips and Tricks to avoiding the Freshman 15 at the University of Mary.

Cultivating healthy habits isn't about wanting to change the way you look, it's about loving yourself enough to treat your body the right way. Below you will find some of the most common healthy lifestyle roadblocks for college students and ways that you can combat them without eating pure spinach or spending the rest of your life in the gym. Enjoy!

Problem - Lack of motivation to work out

For many students coming from high school athletics or dance classes, working out was something built into their schedule in the form of regulated practices and workouts. When college comes around and there is no longer scheduled and monitored fitness opportunities (or if your sport has been obnoxiously canceled due to the global pandemic - thanks corona) it can be seemingly impossible to find a workout schedule that is both convenient and effective.

Solution - Turn on your computer

One of the benefits of global quarantine is the increase in free online workout programming. The amount of free YouTube workouts for all levels and skillsets is honestly quite overwhelming, and I've listed my recommendations for different preferences below. These short workouts can be done in a dorm room or the gym, and some are as quick as two minutes. That quick burst of activity may seem pointless, but even a short workout will do wonders to stimulate your mind and body.

Problem - New access to a gym, but no idea how to use a gym

For those of us who weren't in sports (quietly raises hand) and now suddenly have access to a fitness center with a plethora of machines that look like they spent a lifetime torturing medieval prisoners, the gym can be intimidating. Many invasive thoughts (how do I get on this? Is this for lifting? Why are there so many buff people here?) can prevent well-intentioned students from pursuing their fitness dreams.

Solution # 1 - Turn on that computer again

One great way to combat gymtimidation is to research before you go. Want to try out the weights or do an interval workout on the bikes? I guarantee there are hundreds of YouTube videos and articles that will give you tips and workout routines so that you don't make a fool out of yourself, or worse, injure yourself. Having a plan before you go to the gym puts you in control and will greatly improve your trip to the fitness center (not to mention, make you look like a pro).

Solution # 2 - Find the dead spots

The fitness center is much less intimidating if it's just you and the machines. Find a time during the day where the bulk of people aren't there. It may take a few tries, but finding the dead spots during the day is one thing that has really helped me to continue going to the gym on a regular basis. (pro-tip, before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm are usually the busiest, so if you have a few hours in the middle of the day, that might be the best time).

Solution # 3 - Bring a friend or two

Another great motivator is to bring friends with you. Going to the gym with a group of friends is a great way to cultivate a friendship that fosters good habits. Bring a computer and find a fun dance workout to do with a group of friends or have a contest of who can last the longest on the elliptical. Everything is easier with a friend and working out is no different. Also, it's more fun to sweat when your roommate is sweating even harder on the treadmill next to you.

Problem - 24/7 Dining = yikes

My fitness downfall in my first semester at the University of Mary can be summarized in two torturous words - mozzarella sticks. It may be something else for you (scotcheroos, Nutella, onion rings), but let's face it, with the amazing 24/7 dining center always available, overeating is as natural as breathing. I always had the best intentions when going to the Nest late at night to study for a test or be horrifically slaughtered at pool; however, when your friend brings over a plate of 15 fresh, cheesy mozzarella sticks, your willpower goes out the window. And don't even get me started on the amount of cherry Coke that entered my system last September. Eating this large volume of cheese, carbs, and chocolate late at night is a recipe for the Freshman 15 (or 25 in my case).

Solution - Quit when the sun goes down

This one is tricky - in fact, I still struggle with it. My number one advice is to not eat after 9 p.m. It's one of the hardest things to do, but if you want to see tangible results and feel good when you wake up, avoiding those sweet and salty mozzarella sticks in the late evening is your best bet.

You may be thinking: Alyssa, how? How and why? Also, how?

First of all, you can do this. Second of all, don't avoid hanging out with your friends, you can definitely still go into the Nest at night, but just be conscious and focused when it comes to food. One thing I've started doing to make this dream a reality is to drink a bunch of water when I'm in the nest at night. Doing this fills my need to consume something when everyone else is eating, it also keeps me full and diminishes the need for food. If this doesn't seem possible, don't beat yourself up. Work on practicing moderation and take one mozzarella stick instead of seven or 25 or 109. Remind yourself that your body is important and you need to take care of it.

Problem - It's freaking cold; who wants to run?

For those who are new to the beautiful hill that houses the University of Mary, it contains breathtaking sunsets, easy access to all classes, and wind that could overtake a herd of rhinos. Seriously, the January wind on the hill would make Dorothy wish she was back in Kansas. Nevertheless, in the midst of the snow and wind, the only running that I want to do is the short jaunt into my dorm to watch a movie while skimming C.S. Lewis. Motivation to do anything difficult in the winter catastrophically diminishes as the snow begins to fall. This, unfortunately, includes eating healthy and exercising in any form.

Solution - Suck it up, it's worth it.

Believe it or not, once you get over the initial pain of turning on the workout video or walking to the fitness center, exercising in the winter is something that can bring you joy and a refuge from the harsh wind. Working out has proven to increase your endorphin level which means you will be happier and more productive after a good sweat. Which brings me to another benefit - the sweat. During the winter our bodies freeze and crack up and wither; doing some cardio and sweating provides a nice break from the desolate frozen tundra and will give your body and mind a well-deserved reprieve.

Problem - Hanging out and eating cake is way more fun . . .

One of the most endearing things about the early years of college is the freedom to hang out with friends whenever you want. Though that may look a little different due to the global pandemic (thanks again, corona), being with friends and doing fun things like baking and watching movies is way more appealing than trekking it across campus to work out in the gym with a bunch of bodybuilders (no offense to the bodybuilders, we hate because we secretly want what you have).

Solution - Bring your friends along!

I already said it, but it's worth saying again, working out with friends is a joy. Not only are you spending time together, but it gives you a refreshing new activity to partake in. Not to mention, participating in a healthy activity together will strengthen the nature of the relationship because it becomes one that encourages healthy habits.

Keep in Mind

Give yourself a break every once in a while. You will definitely see me devouring onion rings after nine several times this year and that's okay! If you fail, that's okay. Just don't stop loving that beautiful body that God gave you.

YouTube Workout Recommendations

For the hardcore homies - Check out Pamela Reif. She is a German model who makes workouts for all fitness levels. She also makes a weekly workout schedule for all different skill sets. She is my personal favorite, I love the variety and style of her workouts.

Just in it for a good time - Blogilates has all the fun music and dance workouts! If you don't have a lot of motivation, try out these super fun workout combinations.

Looking for consistency? - Chloe Ting has a consistent and effective workout training program. However, there is not a lot of variety in her workout plans, so if you want a plan that you can do with no surprises, check her out.