College is the land of all-nighters, endless studying, and some of the best parties of your life — which is why it may seem impossible to find time to exercise.
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So we asked members of the BuzzFeed Community and fitness experts for tips on how to start working out and stick with it when you're pressed for time and money in college.
1. Before you start, come up with some realistic and healthy fitness goals.
2. View working out as a positive addition to your life, not something that's going to suck up all your free time.
3. Start with short workouts a few times a week. This is college — you have enough on your plate as it is.
4. Schedule your workout like a class... but don't stress out about it like a class.
5. Even doing 10 or 15 minutes of a super-intense workout, like sprints on the treadmill, is a great place to start.
6. If a gym fee is included in your tuition, think of working out as not wasting your money.
7. Take a physical education class for credit and get an easy A+ for your workout.
8. Or try an intramural or club sport you're really excited about.
9. Do your class readings when you aren't going as hard on the treadmill or stationary bike.
10. Master lots of bodyweight exercises if you haven't already.
11. Keep a yoga mat in your room.
12. Or get a jump rope.
13. Invest in a kettlebell or set of dumbbells so you can always lift at home.
14. Or get ~creative~ with your own DIY weights.
15. Use the stairs in your dorm or around campus for a good workout.
Running up a flight of stairs is a super easy and effective cardio workout, and even toe taps on the bottom step can really work your legs, Giovinazzo says. Just don't do it during the between-class rush or you might get trampled/annoy a lot of people.
16. Take mini-workout study breaks to help boost energy and focus.
17. Or take dance breaks.
18. Use fitness apps if you have no idea what to actually do when you're working out.
19. Or follow along with an instructional video on YouTube.
20. Instead of skipping a workout when you're low on time, just do a super-short one.
21. Just make sure to keep challenging yourself with your workouts.
Me trying to finish this semester
It's great if your workout becomes easier, because that means you are building strength and endurance, but keeping it challenging is how you make progress. "Always try to run a little faster or longer than usual, or do a few more reps of bodyweight exercises," Kneeland says.
22. Find a buddy who will make you more accountable... and make workouts more fun.
23. Try working out first thing in the morning so you can focus on class and friends the rest of the day.
24. OR exercise right after you finish classes for the day — but before you settle in for naps and Netflix.
25. If you drive to school, park far away from campus some mornings to get a longer power walk in.
26. Life hack: Only wash your hair on the days you workout.
27. Find out if your college offers any free or discounted fitness classes and take as many as you can.
28. Or actually pay real dollars for a class you REALLY love, and then don't skip it.
29. If you need some extra motivation, remember that exercising can make you energized, confident, and mentally sharp AF
30. But if it's midterms or finals or just a ridiculously crazy week, give yourself a break. Just do what you can, when you can.
31. And then go the fuck to sleep. Your body needs it.
32. Remember: Be kind to yourself and love your body.
