By SAND Member: Emily Iammarino
There are a million excuses people give for why they can’t be fit and healthy, but the two biggest reasons are ALWAYS time and money. People either say they have no time to work out or that they can’t afford to belong to a gym or any type of fitness membership. But I’m here to tell you that you can get fit on a busy schedule and a low budget…here’s how:
- Use What You’ve Got! If you are a college student, or anyone else that is somehow given a free gym membership, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT! Trust me, that luxury will not last forever. Even if you’re only able to stop in for 20-30 minutes in between classes, it’s worth it. Many, if not all, gyms offer a locker-room that’s open to public, so run to Walmart and buy a padlock so that you can store all your things in there. Having shoes, a change of clothes, deodorant, and anything else you might need in a locker already there will make quick trips that much easier.
- Make Your Own Gym! If you don’t have a gym membership, no problem, work out at home! Whether you have your own exercises you like to do, or you watch videos, there’s always something you can do. Clear some space in your bedroom, living room, or dorm room—(you really only need enough to be able to lay down flat)—and you’ve got your own personal gym. If you need some help coming up with ideas check out YouTube accounts like Blogilates or FitnessBlender!
- Multitask! There are so many activities we do on a daily basis that can be used for a little workout. In the shower? Do some calf raises while you shampoo. Watching TV? Drop down and do 20 pushups at every commercial break. Reading a book? Crunch it up during every other chapter. You can even incorporate Netflix into your workouts! We all love watching Netflix, so when Netflix checks if you’re still there, take that as an opportunity to do some stretching or jumping jacks.
- Do What You Can! So many people think that if you can’t work out for an hour, you might as well not work out at all. This is so wrong! Yes, it is optimal to get at least 30 minutes of cardio in each day, but 10 minutes is better than zero minutes any day of the week. If you make getting—and staying—fit a priority, you’ll find the time you need. Instead of lying on the couch or in bed between classes, run up and down your place’s stairs or find a quick HIIT routine. Change doesn’t happen over night…it takes one baby step at a time.
- Get Cardio Where You Can! The great thing (and sometimes terrible thing if we’re being honest) about college is that you have to walk everywhere. And while this might not be too fun in the middle of winter, it’s a great way to stay active. Yes, you or your friends might have a car on campus, and there’s always the somewhat trustworthy bus system, but if you can walk somewhere, do it. People don’t usually think of walking as cardio, but when you’re walking all over campus, you’d be surprised how much of a workout you’re actually getting in! And, not that we’re graced with the luxury of elevators at Miami, but when given the option, you should always take the stairs. Gotta build up those calf muscles!