Ioana Minulescu considers getting in shape for the term ahead, sticking to it and making it more appealling…
Summer is on its way, so it’s the perfect time to get in shape right?
Well, this is not the only reason and probably not the most important reason for exercising, but it can help motivate us do so.
Exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and eating right are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for feeling good on the inside, and consequently improving our body shape.
I know that sometimes it’s hard to get yourself to exercise, so try these few things to get you started and make working out more pleasant:
1) Create a good playlist with fun songs that motivate you, or if you’re out of ideas you can always find some online.
2) Meet a friend. If you ask a friend to join, you might be more likely to go for many reasons; you will feel more obligated, you will have someone to talk to, or you will just want your friend to think you’re not that lazy!
3) Try out new things. If you go to the gym regularly, change your workout routine; be creative with your exercises. Or how about trying some new fitness classes? If you don’t know yet where to start with your fitness, take advantage of the many sport societies on campus and see what you enjoy doing.
If you don’t like the idea of going to the gym, there are many other ways to be active while at university, especially in a town like Exeter. As the weather is getting better, why not go for a half hour jog every morning? A great way to start your day, making you feel much better after, with the stress going away for the day. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then, a better way of exercising could be swimming with your friends. If you think you don’t have enough time for this, you can ride a bike to class, or simply walk wherever you go, in case you are used to taking the bus.
Eating healthily is extremely important; it contributes to the way you feel and decreases the likelihood of many conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, just to name a couple.
During the exam period, or if you generally find yourself under stress, you might tend to snack a lot, and mainly on things like crisps, chocolate, or cookies. These might make you feel good for the moment, but when your sugar levels fall back down, you will need to snack again. Alternatively, you can try some of these healthier, but still yummy-tasting snacks:
1) Nut & dried fruit mix. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals, lower bad cholesterol, and boost brain activity. Brazilian nuts boost the activity of antioxidants, and also help lower bad cholesterol due to their monounsaturated fats content. The magnesium in cashew nuts protects against muscle spasms, headaches, and soreness. Finally, cranberries are termed as a superfood and have loads of antioxidants, help prevent heart disease, and help improve memory while relieving stress.
2) Fruit smoothies. Fruits contain many vitamins, fibres, and antioxidants. These can be a great replacement for fizzy drinks.
3) Dark chocolate. If you love chocolate like I do, try to switch white or milk chocolate for dark. It improves blood flow, helps control blood sugar level, can help improve cognitive function, and stimulates the release of endorphins (which make you happier).
4) Granola bars. There are a variety of these out there to choose from, but try to avoid the ones with too much sugar, or candy ingredients.
Don’t forget that eating right and exercising make you feel better on the inside, and this will show on the outside as well. Good luck with your exams and training!
Ioana Minulescu
exeposedev 