Guest Blogger: Morgan Elizabeth
If you had told me months ago that I would be writing this article, I would have laughed in your face. But here we are! During this quarantine season, I found a passion for health and fitness; I even started a business as a faith and fitness coach. Looking back, this seems like the craziest thing! I went from never exercising to encouraging women to be physically and spiritually healthy. This lifestyle change seemed like the next step in my journey. Starting a coaching business combined all of the things I am most passionate about: my faith, creating community, and staying healthy. I also love having the opportunity to get paid – just for encouraging healthy habits! Coaching has given me an excellent opportunity to grow in leadership and discipline.
Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you how to stay healthy in college, even if you have a busy lifestyle. I know what it’s like to be busy. Still, I have remained consistent with my exercise, even though I am taking 18 credits this semester, have my own business, and work a campus job. You can stay healthy this semester, I believe in you! I am still so new to this, so I feel unqualified to share this, but I will share what I have learned and plan to reach my health and fitness goals while I am in school.
Prioritize activity
When I feel obligated to do an ab workout every day, I don’t want to do it. I need exercise to be my choice, something that I want to do. I want you to eliminate the mindset that exercise only looks like Chloe Ting workouts and 3-mile runs. It is so much more than that! You have this opportunity to take care of your body, and there are countless ways to accomplish that goal!
For me, I had to recognize my fitness goals. My goal is simple, to move my body for 30 minutes or more each day to stay in shape. I do not aspire to have six-pack abs (although I would not complain if I got them) or a great booty – I want to be healthy. To reach this goal, I prioritize daily activity over keeping up with a specific workout routine.
I challenge you to make a goal to move your body somehow for 30 minutes a day – that’s what I did this summer, and it helps! I am always doing some form of workout program. However, I love having the freedom to do something else for my daily exercise if I desire. If you don’t feel up to doing a “workout,” just go for a walk with friends, dance around your dorm, or kick a ball around for thirty minutes. Whatever you do, try to move your body every day.
Workout first!
If I don’t do a workout before I start my day, it won’t get done. I would encourage you to get your workout in before you go to class in the morning. If I plan on just walking for 30 minutes or so, I prefer to do this in the evening. But for my workout programs, I NEED to workout in the morning. Getting my workout done first creates the space to go on spontaneous adventures with friends or focus your attention on your classes, homework, and work.
I would encourage you to wake up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and make exercise a part of your routine. It will energize you before your classes and help you focus. Since classes have started, I have noticed a difference in my attention span during class time. You will want to develop the habit of exercising first if you really want to stay active throughout the semester. If you implement this, please let me know!
Bring a friend!
Try inviting a friend on a run or a walk with you or to do a 30-day challenge! If you include a friend, you can motivate and push each other to exercise even when you don’t want to. I love having friends who will hear me complain about working out, but still tell me to do my workout anyway! Having friends who keep me accountable helps me to stay motivated and focused on achieving my goals.
When I am at home, I usually workout with my older sister. Our room is the entire basement, and we have a TV downstairs and a space that is perfect for working out together. We love to go all out when we do our workouts together. This has been super special because it has brought us closer together!
Working out with friends can make the whole process fun! You will bond over the shared pain of ab day and get to encourage each other to keep going. If you try and do this all by yourself, you will be more likely to fail. So invite someone to join you – you won’t regret it!
Those are just a few simple tips that have helped me. Visit my Instagram and let me know if you try any of these tips out. I hope you have a fun and healthy semester and school year!