City College students can improve their fitness without spending a lot of money or drastically changing their lifestyles. Paul Greer, City College fitness center director, has some tips that can help you get in shape.
A great place to start off could be a local park or school, or better yet the beach. Beach workouts are not only free, they are also fun which will take complaining and hatred towards exercise out of the equation.
Outdoor workouts are not only known to improve good physical health but also mental health.
According to a 2011 study published in the research journal Environmental Science & Technology, “Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy.”
Greer says that the most important thing you must focus on is finding the workout which you enjoy doing, something that is fun and beneficial at the same time.
Setting up circuit stations is something Greer suggests while exercising outdoors. Trying a mini triathlon is also another good idea that can help keep you in shape.
Another option is joining a fitness club. All it takes is a three second Google search and a little motivation, there is something for everyone.
Students can also join fitness boot camps, a sure fire way to get in shape, and fast. Because of the higher intensity, students can join boot camps when class sessions have ended, just in time to get in shape for upcoming summer days.
Greer advises to “set a goal. Make a long term goal and a short term goal. Make it realistic, and make it obtainable.”
Last but not least, students who want to go the more traditional route can join the gym and with their membership, be exposed to different classes such as Zumba or yoga.
It is all a matter of “just showing up” as Greer says.
Creating a sense of community when working out could help achieve your goals.
Be sure to keep at least 2 people you trust aware of your fitness goals.
One person should be your confidant. They should be someone you trust to pick you up when you have a setback and at the same time, to encourage you when you are doing well.
The second person can be your training partner. This person actually does the workouts with you on a regular basis.
Last but not least, setting a non-food reward is something that can help keep you going throughout your exercise regimen without getting in the way of your hard work.
Greer stresses, “The greatest motivation for exercise is enjoyment. You have to find something you enjoy because then you will do it. Consistency is the key to success.
“Find something you enjoy.”`
