Five Easy Tips: Get excited about exercising

Getting motivated to exercise can be especially difficult for college students. Between going to classes, working, studying and having a social life it can be difficult to find the time to break a sweat. The Daily Cougar talked to students about ways they stay fit. Here are five simple tips that are sure to get your heart rate going.

Tip 1: Make it a team effort

Grab a friend that will motivate you and help you reach your goals. Having support from a friend will give you more drive to get out of bed or off of the couch.

“Working out and seeing those results of a healthy, toned body gives you a lot more self-confidence,” said kinesiology freshman Emily Flannery.

Tip 2: Increase your heart rate

“I like to change up my cardio routines by jumping rope that way I do not feel like I am working out,” said broadcast journalism junior Cassidy Estrada.

“I recommend increasing cardio in your work out routine and making sure you work out 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes to an hour to get the best results,” said sports administration senior Shane Allen, a fitness monitor at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Cardio exercise will help burn fat cells and reduces the risk of heart disease. Whether you are walking, running, swimming, dancing, or playing a sport, the benefits of any type of physical activity are rewarding.

“I like to change up my cardio routines by jumping rope that way I do not feel like I am working out,” said broadcast journalism junior Cassidy Estrada.

Tip 3: Start lifting

Weight training helps tone and builds muscles. This will help build your endurance and burn extra calories. 

“You do not always have to lift heavy weights, if you want to tone, use less weight and do more reps,” said broadcast journalism freshman Mervin Wright.

Tip 4: Watch what you eat

What you put into your mouth will show on your body. Instead of eating chips or cookies, pick up a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit for a mid-afternoon snack.

“It is all about eating the right portions at the right times. I would not recommend eating a pizza and ice cream at midnight if you are looking to get a flat stomach,” said accounting senior Rodney Walker, a building supervisor at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Tip 5: Be persistent

Following steps or a workout routine to get your body ready for summer can be easier said than done.

“You need to be accountable and have determination if you really want to lose weight and tone your muscles,” said biology freshman Alexis Smith.