Being a student at UF comes with some expectations. We have to achieve decent grades and shotgun beers like a pro, all while maintaining a fit looking body.
Walking through Turlington is like walking through the set of The O.C. a lot of times. Everyone is ripped, skinny and wearing yoga pants or shirts with the sides cut out. It’s no wonder that Men’s Fitness ranked UF as the No. 11 most fit college in America. But, if you’re like me and think working out is eating a salad and walking to class, then I have some ideas for you.
Via: thesportingmind.com
Running is a great way to exercise for the non-athletes. You can start with a quarter of a mile and work your way up to four in a few weeks. It’s quick, easy and burns calories faster than sex. However, if you hate running (like me) you should try rocking out to music the whole time. You lose yourself in the moment and can pretend that you’re somewhere else. For me, listening to Linkin Park and Paramore fuels my energy to reach that extra mile (something about slightly emo rock keeps me going). Also, on the SouthWest treadmills you can watch little cartoon versions of yourself run around a colosseum and it’s surprisingly entertaining.
There are tons of different ways to work out without getting bored. In addition to jamming to music, you can make lifting a challenge between you a buddy by bidding to out lift them. My favorite work out is the squat and scout. “The squat and scout? Gosh I’ve never heard of that!” But, you have and you do it. The squat and scout is for us less athletic kids. It allows us to squat and scout for attractive guys at the same time. Don’t hate, boys are more then welcome to take part in the squat and scout routine as well. Also, if you’re in a group squat you get to watch the person in front of you Nicki Minaj her ass all over the place – if you’re into that kind of thing. Personally, I’m more of a scouting people watcher.
Now if you absolutely hate seeing all of your friends and meatheads at Southwest, join an intramural team. They have intramural teams for everything from soccer to beach volleyball and the good news is you can suck at the sport! No one cares (except if you’re in the competitive league). They are incredibly fun and give you the guilt-free feeling when you dig into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s later. “It’s ok guys! I worked out today…”
If you feel like the fat kid whilst still exercising your little heart out, however, you may be doing something wrong in the diet department. A few quick tips:
SpaghettiOs is not home cooked pasta and Chef Boyardee did not replace your mom.- Eat a salad once in a while.
- Lay off the Oreos. A new study was recently released that shows Oreos’ addictive quality is comparable to that of cocaine (except they won’t help you party longer).
- Don’t let prices be your excuse for not eating healthy. You’re confusing expensive food with your laziness. Eating fruits and vegetables can be cheaper than meat often times; especially here in Gainesville at farmer’s markets.
- Use self control at the store. If you don’t buy junk food, you wont eat it. It’s simple.
Being at a university that has bathing suit season all year can be tough. But, if you exercise a little and replace your Relish burger with some leafy greens once a week, you can survive. If you’re worried about the freshman 15, don’t fret too much…most times you’ll shed that weight after your parents drop you from the meal plan and you’re left to buy food on our own.
Whether you want your friends to stop calling you a lazy ass or you just want to get healthier, take heed of this advice. UF can be intimidating, but keep in mind how much more attractive our sea of fish is to pick from. Get motivated, get healthy, and remember that everyone loves a jock (at least on TV).
Photo courtesy of: teen.smokefree.gov
