So you’re bored with your gym routine, and fitness classes aren’t your thing or are at ridiculous time? Let’s be real, we’re college girls, that 6 A.M. cycle class isn’t appealing in any way, shape or form. Why not create your own fitness routine then? With your own routine you can design it around your own needs and interests, and at your own schedule. As college girls we have become more independent than ever before, and it only follows that our fitness regime should mirror that lifestyle.

Set a realistic goal

It’s time to get real with yourself. What do you want to accomplish with your workouts? Are you trying to lose weight, or maintain weight and become more toned? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s important to go into a fitness plan knowing what you want out of it. Be aware of any injuries you may be recovering from, and make sure you discuss them with your doctor before you create your plan.

Start with strength

One common misconception of a workout routine is that you need to start with cardio. If you’re solely looking to lose weight, than this may be a better choice. However, for a full body workout that incorporates strength for toning, leave cardio for after weights! If you do cardio first your muscles will go into a weight lifting routine depleted before they get started, and you won’t be able to hit your max weight. You’ll end up tired and sweaty trying to lift weights. Instead, do your weight training first, after stretching of course, to ease yourself into a workout.

Aim for about 30-40 minutes, four times a week. And don’t worry ladies, you don’t have enough testosterone to get “man muscles.” You’ll get sleek and toned!

Separate weight repetitions with calisthenics

Calisthenics are exercises like jumping rope, doing crunches or lunges, or regular push ups. Before you move to each new muscle area you are training, do a set of one of these exercises. By doing exercises like this in between your weight lifting, you’ll spike your heart rate for a short burst and burn a ton of calories and keep your body working at optimal performance until you get to your main cardio workout.

Cardio, cardio, cardio

Cardiovascular exercise is critical for heart strength and endurance, and it also slims you down and keeps your muscles and metabolism running up to par. Aim for 45 minutes four days a week, at the least. Anything that gets your heart going is cardio exercise, from dancing to running or swimming. For max results, train with a heart monitor and focus on your zone 3.

Zone 3 is your target heart rate, and you measure it the following way: [(maximum heart rate – resting heart rate) x%intensity] + resting heart rate

Add yoga or something fun to the mix

For your new workout plan to be successful, you’ll have to switch it up sometimes so that you don’t get bored and your muscles don’t plateau. So alternate the above weight/cardio routine by doing a day of yoga, or a strength/cardio mixed workout like an hour of kickboxing. Whatever is fun and interesting to you, do it! No hour spent having fun is an hour wasted, and your workout doesn’t have to feel like a workout at the same time.

What do you think?

What is your fitness routine? What elements from the above list have you incorporated into your workout regimen? Share with us in the comments section.

2 Comments

  1. avatar Saira says:

    I love this site!!!

  2. avatar john says:

    This is a cool site. I like how you took the college and fitness aspect to create one. Nice site

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