Good workout routine for a busy college student?

Casey4588

Casey4588

New member
Okay so I am 20 years old, 210 lbs. I weighed 230something before I joined this forum about a year ago, and now that I'm in school (A Veterinary technician program - I'm sure you've seen the annoying commercials... "Mom, can I keep it?") I'm having a hard time finding a good workout routine that I can do since my energy and time is always very low. I'm sure that my low energy has something to do with my weight, which is one of the reasons I want to lose weight. I'm sick of being fatigued constantly.

Anyway... Anyone know of a good workout/diet for a busy college student?
 
Well, you can opt for one of 2 things:
(1) Workout less frequently a week, but for longer amounts of time or
(2) Workout more frequently, but for shorter periods of time.

I'm a college student too, and i choose option one, as i only workout 2 days a week, but for two hours each time. If u choose to workout say 3-5 times a week, then limit it to about 30-60 mins per work out. That way at the end of the week, you're still working out up to 4 hours or so.

HTH!
 
Honestly, your best bet is going to be sticking to higher intensity exercise for shorter periods of time. This will minimize any additional stress on your body but will give you the best results metabolically. The Crossfit main page is a good place to start to get some ideas on workouts that can be completed in 20 minutes or less, though you must have a baseline of fitness and core strength before you jump in.
 
BTW, here's an article that's a good reference for the benefits of higher intensity strength and conditioning work. [spam removed]
 
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If energy is a problem, try mixing up your diet to give you a little extra. An easy tip is to include more carbs in a meal/snack an hour before you workout. This should give you a little extra juice to get a nice workout in, and make the gym time count.
 
As a former student I have some suggestions:

1. Park across campus (make sure you have enough time in your schedule for this) and walk to class from there. If you have enough time between classes maybe do a brisk walk around the building, taking the stairs, etc.

2. Take a p.e. class with minimal requirements. Any of these classes will allow you access to the gym and since you're going to be on campus anyways it'll be that much easier to squeeze in a workout, even if its a shorty. (I used to go to the gym for 20-30 minutes every morning before class and I found it really made a difference in my energy level and helping me wake up in the morning. Gets the blood pumping.)

Don't get discouraged. Do what you can and let that be enough at this time in your life. Stressing about weight loss on top of everything else as a student is counterproductive.
 
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Carbs arent inherently bad. In fact, you need them to be a part of a balanced diet. AFAIK, they are the easiest way for the body to convert energy. The problem many people attribute to carbs is that they can come from calorie dense foods, like starchy breads or pastas. I get a lot of my carbs from fruits and veggies.

There is a sticky somewhere around here about it. Check it out sometime, its full of good info.
 
You have to find a way to lose weight in which you feel comfortable a happy to do. If you are tired all the time, you have to look what you are eating, for example junk food lower your energy levels, processed food also because contains to much sugar and if you have a lot of caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol, they may be give you a boost just for an hour but after that you are going to feel tired. I hope this helps.
 
Thanks a lot guys. Sorry it took soooo long for me to respond.... Busy busy busy... I don't go to a huge campus, it's a specialty school with maybe 600 students, so there is no gym. :/ I have been riding my bike more, and watching those calories! Will keep you updated...
 
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