The Joys of Getting Healthy

Since graduating from college, I’ve noticed a trend among my friends: a focus on health and fitness. Everyone around me has begun trying to losing weight, getting in shape, and being healthy. Why has this trend come about so suddenly? And I realize: it’s that post-college mind set.

What I think of when I imagine college kids.
(Source: theoatmeal.com)

Personally, I have always worked towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle while aiming to work out as often as I am motivated to. But once I got to college, my lifestyle drastically changed. There was food at arm’s length that I only ate once a month with my family; there was soda-a forbidden liquid in my household; not to mention the alcohol-carbohydrates in liquid form. All my discipline went out the window as I began to enjoy my new lifestyle because with all that schoolwork, you’ve got more important things to stress over, right? (Definitely not…)

I think everybody changed a little in college, whether they tried to or not. Summers in between college were a chance to try and reverse that physical change and get back on to the healthy wagon: eat healthier at home, drink less, work out more. But what makes this summer different? Everybody is fervently working towards that healthy lifestyle they had pre-college. I think it’s because we are out of that black hole of junk food and stress. And there is no more college to go back to and gain back all the weight you’ve just tried to lose.

I have friends who eat only fruits and vegetables as meals. I have friends who work out multiple times a day and are doing exercise regimens. I have friends constantly obsessing over their weight. And me? Well I was happy to lose five pounds after graduation just from adjusting to a new lifestyle. But then, slowly by slowly I began making little changes, and I am excited to share them with you!

A screenshot of my "best" run with Nike +.

In July, I began running (with the encouragement of Jeremy!) I downloaded the app he uses: Nike +. It tracks my distance, pace, and I am able to share my runs with various social media outlets. This gave me great motivation to go for runs outside. Gradually I got better at running. Recently, I joined a gym! I have been trying my best to go as often as I can. I had a consultation with the Director of Personal Training, who measured my body fat percentage, BMI, and weight. This was a helpful meeting because he told me what I need to focus on: lowering my body fat percentage. Apparently, my weight is not as important as reducing the percentage. This gave me a new perspective on “losing weight,” as it has always been a number I have focused on reducing.

With the Director’s help, I was given stretches to strengthen my legs to help with my running, we created a strength-training regimen to work on losing fat, and we talked about various cardio workouts. One cardio workout I tried at the gym is the spinning class they offer. What a great experience! I love biking so the class wasn’t too challenging and was a fun and energetic time. I definitely suggest it to people looking for fun cardio workouts.

Becoming healthier is definitely beneficial for everyone and I commend all my friends for working toward it. As for me, I will continue to do my simple exercises and try group fitness classes and see where it takes me. But who knew that college would be such a strong motivation to get healthy?! What I have learned this summer is not to push yourself completely out of your comfort zone (turkey sandwiches are healthy enough lunches compared to fruits and vegetables) but rather to get accustomed to something out of your comfort zone gently. The results will be gradual but ultimately rewarding. Another joy of being in your twenties: your metabolism is working well enough for you to see results! Good luck to everyone and I will update my blog on my successes in losing body fat percentage, weight, and becoming healthier!