Six Easy Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle

By Amanda Gabriel
Elm Staff Writer

When presented with a large spread of all-you-can-eat buffet food in Hodson every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making healthy choices can prove difficult. Yet if you deprive yourself of sugary sweets then you may find yourself binging on them later. Balance is key when it comes to college living.
Eating a spinach salad at every meal is not ideal for most, so do not try and be something you are not. Instead, make as many healthy choices as possible and replace at least one unhealthy option with something nutritious each day.
Another path to healthy living is taking advantage of the fitness facilities that are available on campus. However, many people get gym anxiety and are not comfortable in the gym. If you find yourself in this situation, or something similar, the following list is advice and tips I have composed in order to help you become the best version of yourself.
1. Do not go to the gym for anyone but you. In order to be a healthy and happy person, you must first come to terms with yourself. Learn to love yourself and make choices that will only enhance a positive state of mind, because if you go to the gym to try and change something you do not like about yourself, often times you will feel disheartened or not motivated enough to get through a workout.
2. Know your fitness level. Do not lead yourself to believe that you will be able to do everything on your first day. Start small and build a foundation on which you grow. Keep in mind that all of those who are great had to start from the beginning just like you are.
3. Find a workout buddy. A workout partner can be an essential part of your fitness journey. Make sure you find someone who is able to challenge themselves to the same level as you, otherwise the workout will not be as effective. One person will end up being faster than the other and this can also be discouraging.
4. Set goals. If you are new to the gym scene, start small. Perhaps try walking on the treadmill for a mile on your first day, then the next day try lifting weights that are appropriate for your level of fitness. There is nothing embarrassing about using the smaller weights. If there was, they would not even be in the workout room. Using smaller weights and doing something is much better than doing nothing.
5. Stay motivated. One of my favorite ways of keeping motivated is to find a motivational video or quote each day that I have never seen or heard before. There will be times when you do not feel like going to the gym and that is okay. Like I mentioned, life is all about balance. Try to go to the gym at least twice a week and keep yourself motivated because in the end, you are competing with yourself.
6. Celebrate. Be happy for yourself that you are making tiny steps to the end of a long goal. Rome was not built in a day, and neither are muscles. Transforming yourself takes time, effort, commitment, and a little room for cheat days.
These six steps are only a few that can be used to prep you for spending time in the gym. I have found them to be most effective in my own fitness journey. I now frequent the gym almost every day, but I used to be confused and overwhelmed by all of the equipment when I stepped foot onto the floor. Remember to take your time and only do what you are comfortable doing. Above all, learn to love who you are, and the rest will follow.

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