Uni Student Looking to Slim Down

labellecanuck
labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
edited January 9 in Introduce Yourself
Hello!

Last year I started off by doing the Insanity workout program which I loved and saw great results for. However living in a rickety old apartment made me start to feel bad for my neighbours. I also lost motivation working out so hard and not really having an end goal. Friends and family noticed the results and were complementary but weren't really interested in supporting me through it (fitness is such a touchy subject).

Now I'm starting off another year with a goal to slim down, tone up, and feel energetic. I started working out daily at the YMCA on Jan. 07, 2013 and feel great. I've lost 4lbs so far going from 152 to 148. I'm 5'8 and looking to loose at least 10-15 more lbs. But Being a university student, life is super crazy and there are always excuses not to go to the gym. I want to make sure my motivation stays in tact, and to be able to talk about fitness with people who have similar goals to better themselves no matter what!

Now so far I'm not using any food or exercise trackers but I hope to get engaged in the community.

Replies

  • dandandee
    dandandee Posts: 301 Member
    hello!

    I can totally related to your situation. I'm a university student too, and I've just recently started going to the gym at my uni. also trying to lose about 15 pounds to bring my to 140. It's definitely a challenge sometimes finding time with classes and homework and a job but I think it's well worth it. I've found that making plans to go with a friend to the gym twice a week really helps me. I try to go on other days on my own too, but when I' with a friend it's that much funner and I do a lot more! Plus, I can't really decide last minute to cancel because I'd feel bad ditching her.

    Anyways, we should maybe swap workout plans and see what each other is doing to get ideas for ourselves. What do you think?
    I'd also love to learn more about proper working out tips and things because I'm a total newbie at the gym life.
  • labellecanuck
    labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
    Hey dandandee! Nice to meet a fellow uni student.

    I am also completely new to going to the gym, and I think swapping workout plans would be great. I hope to continue going everyday but it takes up a lot of time!

    I often go with my bf and he loves doing the 20/20/20. 20min on the eliptical, 20 min on the rowing machine, and 20 min on the bike. I prefer doing 35min on the eliptical and 25min on either the bike or rowing. I've also tried spinning, toning, and dance classes so far. I wish kickboxing classes didn't interfere with my classes because I would love to do those as well. I'd also like to try lifting weights but it's so intimidating!

    What is your routine? Do you find you're able to eat well?
  • dandandee
    dandandee Posts: 301 Member
    How do you find rowing? We have one machine at my gym and I want to try it but I have no idea what to do.. I guess I could ask someone else there or watch someone else doing it.

    I've been doing somewhat similar to you and your bf. 20 elliptical, 20-30 bike and 10 stepper. This monday my friend and I tried out the weight room for the first time but like you said, it's pretty intimidating in there! I found it was a great way to end the workout though, I felt like that was a GREAT workout. You should definitely get into the weight room, you could get your boyfriend to show you some of the machines in there too!

    I've heard something though recently which kind of confused me.. apparently to lose fat when working out you're supposed to keep your heart rate lower (like more in the 60% range instead of all out). But my heart rate gets to 195 pretty easily on the elliptical (at least, according to the reader on the machine). Have you heard anything like this?

    My diet is generally pretty healthy, I don't live on campus, so I do all my own cooking and I've never been big on junk food. The biggest challenge for me is incorporating all the veggies I need :/ How about you?
  • labellecanuck
    labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
    Rowing is great! It's one of those machines where you feel really accomplished after doing it. They do seem to be rather ignored though. When you went to the weight room, did you just freestyle or did you go in with a plan? How were your energy levels after doing cardio?

    I've heard different things about heart rate, and the high intensity interval training was the best way to lose fat. But with HIIT, you alternate between intensities.

    I also live in an apartment but it only has a mini kitchen so in all the years I've lived here, I've yet to even buy pots or pans for my hotplate. I only eat things that are made fast and eaten fast so sandwiches are a huge staple.
  • dandandee
    dandandee Posts: 301 Member
    Mhm, well I'll definitely try it out tomorrow then if no one's using it (which is very likely! lol) We just kind of freestyled our way through the room. Trying a few different machines here and there. I think after I get more acquainted with the machines I'll make myself up a little plan. Energy levels were pretty good, it's crazy how after just a week of doing cardio I feel so much better afterwards than in the beginning.

    Alright, thanks! I was worried that I should not be working out so intensely but that would feel so counterproductive..

    Oh ok, at least it's better than many meal plans at university. Not really much time as a student to be making full course meals anyways!
  • Guinevere117
    Guinevere117 Posts: 148 Member
    Your situation sounds exactly like mine. I am also a full time university student taking seven classes. Long story short (lol): I went to a community college from 2009-2011, and started university in 2012. Up until August of 2011, I weighed 220 pounds. I concentrated on my school work, and made up every excuse in the book as to why I could not eat healthy and exercise. In August of 2011, I decided to turn my life around and find time to exercise and all the healthy stuff. I now weight 117 lbs. I still find it hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it is all about strength of your will to overcome the urges and the laziness, find the time, and reward yourself with the benefits of your healthy decisions later! :)
    Add me if you like! I am interested in knowing how other uni. students live healthy lives, and I want to learn a thing or two from them. I am a little internet shy, but I do post updates on my profile quite regularly. ^_^!
  • JudithEssex
    JudithEssex Posts: 34 Member
    Track. Keeps you honest.
  • labellecanuck
    labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
    Wow Reimon, you've lost an incredible amount of weight! That's so impressive. Only two weeks into the new semester and I'm already wondering how the heck am I going to keep up my school work and continue to exercise like this. I may have to start learning how to enjoy morning exercise *tear*.
  • labellecanuck
    labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
    @JudithEssex. I was really against tracking because I felt like it wasn't something I'd be able to maintain long-term with the updating and calorie restriction but the more I look at other people's diaries, the more I see the value in it as something that doesn't have to be burdensome. Especially for learning keeping the nutritional value of my food balanced.
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