Right now, most college students are home for the summer.  While that means a welcome respite from classes and dining hall food, it also means no more free gym or easy-access salad bar.  Sure, it might be tempting to fill up on Mom’s home-cooked pasta and meatballs, or go out with old friends for some ice cream, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t end after finals.  If you’ve made a commitment to being fit, that commitment should be year-round.  So, stay active this summer and maybe cook up some healthy meals for your family.  Here are my top tips for staying in shape off-campus.

Join a Gym – Many gyms offer reduced summer membership fees for students.  You may even get a free consultation with a personal trainer.  Pick a gym that suits your exercise style and schedule, and make a commitment to go.

Become a Chef - One way to ensure you eat healthy at home is to become the family cook.  Pick some healthy, easy recipes to start, and wow your household with some tasty dishes.  Some of my favorite recipe sites are myrecipes.com and recipezaar.com.

Take a Class – If you join a gym, check to see if they offer any fun classes like kickboxing or yoga.  Not a gym member?  Check your local community center for summer fitness classes.  You can also join a summer dance program.  Most dance schools offer summer classes for kids and adults.

Enlist a Friend (or Relative) – Finding a workout buddy at home will help you stay on track.  Grab a friend and head to the gym, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or play a sport.  If you can’t convince any friends to break a sweat with you, try your family.  I joined a gym with my mom.  We travel there together, but workout separately.  It motivates me to go, and is helping her lose weight and conquer some health problems.

Get Fit at Home - When all else fails, make your home your gym.  Its low-cost and easily accessible!  You can pick up some fitness DVDs or find workout videos online to get you started.  Investing in some free weights, a yoga mat, resistance bands, or an exercise ball can help you firm up more efficiently.  You may also want to subscribe to one of the many exercise magazines out there.  They always have great at-home workout routines.

Go Outside – Its summer, which means the weather is perfect for some outdoor activity.  Go for a bike ride, run around the block, take a hike, or hit the pool for some laps.  All of these are great cardio activities.  If you live near the water, take your workout to the beach.  Walking or running on sand burns extra calories, and beach sports like surfing or volleyball are excellent ways to workout.  Even a little bit of activity will make a difference.  Take a walk, volunteer to mow the lawn, water the plants; whatever you can to keep active.  Just be sure to practice summer sun safety (wear sunscreen!).

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to College Fit, a blog for students who want to avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15″ and get into great shape without missing out on all the fun of being in college.

College is filled with dining halls, parties, and take-out.  Navigating the college lifestyle without gaining weight is hard enough, and finding time to get in shape can seem nearly impossible.  As a college student myself, I have learned how to balance great grades with friends and a healthy lifestyle.  Back in high school, I couldn’t even run a mile.  Now, as a Junior in college, I am truly in the best shape of my life!  I read tons of health and fitness articles to improve my healthy lifestyle, and have learned that making even small changes can really impact your body.  So, read on and I’ll share some great tips with my fellow college students (and anyone else interested in improving their lifestyle)!