There’s more to a healthy lifestyle than simply the diet. Staying active also has so many benefits such as increased productivity, improved sleep and energy, and serves as both a natural stress reducer and mood enhancer. As a college student, you’re probably getting lots of daily steps, which is a great form of exercise. Another super important form of working out is weight training. And you don’t have to be a gym rat to incorporate weightlifting into your routine! For a lot of students, gym shyness gets in the way of exploring strength training. If your new to strength training or intimidated by using the equipment, here are some solutions to help kickstart your journey:

• Bring a friend!

  • Going to the gym with friends can be a lot less intimidating and lots of fun. You can explore new pieces of equipment together without the anxiety of failing alone!

• Go to the gym at a less occupied time.

  • Typically, peak gym hours for college students are right after most classes end and late afternoon/early evening. If you want to beat the crowd, try and find a time not many people go, say early in the morning or in between your classes. Even later in the evening.

• Work with dumbbells and find a quiet space.

  • Oftentimes, there’s always an open dance room or space you can use outside the main gym. See if you can find a pair of dumbbells and a space to move where you won’t have to worry about a large crowd.

Follow the links below to a free beginner’s workout guide that includes basic exercises you can do in the gym, your dorm, or anywhere else!