Going to university is a brilliant way to meet new people and explore new places whilst studying for a degree.
With a newfound sense of freedom to do what you want, whenever you want – the urge to binge-watch TV shows, order takeaways, and party until the early hours will be greater than ever. And when you’re juggling your studies with your social life, finding the time to do some exercise can be tricky.
Though you could join a local gym and go in-between lectures, treadmills aren’t the only way to stay in shape. Oh no.
Here McComb Students share a few tips on how to keep fit and healthy when staying at our student accommodation in Ormskirk.
1. Join a sports team
Are you passionate about sport? Perhaps you played for a local team before moving away to university?
From bog-standard football and rugby to futsal, squash, trampolining, and more, you don’t need to be a pro athlete to get involved with Edge Hill’s sports clubs and make the most of the sports facilities on campus.
Plus, signing up won’t break the bank, but is a fantastic way to stay active without going to the gym. Ideal if your timetable is jam-packed and you’re skint.
2. Do home workouts
If sport’s not really your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of free fitness videos to watch on YouTube that will allow you to keep your fitness up at uni.
The great thing about these tutorials is that they are widely accessible and easy to do at student accommodation in Ormskirk.
Most of the time, you don’t need any special gym equipment – just a few household items like a bottle of water, cans of beans, and let’s not forget a decent playlist!
Home workouts enable you to work out on your own, whenever suits your hectic schedule, or with your housemates.
3. Download free fitness apps
According to a recent report from Ofcom, Brits spend 3 hours and 37 minutes a day on smartphones, tablets, and computers. During this time, you’ll probably be scrolling social media, making plans with friends in WhatsApp groups, video calling loved ones, and reading books and online articles.
Are we right?
Whilst too much screen time can be detrimental to your physical and mental health, there are loads of free fitness apps available on the App Store and Google Play that help you track your progress and work towards different goals.
Many of these apps include diet plans and recipe tips, workouts, running and cycling routes, step and calorie counters, heart rate monitors, and so much more!
4. Cut out the junk food
With no Mum and Dad to do the weekly shop and cook for you at uni, you might be tempted to have a pizza delivered to your student accommodation, or stock up on crisps and sugary snacks.
As tasty as these foods are, they won’t do your waistline (or wallet) any good.
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, on the other hand, will ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function correctly, improve your energy levels, and increase your strength.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are super affordable to buy from your local supermarket. You could eat an apple, banana or orange in-between meals to curb pangs of hunger and stop you from reaching for that packet of biscuits in the cupboard.
If you’re looking to whip up a hearty meal in your shared kitchen, chop up some veggies and toss them into a pan before adding diced chicken or beef. A stir fry is super easy to make yet super tasty and healthy.
5. Exercise in the local park
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to keep fit and healthy is to go for a walk outside – either on your own or with a friend. Instead of hopping on the bus or hailing a cab, put your best foot forward.
If you really wanted to improve your fitness levels, you could don your running shoes and go for a jog around your local area – you’d be surprised what you’ll discover.
To ease yourself into running, check out the NHS’s Couch to 5k app. This includes downloadable podcasts and is designed to help you increase your stamina by alternating between a brisk walk and running.
Want to know more?
These are just some of the things you can do to stay active at uni whilst living on a shoestring budget.
For more tips on how to be healthy when staying at our student accommodation in Ormskirk, get in touch with the team on 01695 422 122.
We’re always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.
