HOW GOING TO THE GYM CAN CHANGE YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

Whether you're heading to university or you're in your final year, many would say it's probably one the most fun chapter of their lives but it can also include some stressful periods juggling exams, coursework and job interviews. With deadlines fast approaching, nights out turn to nights spent studying in the library. At times like this, instead of pulling your hair out, exercising can be a great and productive way in dealing with stress amongst other things.

HOW CAN EXERCISING HELP ME WITH UNI?

Improved mood

Exercising releases serotonin within the brain, a mood enhancing chemical that is released after exercise. In the beginning you might feel fatigued as you try to fit in working out with your studying, but as time progresses you will be able to adjust and balance your life along with your studying and the benefits are worth it. 

Reduces stress levels

A common mental benefit of exercise is its ability to reduce and manage stress levels. This results from exercise increasing concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress.

Alleviate anxiety

Exercise has also proven to help those who suffer from anxiety, by making them less sensitive to situations that cause them panic. This is down to the body producing the same physical reactions to anxiety during exercise. Exercise has also been shown to release chemicals both during and after working out that help people with anxiety calm down. For example read Stephen's story to see how the gym helped him with his social anxiety.

Boost brainpower

Various studies have shown that cardio can improve your overall brain performance and even create new brain cells. The studies also suggest that a good workout will increase levels of BDNF in the body, which has been linked to better decision making, and advanced thinking and learning.

Sharpen memory

Regular exercise is seen to improve memory and your ability to learn things. This is down to the increased production of cells in hippocampus responsible for memory and learning when you sweat.

Enhance productivity

Research has shown that those who allow time for regular exercise are more productive and have better energy level. Some experts say the best time to get a session in is midday, so if you have time try and fit one in.

Although university is probably one of the best times of our lives, it can be very stressful. If you don’t manage this stress well then you can easily get into a state of panic and struggle with your workload. To help you stay fit both physically and mentally over your studies we offer student discount membership. Click here to find out more.

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HOW TO EAT HEALTHILY ON A STUDENT BUDGET

Shopping for healthy food has got a bad reputation of being expensive. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Now I know what you might be thinking, that its always the unhealthy snacks that are on offer, but with a few simple tricks healthy eating can be done on a budget. Try following these tricks and see if it makes a difference for you.

Plan ahead

Think about when you are going to go shopping and make sure you don’t go on an empty stomach. If you go shopping and feel hungry you will be more inclined to buy snacks and the things you probably don’t need. Take a list and ensure you stick to it, this will prevent you spending more than you originally planned.

Base meals around simple food

Making meals from scratch using simple ingredients will be cheaper that buying branded, readymade alternatives. You can also use simple foods to help bulk out your meals so they will last you longer. For example, adding some chickpeas to your stew, not only are they a great source of fibre and protein they will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Struggling for ideas check out the nutrition section of our blog page here.

Buy frozen products

Don’t be afraid to buy frozen fruit and veg, as they will last you so much longer and can be quickly added to most meals. Adding veggies to your meal is a good way to bulk out your meal without adding loads of calories and will leave you feeling fuller for longer.

Buy in bulk

Even though this may not be seen as being convenient, buying in larger quantities can often be more economical. Whole foods that have a long shelf life are worth buying in bulk and will save you money in the long run.

Learn to use seasonings

If you can learn to use seasons it can make the world of difference to your meal and help reduce the cost of having to buy pre-made packaged mixes. Not to mention your food will taste much better and the options are endless.

Now you have read our useful tips you can no longer use the excuse of healthy eating is too expensive, these simple tricks will help you manage your budget and get to your goals quicker.

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HOW TO BRAVE THE WEIGHTS ROOM

Have you wanted to workout in the free weights area only to have thoughts like "What will everyone think? Will I make a fool out of myself?" creeping up and stopping you from going? While you might have the impression that this area of the gym is an intimidating place to be, once you familiarise yourself with being in the area, you will soon discover that it's not so after all.

Well here are our simple tips to help you brave the free weights area.

If your reading this you are probably aware of the benefits that lifting weights brings, such as increased strength and improved muscle tone. Now, if you are afraid to get started, just remember you are not alone and everyone has had to start somewhere and once you have done it we are sure you won’t look back. So, let’s get into it and help you break down those barriers, whatever they might be.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

If you plan the exercises you want to give a go, you can ensure you are familiar with the correct form before you’re there. Carry out a bit of research and stick to the simple exercises early on whilst you are building up your confidence. YouTube is a great place to start and you can also check out our free exercise guide here.

Tip 2: Don’t forget your headphones

Making yourself a playlist full of your favourite uplifting songs before you head down to the gym will help keep your moral high and zone out from all those nagging doubts. Music has been shown to improve performance and well being, helping you to push through mental blocks and move past plateaus.

Tip 3: Seek advice

If you are completely new and have never done this before or the research has left you unsure, then try out our free induction to get a feel for the whole gym. Use this to your advantage and ask the instructor as many questions as you like. This is sure to help you familiarise yourself with the equipment and give you the chance to check that all important form.

Tip 4: Take a friend

Having a training partner can make it easier to overcome your fear as you know they will be there to support you throughout. It can also be useful for trying new things, with their support you are bound to feel braver. In fact there are a whole host of benefits to training with a friend.

Tip 5: Think about timing

Not got a training partner? Well it doesn’t end there, a great way to help build up your confidence levels is to head to the gym during the off-peak times. During these hours you will be able to explore the free weights area in peace.

Just to finish off it is important to remember that although you might feel like people are watching you, they are more than likely too focused on themselves to care. We are not going to lie the first time won’t be easy, but by following these tips it will become second nature in no time.

Kimberley provides a great example of this read her story here. She used the help of a PT to gain the confidence to go in the weights area and perfect her technique and has not looked back since. Lara has also used the weights room to help build up her self confidence. 

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