Get fit tips

High school students are often stereotyped as “lazy” and “unhealthy”. Apparently our habits of staying up late watching Tosh.0 or eating an entire bag of potato chips chased down with a two liter of coke are not considered very healthy. It is time we break the mold of what people consider the typical high schooler to be. We need to take a stand, mostly because we have been on the couch all day, but also because we need to change the world’s view of us. We will show everyone that we can be a fit and active generation. Here are some tips on how:

· The first tip is to get off the couch! Go outside and do something. Go for a jog, play basketball or soccer, jump on the trampoline, throw a stick for your dog. (It probably needs a workout too.) Just get out and get active.

· Cut back on snacks and remember to eat a big breakfast. Studies show that it is actually better to eat a healthy breakfast because it helps start up your metabolism and gives you energy to burn calories throughout the day.

· Take up a hobby that will help you get in shape, like rock wall climbing, hiking, running etc. These are fun and great ways to get a workout.

· Pack a lunch to bring to school. We all know that school food is not always the most nutritious, so bring a lunch with healthy food like apples, cheese, and yogurt.

· If you are lazy, then you could purchase a pair of shape up shoes. One of the cutest pairs are the Reebok Easy Tones ($99.99) If you want a more cost friendly pair, check out the Danskin Shape Ups ($20).

· If you are serious about sports, then an easy way to get fit is to join a school sport. Our school offers a wide variety of sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, swim, and track that are starting up soon.

· Another tip for Creekview students would be to take advantage of the fitness classes that are offered here at school. There is Body Sculpting, P.E., Weightlifting, and Team Sports.

· If you subscribe to or buy a magazine like Seventeen, then a great way to get workout tips is to cut out the exercise section found in the magazine. Inside are easy exercises and healthy eating tips.

· A popular workout craze that has swept the nation is yoga. You can buy a yoga video to exercise and relax along with the smooth talking lady on your T.V. screen. Your mom might even have a spare DVD lying around you can borrow.

· If you are really serious about eating right, but you still enjoy going out to a nice dinner, then look online or at restaurant guides. By checking out the meals and finding the healthiest one before you get there, you can be prepared to make healthy decisions.

· Try cutting back on time spent on the computer or in front of the TV. Walk around and keep busy. Clean your room, go outside and make a garden, play on the Wii, or get on a stationary bike and go, go, go! If your working on an extra long school assignment then take a short break and spend 15 minutes doing one of these activities.

· For some of us the only things we lift all day are our heavy books that we lug around school. While this may be considered a strenuous exercise for many of us, we should step it up a notch and try lifting weights (little dumbbells for starters) when we get home. Take them on a walk with you and voila! You can burn over 200 calories.

· Get a friend to work with you! You will have so much more fun if there is someone to talk to and share the pains of workout cramps with.

· Join a gym. Some gyms only ask for an annual fee in exchange for you being able to use all of their high end equipment. Once there you can also get a personal trainer, join classes, or work out solo if you choose. Some gyms in the Canton area include Bally Total Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Curves.

· Take up a creative hobby like martial arts, Tae Kwon Do, or dancing. These are all major calorie burners and will help build up muscle.

· No matter what you choose to do for your exercise, make sure it is something you enjoy. If not, you will not be motivated to work hard.

· If all else fails, then just try sleeping. For every hour you sleep, you can burn up to 45 calories.

By: Jordan Gates