Whether you are living at home, on campus or with friends; as a student you probably have a somewhat restricted budget (and a busy schedule between assignments and work). But that shouldn't get in the way of keeping healthy and feeling good. Don't let those $1 chocolate bar sales get the best of you! Below are some tips on staying fit and healthy whilst on a student budget and living a student lifestyle.
1. Browse around for the best gym for your budget and stay away from locked in contracts. You never know when you might need to pull out, and be forced to keep paying.
2. Look for cheap outdoor group training classes. They pop up on websites like Groupon and Living Social.
3. Use the outdoors as your own gym - it's free and full of fresh air!
4. Invest in kitchen appliances like a blender and juicer (if you're living at home, offer to go halves or to pay a portion with your parents).
5. Don't give in to cheap junk food, just because it's cheap! Invest in lots of good, healthy items like veges, fruit and wholemeal bread that you can freeze.
6. Take part in free sports at your university. It's a good way to get some fitness into your day and meet new people.
7. Keep an eye out on sales at sports shops so you can grab some gym clothes or workout equipment cheaper! Sign up to their mailing lists to be the first to know about sales.
8. Shop at outlets for cheaper gym clothing... no one has to know!
9. If you are going to meet friends at a cafe or bar, eat a healthy meal before hand so you're not forced to eat unhealthy food. If you need to eat there, pick the healthiest item on the menu, and don't be afraid to ask for alterations to the meal. When we socialise and eat at the same time, we don't realise how much we actually eat- so be careful.
10. The most important thing to remember is that as a student you need to make wise decisions. You might be victim to late nights finishing (hopefully not starting) assignments, so you need fuel for your body that will keep you going, not give you a hit of energy then drag you down. Stay away from energy drinks, soft drinks and sugar filled foods. Drink lots of water, herbal teas and healthy meals that will give you sustained energy to get through your assignments and lead you to a restful nights sleep.
