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How I Stay Fit at College + My Favorite Post-Workout Salad Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AquafinaSparkling #CollectiveBias

Staying fit in college isn’t easy. There’s temptation after temptation (late night pizza & wings binge, anyone?), not to mention the challenge of balancing coursework, a job, and a social life. I was lucky enough to avoid the “freshman fifteen” my first year at school, though this was mostly due to the fact that the only edible food in the dining halls happened to be salad and other veggies. However, I have cultivated a workout routine that has worked wonders for me over the past few years and that I look forward post grad as well.

I thought now would be a perfect time to share some of my favorite workouts/workout tips, not just for college students, but for anyone with a busy schedule who’s seeking to live a more active lifestyle:

Workout # 1: Yoga

One of my favorite ways to workout while also relieving anxiety and strengthening both my body and mind is by going to yoga classes. I practice hot yoga, which I love because it really makes me sweat! I always get a great workout from these classes, and I leave the studio feeling super refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

One thing I do have to say though about hot yoga for those of you who want to try it is that you absolutely MUST stay hydrated. This is obviously true whenever you’re working out, but I find it especially important when I’m doing hot yoga since it’s so easy to get overheated. I do have to admit though that I have a hard time drinking plain water (though I love these infused recipes). That’s why I like to grab a can of Aquafina Sparkling on my way out the door! I love the Mango Pineapple flavor I picked up from Target and the fact that all of the Aquafina Sparkling products contain 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 artificial flavors. It’s so refreshing, and it’s the perfect guilt-free beverage to enjoy post workout.

There’s also a current deal running for 25% off any Aquafina Sparkling 8 pk flavor. All you have to do is click on the above coupon. 

+ See more about Aquafina Sparkling here

Workout # 2: Cycling

Another one of my favorite workouts is cycling. I try to go to these classes at my local gym a few times per week, since I love the way it gets my heart rate up. This workout can seem a bit intense to some people at first, but it’s easy to do the class at your own pace and gradually build up your stamina the more often you go to class.

Workout # 3: Weight Training Classes

In addition to yoga and spinning classes, I also like weight training classes like “Butt & Gut” and “Body Pump”, which are both offered at my local gym. I’m much more inspired to push myself in a group setting, and I enjoy having an instructor around to help critique my form and encourage me to train harder.

Workout # 4: At-Home Routines Via YouTube

Whether you belong to a gym or not, I definitely recommend checking out Youtube for some at-home workout routines. I’ve talked about my favorite program, Blogilates, before, which is perfect for when I just feel like staying in. You can also download a calendar for this channel, and it will guide you on which videos to complete each day to get your body perfectly toned! Got to love how easy that is.

Workout # 5: Getting Outdoors

Last but not least, I like to get outdoors (weather permitting) to workout. I usually do this by riding my horse anywhere from 3-5 times per week, but light jogs or hikes during the summer are also personal favorites of mine.

As evidenced by the workouts above, I like to switch up my routine with a variety of classes and at-home exercises to keep things fresh and interesting. One thing that doesn’t change though? I’m always hungry after I workout, haha! I love to load up on fresh and fueling foods post workout, and lately I’ve been enjoying a fruit-packed salad along with my post workout Mango Pineapple Aquafina Sparkling.

This salad is so quick to whip up and tastes like a million bucks, especially after a hard workout! Here’s the lowdown:

INGREDIENTS

+ Handful of mixed greens

+ Small handful pineapple

+ 1 kiwi peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

+ Small handful raspberries

+ 1/3 cup cooked brown rice and/or quinoa

DIRECTIONS

+ Add all ingredients to a bowl, top with your favorite dressing, & enjoy! 

*** You can also bulk up this salad even more by adding some baked chicken!

Tell me, what’s your favorite way to workout? And do you have any must-have post workout meals/snacks?

P.S. Don’t forget to shop for Aquafina Sparkling at your local Target! There will be tastings/samplings of the product at Target’s across the U.S. and there’s a great Cartwheel offer here.+ Aquafina Sparkling on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.


Holly Habeck

Holly is a millennial travel and lifestyle writer based in New York. With ten years of experience in digital publishing and photography starting with her work writing for College Fashionista and Her Campus at Ithaca College, Holly has been featured in publications such as Southern Living and Lonely Planet. She enjoys sharing her travel expertise as well as lifestyle inspiration in categories such as home décor, DIY beauty, and fashion. More importantly though, Holly is a true Hufflepuff, and her Starbucks order forever remains a grande Iced Sweet Cream Cold Brew. When she's not writing or editing photos for this site, you can find her reading anything in the Sarah J. Maas universe or cuddling with her chihuahua x pomeranian pup Pixie.