InClass

Make this your fittest year yet with these five easy tips.

Fitness may be the last thing on your mind, but it shouldn’t be. Exercise’s benefits run far and wide — you’ll sleep better, move more easily, be in a better mood, etc. (But you probably already knew that.)

So what’s keeping you from hitting the gym (or the pavement, bike or barbell)? Ah, yes, time. Don’t worry, we have you covered with some foolproof tips.

1. Sleep in your workout clothes. We know how hard it is to get up earlier than you need to, but you’re more likely to get your butt out of the door if you’re already dressed for it. It’s one less step to worry about.


2. Become a master planner. If you like to hit the gym before or after school, pack your clothes (either school or workout) in advance. Don’t forget about accessories, socks and shoes!


3. Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep! Bake a huge batch of one or two recipes. Then, pre-portion them out into your weekly lunches. Remember your snacks too! So how does this relate to fitness? First, you’re saving time. Second, planning out your food in advance helps keep you on track — no more secret vending machine trips.


4. Stand up in class. It’s easy to take refuge at your desk, but standing up burns more calories than sitting. Over six hours, standing burns 900 calories, compared to sitting’s 675. That adds up over a week, month and school year. Investing in a step counter like a FitBit or Jawbone can help keep you on track.


5. Join a rec league. Grab some coworkers and pick a sport. Rec leagues don’t break the bank and are usually just one day a week. You’ll build camaraderie with your fellow teachers while breaking a sweat on the court or field. Bonus: Most leagues are super beginner-friendly, so no worries if you’re a bit rusty!

How are you staying fit during the school year? We’d love to hear your suggestions!