Incoming college students, here's how to stay healthy and avoid the freshman 15
Stay on top of your health as you transition into college life.
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If you're starting college this year, you may be nervous about making sure you have all of your dorm room essentials, making new friends or gaining the infamous freshman 15. The good news is that studies have proven that freshmen typically only gain about three pounds in their first year. However, it's still a good idea to make sure you stay on top of your health as you transition into college life. Keep reading to find out smart, effective ways to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle during the school year.
1. Buy a fitness tracker
The Fitbit Charge 5 allows you track sleep, heart rate, stress, and more.
A high-tech fitness tracker like the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great way to prioritize your health during your freshman year. It's our favorite fitness tracker as it sits comfortably on the wrist and is extremely easy to use. It also has the ability to track many health-related things like your heart rate, sleep patterns, stress, temperature, calories burnt, and more.
2. Enroll in WeightWatchers
Enroll in a WeightWatchers plan to stay on top of your health and fitness goals.
WeightWatchers is a great tool to stay healthy, and it's not just about losing weight. One of Reviewed's own has been using it for over three years because it produces such great results. WeightWatchers gives you access to healthy recipes, in-app chat support, on-demand workouts, and more that motivate you to stay true to your fitness goals. You can even connect with other WeightWatchers users to share your progress, goals, and health tips.
3. Use a treadmill desk
A treadmill desk is a great way to get your steps in while studying.
Treadmill desks have been extremely popular over the past few years as more people transitioned to working from home. They're a great way to get your steps in while studying or completing schoolwork. The Goplus 3-in-1 Treadmill is one of the best treadmill desks we've tested, plus it's quite affordable. It has built-in wheels that allow for easy transport, along with a data-monitoring LCD screen and an emergency brake safety lock.
4. Invest in a workout mirror
A workout mirror is the perfect fitness accessory for your dorm.
Workout mirrors are another fitness craze that's transformed many people's at-home workouts. The Tempo Studio is the best workout mirror that features beneficial AI-powered coaching, fun classes, and motivational instructors. It's great for strength training right at home and it won't take up much space in a cramped dorm room. Workout mirrors aren't cheap, but they're worth it if you're serious about staying fit.
5. Carry around an insulated water bottle
Stay hydrated on campus with an insulated and filtered water bottle from Brita.
Carrying around an insulated water bottle is a simple way to make sure you stay hydrated while you're busy with school. The Brita BB11 Premium Filtering Water Bottle is the best water bottle we've tested. Its stainless steel material helps to keep water cold for up to 24 hours and its filter helps to remove bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your water. You can even open it with one hand, which is useful for when you're on the go.
6. Become a yogi
Do yoga in your dorm room with Lululemon's The Mat 5mm.
Yoga is another form of exercise you can easily complete in your dorm that will transform both your physical and mental health. All you need is a durable yoga mat like lululemon's The Mat 5mm, which is the best yoga mat we've tested. It has a comfortable surface that isn't wobbly like most yoga mats. It's also very easy to wipe down and roll up. It has a sturdy, non-slip base that any yogi will love, and it's made of sustainably-sourced and FSC-certified natural rubber.
7. Go for daily runs
Run before class in the Nike Pegasus 39.
Running every day will get you one step closer to living a healthier lifestyle—it's been proven to improve your heart health, strengthen your muscles and more. In order to get the most out of your runs, you'll need a high-quality pair of running shoes like the Nike Pegasus 39. They're the best running shoes of 2023, and the original version of the shoe has been around since the '80s. The latest version has a wider toe box that gives you more wiggle room along with better bounce and a snug fit around the ankles.
8. Bike around campus
Bike to class with the Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Bike.
Biking is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around, and it's great for college students who live on a large campus. REI is one of the best places to buy a bike online, and it's where you can find the Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Bike. Its frame design helps to keep you balanced, and it has a single-speed drivetrain, so you won't have to worry about changing gears. The Electra Cruiser has a comfortable seat that makes those long rides a breeze, and it's available in six fun colors.
