You definitely don't need to be out of shape to want to work out, and even if your skinny it will make you feel good anyways.
Now, I have no self discipline. Forcing myself to run on the treadmill is about as much fun as chewing glass. I can't help it, I don't like exercise machine. They're boring and give me too much time to think about everything on my body that is hurting while I work out. Then I think about the pains and wonder if something is wrong, then I forget to breathe and get side pains.
There are also those infuriating workout dvds, where you watch some ripped girl do the exercises with ease as you huff and puff trying to keep up with her sit-ups. She also isn't there to see you laying in the middle of your floor, pretending to be doing the exercises.
Working out is super important. It releases endorphins, and keeps stress levels low. It also gives you more confidence because you feel better about yourself. Look better, feel better, get better grades. What's there to lose?
Living on a college campus gives you a ton of options. Here, all the buildings are equipped with a workout room. This includes a stairmaster, elliptical, and treadmills. Pretty basic.
I tried this, I was bored. There is no way I could force myself to run on the treadmill for a half hour or more a day. Even while listening to music, it just is so mundane. I'm working out the same part of my body everyday, so it just doesn't satisfy my need to be toned everywhere. Plus, the only person I have to push my is myself. Being my own trainer is not in my best interests.
There is also a recreation center. Basketball courts, tennis courts, weight lifting, another workout room, it really is amazing. However, like I said previously, the workout room is not my thing and participating in a game of pick-up basketball will just make me feel poorly about my lack of skill.
What to do?!
Exercise classes! If you're like me, then I definitely recommend trying one. You have someone else kicking your ass and challenging you to push your workout harder. It is super motivational, and there is such a variety. Even if you aren't living on a college campus, definitely invest in a gym membership just to attend the classes. Most gyms offer the classes free with a membership.
Now the question, which classes to take?
First, pinpoint what you want to workout. I know here they have specific classes for abs, cardio, etc. Personally, I prefer a well-rounded class that works out everything at least a little, and at least one cardio class a week to keep me healthy.
Pilates and yoga are two of my favorites. Another positive about these are that you don't sweat in these classes. If you're thinking "you don't get a workout stretching" this is absolutely untrue. Stretching helps you tone your muscles, reduces cellulite, give you tighter skin as you age, and also helps you to relax. So make sure you stretch before and after every workout.
I also like kick boxing and zumba. Zumba is so fun, and gets your heart racing. You are exhausted when you are done, and it burns tons of calories. However, I have never really been sore from doing it, so I'm not sure how good of a workout you get. Kick boxing helps you get some steam off your chest, and gives you awesome arms.
Definitely do a few classes a week, and you will see awesome results and feel better about yourself. It is a way better alternative to not eating, or binging and purging, or whatever other fad diets are circulating. I'm not saying you don't have to monitor what you eat to see more results, but eat healthy not less.
I would also like to be cheesy, and remind you that it isn't about the size you wear or the weight on the scale. Muscle weighs more than fat, and most guys would prefer an in-shape girl then a bone-thin girl.
Who knows, you could even pick up a cute guy at the gym. Or invite your crush to a yoga class, or some other class with minimum sweating. Because red and sweaty isn't the most attractive look on everybody.
Yeah, you get the picture.
