out with the old, in with the new.

Just last week UofL opened up the new rec center for it's students. I can honestly say I am surprised by all of the technology and advanced equipment they incorporated in. As far as I can tell, UofL did not cut any corners when equipping this new facility. 

Today Jessica and I finally had the time to do a little more exploring in this 128,000 square foot gym - let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes on the first floor are all equipped with touch screens. I'm still trying to figure the technology out because it is not the most user friendly interface, but if I can manage to find Netflix, I'll be sold. So long, Planet Fitness! 

Next, Jessica and I ventured upstairs to some of the leg, arm, and ab machines. THESE THINGS ARE NO JOKE. Sitting down on the Leg Press machine, I was fully prepared to do my normal resistance level. Not at all... The entire machine moves with you, engaging your core in the exercise as well. It is hard for me to explain just how difficult these machines are compared to ones I have been using. I was taken aback by just how little I could do well. 

After an hour long workout, (time flies when you're having fun??) Jessica and I grabbed a light lunch at Zest Bistro, which is also located in the rec center. I liked that they had calories listed by all of their main entrees. I feel like that makes students more aware of what they are consuming. There weren't a ton of options, but I like that there is a lighter choice for us on campus now. Plus, I had their Mango smoothie after a workout last week and it was exceptional. There is no doubt in my mind that fresh fruit was used to make it.  

Overall, I am excited about this new gym. It is an astronomical improvement from the SAC. I for one will not miss the hot, humid air that reeks of sweaty feet filling my lungs as I jog on a treadmill. I know it's a gym, but come on - I should be able to walk in without wanting to pass out. The equipment is not even comparable. From crickety, old machines to ones with wi-fi enabled touch screens.. That's what I call an upgrade. And, aside from the technology, I feel like the workout I get on the new machines is abundantly better.

I can't wait to do a little more experimenting with some of the new machines. They also offer free classes like Yoga and Weight Training to UofL students. I am excited to give those a try. 

Moral of the story, the new rec center rules. 

enjoy the journey.

It seems to be easy to get caught up in the idea of your long term goals. I want to be skinny. I want to be healthy. I want to be fit. I want to be... 

STOP

Take a breath.. It is important to not only look into the future at what you want to be, but enjoy where you are at now. You will never get this time back - don't overlook the present while you're focusing on the future. The process of finding a healthy lifestyle for yourself should be something that you enjoy. If you don't allow yourself to have fun doing it, most likely it won't take long for you to slip back into old habits. 

I am all for using working out as alone time, but some days working out seems like nothing but a chore to add to your seemingly never-ending to-do list. On days like this, look for ways to make exercise fun. After a particularly challenging week, I was ready to toss my daily exercise to the side. If it wasn't for Jessica, one of my very best friends and partner in this healthy lifestyle exploration, I would have spent my evening sitting on the couch behind a textbook. However, we encouraged each other and got to spend time jogging in this beautiful weather instead. That beats being cooped up inside any day. 

Two and a half miles later, we not only had managed to squeeze in a good amount of much needed girl talk, but a nice workout as well. That was a win-win in my eyes. 

Remember not to get bogged down with a routine. Do what you need to do to make this journey enjoyable for you. Mix things up, enlist a friend, or do whatever it is that will make the time you spend working towards your goals good for you. 

-Melody

beware of binge eating.

Since fall break I have been having trouble getting back on track. I made the mistake of adopting the "It's fall break, I can eat whatever I want" mentality last week. Now, I am back in my regular routine, but my diet is not bouncing back quite as fast. 

It is always a lot harder for me to start back up once I "take a break." This goes for exercise as well. Once I am back on the right path, I quickly remember how much better I feel both mentally and physically - but those days leading up to this realization can be rough. I wholeheartedly stand by the idea that you should occasionally splurge on a diet.. it should feel like a lifestyle change, not a punishment. However, these weekend binges have become a bad habit of mine and it's getting increasingly more difficult to bounce back from them. 

My number one tip is to AVOID BINGE EATING. However, it would be hypocritical of me to pretend like that is an easy task. You will occasionally have a lapse of self control - let's be honest.. it's inevitable. Here are a few tips to get back on track.

• Pick a day to recommit - the earlier the better. I try to aim for the next morning. 
• Make sure you are not trying to compensate for your splurge by not eating - that will not help. The idea is to make a healthier lifestyle, and while losing weight may be part of that, starving yourself is not going to lead to better health. 
• Don't make excuses! Everyone is busy - that's no excuse to indulge in a Big Mac then skip the gym. If anything eating healthier and working out will just increase your productivity. 
• Think positively about your goals. Don't think about how hard it will be, but how amazing you will feel once you get there. 
• Focus on how far you've come. It's okay to be proud of your accomplishments, even if you have a ways to go to reach your ultimate goal. 
• Drink plenty of water.Sometimes we confuse thirst for hunger. I like to keep my tervis at my desk. If you have trouble drinking water, you need to work on making it a habit. This was something that was difficult for me. I eventually figured out drinking out of a straw helped me.  

Tomorrow starts my challenge to get back on the right track. Hopefully, with these steps it won't take too long. Thanks for reading!

-Melody