By Rafal Rogoza—

Put down that bag of chips, say goodbye to mashed potatoes, and no, you can’t butter up that piece of toast in the morning. Yeah, it sucks but if you want to look fresh for the summertime you have to get started now. Below are reliable tips that will help improve your overall health and tighten up your body.

1) Knowledge is Power

Most people make the mistake of going to the gym and dieting without educating themselves about proper eating or exercising habits. If you don’t know what you’re doing than most likely you’re wasting your time. Pick up a few books on proper stretching, weight lifting, aerobics, and cooking. The library has plenty of material that can help you out. Also, take advantage of the brain power at the athletic center and ask fitness professors for advice and suggestions.

2) Learn to Cook

No, you don’t need an apron and mittens but you do need to know the fundamentals. Dieting is key to any successful training regimen. If you’re a beginner, pick up a paperback copy of Men’s Health Muscle Chow. It has over a hundred easy and fast recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also a great source that will help you understand what it takes to supply yourself with proper nutrition. Remember, no matter what you do at the gym, if your eating habits don’t match your training regimen you might as well relax on a lazyboy because you won’t see results.

3) Listen to Your Body

Put down the heavy weights and don’t run to the point that you throw up. At some point your body just can’t take it so don’t force it because it’s not productive. It’s only a matter of time before you get hurt. What’s the point of working hard if the next day your body stiffens up to the point you can’t move? Listen to your body and gradually increase the workload of your workout. You’ll avoid injuries now and as you get older. Keep in mind your body is a complicated machine.

4) The Gym is not Necessary

If the gym is funked up with sweat than dip in the pool for a few laps or get on the dance floor. Not only will you lose weight dancing but you’ll improve your coordination and rhythm. If you’re self conscious about your dance moves check out the Salsa Club on campus, you’ll learn a few steps and have a fun time. Swimming is probably the best workout for your body because you’re using almost every muscle in your body. It’s great for cardio and it’s refreshing.

5) Consistency

Once you know what you’re doing in the gym and the kitchen you just need to be consistent. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself once in awhile to a little junk food or taking a day off from your workout but don’t let your lazy side get the best of you. A good way to stay consistent and improve your training habit is to keep a log. For example, tally up how many days you have worked out in the first month then try to beat that number the next month. Try to maintain that competitive approach to your workout.