Whether you are training for Mixed Martial Arts or just want to get in better shape there are certain times of our lives that we tend to pack on the pounds and one of those is heading off to college.  So, we wanted to hit on this topic to prepare those students heading into college for their first year.

Who hasn’t heard of the freshman fifteen?

It’s the weight gained by students in their first year of college, an average of 15 pounds. Even those working towards their degree through an online university run the risk of gaining some weight due to the long hours in front of the computer. It isn’t a strange scientific wonder; it’s perfectly explainable and thankfully, avoidable.

Many college students spend large amounts of time on the computer, sitting in the library and sitting in class. Inactivity combined with poor eating habits, late night Taco Bell runs and alcohol can all contribute to weight gain. The following are some simple things you can do to avoid additional weight gain while in school.

 Schedule time to workout

Twenty minutes three times a week is all a person needs to stay in shape physically and burn calories. You don’t even have to leave your dorm room or apartment. Try dancing to high energy music or check out Exercisetv.com for some free 20 minute online workout videos. Some rental stores like Family Video also allow customers to rent exercise DVDs for free, so be sure to check stores in your area.

 Run early

Workout in the morning before your first class; morning workouts boost your metabolism for the rest of the day. Exercising before class can help to energize both your body and your brain. It will wake you up and help you to focus better throughout the day. Exercise is also a terrific stress management technique, so it’s great way to start the day with a clear head.

 Get plenty of sleep

The average person needs at least eight hours of sleep to function properly. Lack of sleep directly contributes to stress and weight gain. Many people turn to coffee, soda and energy drinks in order to compensate when they’ve pulled all night study sessions. Caffeine and sugar may provide a temporary relief from fatigue; but they are typically high calorie and poor substitutes for sleep. When the caffeine/sugar high is at its peak, you’re generally too hyped up to be able to concentrate. When you crash, you’ll be worse off than you were before.

 Choose Healthy low calorie high energy snacks over junk food

Many people snack while doing homework, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s important to choose your munchies wisely. Look for food that isn’t loaded with calories, sugar and fat. Choose snacks such as fruit or veggies and dip as opposed to chips and dip. Trail mix is a great high protein, high energy snack; but be careful not to overdue the trail mix since nuts are high in fat. Popcorn is great for a mindless snack binge since it’s low in calories (assuming you don’t get the extra-buttery variety).

 Limit your alcohol consumption

Alcohol itself contains a large amount of sugar and calories. Added to drink mixes, it piles on even more. Most students wouldn’t dream of drinking several milkshakes all in one night. Add some alcohol to it and call it a daiquiri and they can’t get enough. Remember that even though it’s adding alcohol into your bloodstream, they’re not free calories.

Are exercise misconceptions keeping you from starting an exercise program? Clear up any confusion and let these exercise tips improve your workout routine. Hopefully none of these common exercise myths, mistakes and misconceptions have prevented you from working out.

After read these, you may want to check out what Vince Delmonte has to say!

1. Common Mistake: Not setting goals. Are you exercising toward a clear goal? Setting a clear goal is an important part of exercise and weight loss success.Keeping a record of your progress in a journal can help you recognize your improvements, encourage you to keep going and help ensure that you reach your ultimate goal.

2. Common Misconception: Pain means you're doing it right. Pain can be a red flag that something isn't right. Don’t ignore pain. If the type of exercise you're doing pushes the limits, you may have to overcome some physical discomfort. One example of this would be marathon training. It’s best to start with a good foundation of “base training” before moving to the advanced training. Base training help prepare your body for more extensive training. Learn to understand what your body is telling you. Are you breathing heavily because of the exercise or could you be having a heart attack. Exercise is important. Do it correctly and you can do it for the rest of your life~{You can continue exercising all your life if you learn to do it correctly}~Exercise correctly and you can do it the rest of your life~Learn to do it right and it will always be a part of your life~If you learn to do it the right way, exercise can always be a part of your life}~By doing it correctly, you can continue to exercise throughout your lifetime~Done right, exercise can be enjoyed throughout your life~{You can continue exercising all your life if you learn to do it correctly}~Do it correctly and you can do it for the remainder of your lifetime~Learn to do it right and it will always be a part of your life~If you learn to do it the right way, exercise can always be a part of your life}.

It is normal to have some soreness after exercising, but build up to it gradually and allow time between workouts for muscles to heal. There are two common problems here with beginning exercisers. If you are in pain and continue to work out, you may cause long-lasting damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments unless you allow sufficient time for rest and healing. You won’t be able to continue exercising if you’re in constant pain.

If you wake up the day after exercising and can barely get out of bed because you ache all over, you won't want to keep exercising. Your exercise program is out the window if you’re in constant pain.

3. Common Mistake: Sacrificing Quality for Quantity. When you are ready to increase the number of reps of a particular exercise, and strengthen the corresponding muscles, instead of forcing yourself to do a little more each time try decreasing the number of reps in a set but increase the number of sets. In addition, add a couple of more sets while decreasing your usual number of reps by half. You will still gain strength in your fast-twitch muscles, but you will not feel as tired.

4. Common Myth: Weight Training Makes Women Bulky. Weight training for females will tone and strengthen their muscles, help burn fat, and raise their rate of metabolism, not build mass. Women do not produce a sufficient amount of testosterone to develop muscle mass the way that men do.

5. Common Mistake: Spending too much time where you don't really need it. You should start focusing on your weak points rather then what you are good at. This way you can start to balance things out. For example, if you have more upper body strength than lower body strength, try limiting your work on this area to one day a week.

Now Read : No Nonsense Muscle Building Review

Exercising intelligently will bring the best results. It is important to have a healthy body so get out there and start exercising today.

For more help in achieving those amazing physical results you are after, start living healthier now by clicking here and reading the Vince Delmonte – No Nonsense Muscle Building Review!