keeping in shape while in college

[nc23]

Hello all, so I'm about to end my first semester in college. I'm 18, 5'8'' and about 140 pounds (last I checked!) I'm beginning to worry my carb revolved diet and lack of exercise could cause me to gain weight. I've been the same weight for the past five years, barely any fluctuation. Which is good but I'd really like to get in shape. Mainly I'm hoping to flatten my stomach, and get better tone in my arms and legs. But I don't know WHAT machines or even stretches would be best for me. I also eat a lot of carbs but it's what I'm accustomed to eating, especially if I'm choosing food from my college's dining hall it's all that appeals to me. Help!

[KatieAnne]

does your school have a gym or weight room?... if not yoga is an amazinggg way to tone and maintain healthy weight...it makes me feel great when i do it.. you could also buy a few yoga/pilates dvds (im more of a yoga girl myself and would rather work with my own body than weights and machines)

[nc23]

Yes we have a gym, and I've tried yoga in the past and I like it but I had a hard time keeping up with it. I'd probably do better in a class but I don't think my school has one and I don't have the money or the transportation to join one outside of school.

[MansView]

Pilates is IMO the best way for a woman to tone and "shape up" so do what Katie says and go and get some Pilates DVD's and a comfortable matt (doing anything on tiles, concrete or timber floors is on your body).

At my gym there are a couple of ladies who did pilates 2 or 3 times a week and they looked fantastic and i mean FANTASTIC!... then they got addicted to muscles and are now chugging protein shakes and pumping more weight than what i can handle... i like (love) a toned, fit lady but Rambo in a Bikini just isn't kosher.

[WildChild]

Walk, everywhere you safely can. Take the long way to classes, walk briskly, good posture. Balanced diet is important. No ice berg salads, go for nutriant dense foods - spinach or romaine salads, whole grain breads, lean meats, nothing fried, no soda (especially no diet type), fruits and yogurt to snack on. Got a bicycle? Start using it. Check out campus activities, I'll bet you'll find there are all sorts of physical activities you can do. When I went back to college in my mid 20s as an adult student I was amazed at how few students took advantage of all the university had to offer. There are intramural sports, I bet your college or major has some clubs that do some sports. Take up running, frisby, raquet ball, tennis - bet your campus has all kinds of facilities but you will have to find out what is available and then avail yourself of it.