September 10, 2007
How to Stay Fit While Partying in College
So Why is a Site on Fitness Talking About Partying?
Here's the deal…I believe in staying extremely fit while enjoying life to the fullest! I'm not an advocate of excessive drinking, but I am realistic. I know there is a large group of young people who not only want to look sexy…they want to party like crazy for a few years…they are also known as "College Students".
(Don't Become "Frank the Tank")
Why Do College Students Feel the Need to Party in the First Place?
I have been out of college for 15 years, but I remember those days like it was yesterday. I always went to parties with the idea of meeting girls. I saw all of these beautiful young ladies all over campus all day long and I wanted a chance to meet them in a social setting. I got to admit, I wasn't very good with the ladies back in college (they practically had to tackle me before I knew they were interested…enough of my pathetic "Skillz", back to the article…LOL!)
These "Social Settings" Always Involved a Lot of Beer!
I have to mention that I was in a big fraternity (no…I'm not some obnoxious "Zoolander" frat guy…I just wanted to increase my chances of meeting the ladies). At our small fraternity parties we would have 5-10 kegs…our big parties had 30-50 kegs…our "triads" (three fraternities throw one big party) had 100+. You get really "good" at drinking beer when this much is available.
("Keg Stands"…the result of not having enough girls at the party!)
Don't Become a Slob, And Waste All the Great Social Opportunities!
It is possible to stay extremely fit, while having a blast in college. I speak from experience…I had a great time while keeping in good shape. If I knew what I know now, I would have been in better shape. I also would have been better at reading girls (to any college-aged guys reading this…if a girl is talking to you for more than 15 minutes and laughing at your jokes…she's interested).
So How Do You Balance the Beer Drinking and Studying While Staying Fit?
Tip #1: Eat WAY Less the Day of the Party: If you know a party is happening later in the evening, don't eat that much during the day. The benefit here is that it won't take as many drinks for you to feel a buzz, so you won't be drinking as many calories. Also your total daily intake of calories will be less, since you ate less earlier in the day.
Tip #2: If at all Possible Exercise Hard 2-3 Hours Before the Party: When you exercise hard, your muscles get depleted of glycogen. Any carbs that you eat a few hours following a workout help fill the muscles with glycogen again. The idea is that these calories will assist the recovery of the muscles and not get stored as body fat. Beer into muscle? Well, not quite.
Tip #3: Switch from Beer to Water 2 Hours Before Going to Sleep: You will thank me in the morning! This will go a LONG ways towards making you feel better the following morning. I wish I would have had the discipline in college to do this! This is a great fitness tip, because if you aren't hung over the next day…it is easier to workout.
Tip #4: Don't Pig Out at 3AM!: I think a lot of weight is gained by the crappy foods that people eat when they are drinking. Have a protein bar or something really light…any food you eat after ingesting all those beers is going to work against you.
Tip #5: Switch to Light Beer and Limit Hard Alcohol: My big secret of staying fit in college was that I NEVER drank hard alcohol. I chose light beer, because with light beer you get full before you have the chance to get really drunk. Also…you take in less than 1/2 the calories throughout a night. If you love hard alcohol, limit it to just a few drinks.
Tip #6: Do an Hour of Low Intensity Cardio to Cure a Hangover: The last thing you want to do is exercise if you aren't feeling good, but it is the best thing for you. You won't have the energy to do an intense workout, so just walk on a treadmill for an hour or ride the exercise bike for an hour. When you are done, take a shower and you will feel MUCH better…trust me!
Tip #6: Take a 3 Month Break from Partying Each School Year: This may be the biggest secret of staying fit during your years in college. I used to diet extra hard and limit my partying the month of January, February, and March. I would "hibernate" at the gym…during this period I would hit the gym 5 days a week and still go to parties, but maybe only have 2 beers and then go to bed early.
Tip #7: Workout at Least 3 Times Per Week Year-Round to Limit Stress: There is a lot of pressure in college. A hard workout will help you relax. I couldn't wait to hit the gym for a hard workout after studying for 4 hours. Exercising will help you from going mad. College is a blast, but it is also a high pressure environment.
Final Tip…Don't Get So Drunk that People Can't See Your Great Personality
I didn't want to turn this into an "after-school special", but try not to get "hammered" (if you are a freshman and it is your first quarter in school, then you aren't going to listen to me anyway…this message is for everybody else). Would you rather get drunk or meet an interesting guy or girl? Here is the deal…if you drink too much you WILL blow it when you do meet that special person. Something great could have happened, but too bad you will never know…you were drunk and that person was not impressed…because of alcohol they missed out on the chance to get to know a great person (YOU)!
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Comments
September 10, 2007
Tyler Durden said:
Hey Rusty,
I'm flattered, I consider it the most unique article you wrote.
The tips are great! it's good that you care and write about other things than just excercising and dieting!
Keep it that way!
Thanks a lot
admin said:
You bet…I like writing about what you and others are commenting on.
Rusty
THOMAS said:
Dude rusty this is awesome atricle ilove it im in college and its what i was looking for! your the man! I just deleted all my other bookmarks on fitness site because this is the only site that actually gets results!
Jonneh said:
Aww, what a beautiful picture.
(the last one) How sweet!
admin said:
Thomas,
Thanks a bunch buddy! If you are interested in looking good to hot women, I'm going to do my best to help you get there (isn't that why we workout?). If you take the wrong advice, you will end up becoming a "boofy" looking mongoloid. There are other good fitness sites, but they are hard to find!
Jonneh…Yeah, I know it's a corny picture, but I just don't want you guys to become drunk slobs on me! Good call…LOL!
Rusty
Jonneh said:
Nah don't worry about it, actually it was a pretty sweet picture – my girlfriend was behind me when I viewed your site today and saw it. She said, "That's us!" in a joking manner
September 14, 2007
john said:
Guys and Gals listen up!
A sex partner is a great piece of cardio equipment. Something there should be no shortage of in college!
The fitter you are, the longer you can go…the longer you go, the fitter you become…ergo a perpetual cycle of leaness….
lol
ciao
September 15, 2007
admin said:
John,
You call your sex partner a "piece of cardio equipment"…you are so romantic…LOL! You are a really good writer, just don't take up poetry!
Rusty
September 17, 2007
john said:
your right…probably not the most polite thing to say, and I definitley don't feel that way personally…I was just making a joke for all the college peeps out there.
admin said:
No worries…actually not too bad of advice!
November 18, 2007
Nathalie said:
i loved this article. i am obsessed with you right now. i'm sure the honey moon phase will wear off and my excessive commenting will stop, but until then. i am a junior in college and i get so stressed about partying cause i don't wanna gain weight. i partied hard my freshman year, but have a complete lame-o lately. thanks for reminding me that i'm young and it is possible to party and be in great shape. i know this bc my first two years of college i was on fire. anywho, love the article and i will recommend this to friends.
November 19, 2007
admin said:
Nathalie,
Thanks a bunch. I partied and worked out in college. You have to live! I could pretend that I have had nothing but boneless chicken breasts and salad all my life, but that would be lying.
It's all about balance (and having fun)!
Rusty
December 6, 2007
Jenny said:
"I didn't want to turn this into an "after-school special", but try not to get "hammered" (if you are a freshman and it is your first quarter in school, then you aren't going to listen to me anyway…this message is for everybody else). "
I felt I just had to high-light that part again. That is all of my friends here at uni. Hahaha. I really do recognise them all in it. And yes, we are all Freshers.
I have started to think more about how to stay fit lately and I will be looking into your tips tomorrow already, Friday you know.
Thank you so much for putting this site up. I have never really thought that I could manage to reach my fitness goals but now I have hope. All it will take now is some bloody will-power, to find a good gym and start eating properly. It's as easy as that
December 7, 2007
admin said:
Jenny,
I'm glad you found this site. I like to have fun and keep this entertaining as well as an informative. I'll talk about things you typically don't read on other fitness sites…I mean how many fitness sites have pictures of keg stands? I want to help people look "hot" while living a fun and balanced life. Life is too short to be a "gym rat"! Please comment and ask questions, even on older posts…I do my best to answer them all. Don't worry if it looks like your comment has disappeared…I have to go through and "okay" every comment. I usually do this at night.
Welcome!
Rusty
December 14, 2007
Evan said:
Wow, great advice. i loved this article. i am going to get off my lap top, get out of my dorm, and go to the gym right now.
December 15, 2007
admin said:
Evan,
Glad you liked it! I am realistic in my approach to fitness. I know people like to live life and stay up late and ocassionally drink too much, etc.
I could tell you to eat nothing but skinless chicken breasts and low carbs and never drink beer. That is a sure way to stay ripped…and a path to a dull life as well. You have only one shot, so go for it.
Some people hope for world peace…My hope is for everyone to celebrate life while looking sexy!
Have a great one!
Rusty
March 11, 2008
Matt said:
Just thought I would bring out some envy.
I'm in college and sleep from 4 am to 12 pm
.Hit the gym right after than go to school/work at 3:30 pm.
Is that not the greatest sleeping/working out/school/party system ever? lol
It also gives me a chance to watch Kobe since I live in the east.
March 12, 2008
admin said:
Matt,
I'm jealous of your lifestyle! I'm also a HUGE fan of Kobe. Probably the best offensive basketball player of all time…yes even better than Jordan (just not as good of a leader or clutch player).
Rusty
Matt said:
I cannot agree with you more.What stands out to me is his defense.The guy plays with tremendous intensity on BOTH ends of the court;something Lebron,Mcgrady,or even nash arent able to duplicate.His ability to make other better is a non-issue in my mind.Just looking at what Gasol has been able to do with Kobe distributing the basketball is proof enough.I dont know how you feel about the Shaq divorce and his adultry case but I think that will always be a black spot on his resume.
This is a fitness cite afterall so quick question.In your mind would most woman prefer the brad pitt in troy or fight club?
Thanks Rusty,you are the man!!!!!!!!!!!
admin said:
I know beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt that most women prefer Brad in Fight Club, or Thelma and Louise…slim and toned without looking like he's trying too hard.
I can't believe that some people think that there are other people in the NBA better than KOBE…there isn't anyone close in my opinion. I'm a big fan of Garnet as well, although he hasn't done much in the playoffs. He is just a physical freak of nature. Fun to watch.
How can I be the man if YOU are the man!
Rusty
March 17, 2008
Matt said:
Rusty,
forgive my ignorance but I still dont quite understand.What about the notion that woman prefer someone who can "protect" them.I constantly hear from girls who want a strong back,arms,and chest in a man due to the biological need to feel protected.It just seems to me that the troy brad pitt is the perfect specimen.The fight club brad pitt is fit but doesnt exude a certain aura that a "typical" "male" should have.I am really curious to hear from you on this because I really do hear alot of girls echo your sentiments. However,I tend to hear more woman who are attracted to muscular arms,chest,etc.
Again Rusty,Thanks alot for your response.
admin said:
Matt,
Women aren't necessarily looking for a man that is physically big. They like a man who is masculine and not a wuss. Not a guy who acts overly macho and is arrogant, just a man with a strong masculine presence. As far as being really muscular vs being strong, slim, and lean. The strong lean guy is often times more effective in a fight or in a crisis situation. Think of elite military units…they are strong athletic and agile. Too much muscle slows them down. I emphasize for guys to gain strength while maintaining a slim and sleek look.
Have you ever seen Jason Statham? The guy from Transporter…this is the type of build that is functionally strong and lean at the same time.
Hope that helps!
Rusty
April 11, 2008
Danny said:
Rusty,
I value your opinion so I would like to ask you a quick question.
I have the luxury of being in college. Therefore being able to split my weights and cardio. What do you think of weight lifting followed by a protein shake,then not eating anything for 4-5 hours and doing my cardio session. I am in decent shape but I really want to take it to the next level.What type of results will I get with the plan? Will it work well or am I at risk for overtraining?
Thanks Rusty!!!
April 13, 2008
admin said:
Danny,
I think you will risk overtraining if you do this for more than 3-4 weeks. You definitely could do this right before summer to just gain the extra sharpness. I would maybe only do this once a year. I think you will be able to look just as good working out once a day, 4-5 per week…It is really important to enjoy your college experience and not live in the gym. Have fun, get good grades, meet friends, meet girls, etc…stay in great shape, but smell the roses as well…college is amazing.
Rusty
April 23, 2008
Jani said:
Rusty , I've been reading your website for a while now.
Thanks a lot mate , you've really helped.
admin said:
Jani,
Thanks a bunch. I see that you are from the UK. I need to go there some day to watch a real live Football (soccer) game. I like beer, rowdy people, and sports…so I would probably enjoy it! As long as people continue to read…I will continue writing!
Cheers,
Rusty
April 25, 2008
Katie said:
I just came upon this article… So is it really better to drink light beer than hard alcohol?? I always thought I was being 'good' when I drank my screwdrivers haha… I know beer does have less calories (light beer, anyway), but doesn't it have that kind of sugar (maltitol, I think) that's incredibly bad for you?
April 26, 2008
admin said:
Katie,
Both are fine in moderation. What is nice about beer is that it is tough to overdue it when compared to hard alcohol. Just keep it under control and you will be fine.
Rusty
April 10, 2009
Anthony said:
Love the article as usual. I personally don't drink. Don't really like feeling out of control. I can have fun without it.
Unfortunately for me, meeting girls revolves around alcohol, bars, and parties. 'Partying' consists of drugs and alcohol in NYC.
Thats how it is. Dunno if I'm missing something.
September 16, 2009
Brandon said:
im freshman year..first quarter..aaahh hell.
figured i should read this before tailgating for first football game sat. ha.
thanks rusty.
June 30, 2010
Mike @ PapaStarHealth.com said:
These are some incredible tips. I practice all of these regularly just from learning this naturally over the years of partying but to have a reminder like this all in one place is a great resource. I'll have to print these out and remind myself of them on big event type nights. The summer is always full of them, July 4th being just around the corner. I could see these being a big help during the Holiday season as well. Great advice Rusty!
October 5, 2010
brettwalkeronline.com said (trackback):
Secret of Looking Good and Feeling Fit…
There are four different aspects to successful living. These are: * physical, * spiritual, * mental * emotional. To be successful we need to have all four of these aspects in balance – like a wheel…….
February 24, 2011
brian said:
yo man thanks for the tips! At first i was gonna party like crazy and what not, but you got me on the right track and stuff. Not saying don't party , but yeah…you get it.
Anyways, i was hoping you would tell me what college you went to, so i could benefit from what you experienced…Also, are all colleges like "party" all the time colleges?
Please send the letter at the email posted and send the message titled as " (every word in CAPITAL) College", because i usually just skim through the messages i get.
Thanks again!