- Joined
- Dec 10, 2014
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- 208
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I competed in track in college, and always made fitness a big priority through that period. I almost saw it as a phase tho, and when I decided I wanted medical school, all my attention turned to that and spent more time studying the MCAT and writing essays than hitting the gym. Last year as a first year, I worked out some, but didn't have a consistent schedule and obviously grades took a first priority. Now I know 2nd year is more demanding, but I had a good fitness head start through this relaxing summer and would like to keep it going through 2nd year.
One thing I tried last year, but am making more consistent this year is waking up early. Now when I work out, I usually like to do the whole shebang, usually a mix of cardio and weightlifting. Well last year I would try to do that, but honestly I just don't have the energy that early. I've changed it to waking up early, having my cup of coffee and looking at some notes, and then followed by some simple cardio (usually running, although I mix in stretching/yoga) to get the blood moving. I always feel so much more alert and productive if I'm up early and do something active. And if I have the time, I've been getting my lifting in the afternoon, my favorite activity, more so than running/yoga.
So how doable is this and is this beneficial for 2nd year/boards time? One lifestyle change I'm trying to implement is meal prepping. This can make up for some of the lost time working out by not having to cook right after. I'm not the best on it, but I want to keep working at it so by board prep time (after winter break), I'll be able to have plenty of meals ready for those 12 hour study days. Now I do have to admit one bad habit, I was chewing tobacco for some time, even as a fit guy. My roommates were all baseball players, and although I didn't get as big into it as them, I managed to pick up Swedish snus, which is supposed to be the safest form of nicotine besides patches. Now before you all sandbag on a medical student dipping, take note that nicotine is one of the top rated smart drugs, but since it is controversial it is hardly ever listed. But man can a nice stimulant like that make 3 hours of looking at notes a lil more enjoyable.
Since starting the new year I've only relapsed once when a friend had some. Instead of coming home and putting a snus in and half-ass looking at notes, I've been doing what I can study wise. Whenever I need that pick me up I'll hit the gym in the afternoon to get by that afternoon lull. I've also been keeping each workout to below 30 minutes for both cardio and lift, yoga is an hour but I'll only do it on the weekends or early mornings, 5:30-6:30, when the schedule is light. Instead of focusing on how many sets I can do that day for the lift, I instead set my Fitbit to 30 mins and get in as much as a can, so your productivity matches your energy level and you aren't wiped after. Thoughts? And who is getting ripped with me?!
One thing I tried last year, but am making more consistent this year is waking up early. Now when I work out, I usually like to do the whole shebang, usually a mix of cardio and weightlifting. Well last year I would try to do that, but honestly I just don't have the energy that early. I've changed it to waking up early, having my cup of coffee and looking at some notes, and then followed by some simple cardio (usually running, although I mix in stretching/yoga) to get the blood moving. I always feel so much more alert and productive if I'm up early and do something active. And if I have the time, I've been getting my lifting in the afternoon, my favorite activity, more so than running/yoga.
So how doable is this and is this beneficial for 2nd year/boards time? One lifestyle change I'm trying to implement is meal prepping. This can make up for some of the lost time working out by not having to cook right after. I'm not the best on it, but I want to keep working at it so by board prep time (after winter break), I'll be able to have plenty of meals ready for those 12 hour study days. Now I do have to admit one bad habit, I was chewing tobacco for some time, even as a fit guy. My roommates were all baseball players, and although I didn't get as big into it as them, I managed to pick up Swedish snus, which is supposed to be the safest form of nicotine besides patches. Now before you all sandbag on a medical student dipping, take note that nicotine is one of the top rated smart drugs, but since it is controversial it is hardly ever listed. But man can a nice stimulant like that make 3 hours of looking at notes a lil more enjoyable.
Since starting the new year I've only relapsed once when a friend had some. Instead of coming home and putting a snus in and half-ass looking at notes, I've been doing what I can study wise. Whenever I need that pick me up I'll hit the gym in the afternoon to get by that afternoon lull. I've also been keeping each workout to below 30 minutes for both cardio and lift, yoga is an hour but I'll only do it on the weekends or early mornings, 5:30-6:30, when the schedule is light. Instead of focusing on how many sets I can do that day for the lift, I instead set my Fitbit to 30 mins and get in as much as a can, so your productivity matches your energy level and you aren't wiped after. Thoughts? And who is getting ripped with me?!
