As football season started on a very high note in the Gator Nation (pray it stays this way,) and my sister snap chats me out at MidTown on the reg, I can't help but feel way too nostalgic about college these days. Especially because this is the first year EVER (not ever, but it feels like it,) that I'm not returning back to school after the summer. It's different.  So I thought I would put all of my favorite memories into one post so I can feel like I'm reliving college again for this very moment. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier to be working full time in a city I love, but MAN I miss college.

Top 5 things I miss most about college:

1. Friends, obviously. But really, it's hard being so far away from such great friends you make in college, right? It sucks. However, it just means more visits and travel to look forward to! 

2. Football games!! I remember my first UF home game. Or do I? Too much tailgating. Too much fun. There's a Gator Club in Philadelphia so you bet I'm going this Saturday night to watch them WIN. Am I getting obnoxious yet?

3. THE GYM. I had two jobs for my campus recreation program and it was literally my third home. RecSports was where I learned how to teach a group fitness class and also where I learned probably the most about anything related to becoming a young professional. I was a program assistant for the group fitness program there and was spoiled very much so. Meaning that every gym and group fitness program I've been to since RecSports just doesn't even come close. Well done, RecSports. Well done. 

4. Being able to skip class. You can't just skip work. It doesn't work like that. 

5. Being only 4 hours away from my family. I'm still getting used to this because it feels like I was just away for the summer, but being able to see my family only a few times a year is going to be a big change. What am I, an adult?

These are only a few things that I miss, but there is much more. Gainesville, FL has an awesome culture that's equally hipster and southern. It sits right in the middle of where tropical Florida meets Northern Florida. I'll also miss the late night pizzas (not that I won't do this currently, but it's not the same,) Dennis the go-go street dancer, REALLY lazy hungover Sundays,  the Gainesville winters (mostly because I'm not too excited about this northern winter coming up,) Paynes Prairie hikes, THE TOP,  stadium workouts...UGH I COULD GO ON. 

If you're still in college, ENJOY IT. It goes way, way too fast. 

XO-Rach

Let's chat! What's your favorite part about college? Best memory?

I did it!! Okay, maybe the title is a little biased, but that's how I feel. GO GATORS!! Our graduation was in The Swamp (football field) for the first time in 44 years, so that was pretty awesome. The weather could not have been more perfect. I was a little worried because Florida in May can be very bipolar - it rained the entire week leading up to graduation! The Gainesville Graduation Gods were watching over.

All of my immediate family drove up for the occasion, including my sister who will be starting at UF this summer!

It was a wonderful graduation and the best way to close out my college career. It still hasn't hit me. I honestly feel like I am moving up to Philadelphia for the summer and coming back to school for fall....I just don't know any other way! It was very sad to say goodbye, but I'm so excited for what's to come.

On to the next one! But I'll always be a Gator.

- Rach

#ItsGreatUF!!!

Good morning everyone! I taught my last group fitness class ever at UF bright and early this morning (6:15 a.m.) and it would be an understatement to say that I am going to miss it. Teaching here has been such a valuable experience that I will take with me when I leave, but I just feel like it's going to be hard to find a similar atmosphere that we have here. Nothing beats it! This morning's workout was an awesome 45 minute interval training workout. All intervals were 30 seconds with only 15 seconds of rest. It was the perfect combo of strength and cardio and everyone walked out really sweaty at 7 a.m.! Such a great feeling.

The equipment I used for this class was a bench, a light set of dumbbells and one heavier dumbbell for single side exercises.

I got the idea for the side lunge hop from pumpsandiron.com and she demonstrates them in this workout. A half burpee looks like this. Essentially, you start in a plank position and jump your feet to meet your hands to come up in a squat and hold for a second. Plank rows on the bench (:45) are also a great exercise! Really tests your core stability.

After teaching, I worked for a couple hours, came home and enjoyed some oats...

And now I am getting ready for my FINAL public relations presentation for my major. After today I'm freeeee!!!! Until I start my job in less than two weeks. It's so weird being done, I kind of never thought this day would come and I wish it didn't come so fast, but that's life! After my group's presentation we plan to celebrate a little and then I will be spending the rest of the week packing up my apartment.

Have a great Tuesday!

-Rach