GTL (n.): the daily routine that includes hitting the gym, tanning and doing laundry to stay fresh all day, every day. Unfortunately, diligent University students do not have time to enact this ever-popular "Jersey Shore"-inspired acronym. No matter your schedule, however, it is imperative you make room for at least two of these things in the week - gym and laundry time. Your body and mind will thank you for your gym efforts while classmates will surely thank you for living up to "T-shirt Time" standards.
My roommate and I told ourselves we were getting "in-shape" this semester. Needless to say, this is easier said than done with our hectic schedules and Dunkin' Donuts' grand opening on the Corner. Although this will definitely be a semester-long project, we found small ways to work toward our goal - healthy breakfasts and daily workouts. Breakfast is the No. 1 way to boost your metabolism for the day, and research shows that if you eat earlier, you will be less hungry later. That means no 1 a.m. Littlejohn's study breaks! Meanwhile, intense interval training is the most effective way to tone up, in my opinion. Most of our gyms' elliptical machines, bikes and steppers have this workout setting.
Personally, tanning is not really my thing, but I do appreciate summer's natural glow. To be clear, this is different from being mistaken for Snooki. Alas, a golden glow is definitely difficult to maintain in the drizzle that is Charlottesville fall weather. Rather than hitting the tanning bed, though - yes, don't forget about those UVA rays - consider another option. Celebrity favorite St. Tropez' self-tan bronzing mousse gives the most realistic faux tan, without that horrid tell-tale smell reminiscent of other fake-tan products. At $40 per bottle, it may be a splurge, but for a special occasion, there is no better way to save your skin from further damage - priceless.
Last, but not least, GTL cannot be complete without getting your laundry hamper under control. In hopes of making this final stage a bit easier, I decided to test out the BerryPlus laundry detergent that I got from the University Bookstore. For $2, I got two capsules, or two loads-worth, of the organic soap blend. I loaded the machine with clothes, dumped a capsule in and turned on the machine, waiting to reap the fruits of my labor. This new product might seem heaven-sent for those who seemingly trek the Himalayas to and from the laundry room, but I was not so impressed. Maybe it is a crime that I am not as environmentally-conscious as the BerryPlus advocates, but I prefer a detergent that leaves my clothes smelling like I actually used soap - the sweet-smelling, harsh kind, that is.
The point is, though, that despite your busy schedule, it is still possible to GTL like everyone else. After all, no one wants to earn the title "dirty, little hamster."
Vanessa's column runs biweekly Fridays. She can be reached at v.stephenson@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
Queer Student Union showcases strength and spreads love
By Rosie Strickland | 5 days agoThis summer, QSU members say that the organization’s efforts to support the University’s Queer community extend far beyond the 30 days of June.
‘Don’t get too comfortable’: Words of wisdom for the incoming class
By Kate Johnson | July 4, 2025These fourth-year students offer their reflections on their first year at the University.
Navigating the University from near and far
By Amanda Chung , Mai Hukuoka and Dana Douglas | July 2, 2025As the 2025-26 school year inches closer, three Life writers came together to discuss their different perspectives as in-state and out-of-state students.
