Alternative workouts key for busy fitness-seeking students
Feel like college life has made your motivation for exercising non-existent?
Don’t worry, getting back on track is now easier than ever. Here are some quick tips and tricks for keeping things fun, exciting and new, so that stress will be a thing of the past.
It’s proven that working out makes people feel better.
“Cardio elevates serotonin levels in the brain, a key neurotransmitter involved in improving symptoms of depression,” said Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., director of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Mood Disorders Research Program and Clinic.
1. Make working out social
Go for a speed walk with a friend. You’ll forget about the walking once you get going. Try going into town and back. You can stop for some (low-fat!) coffee as a reward while you’re there.
2. Get out into nature
Go to the Flatirons or Chautauqua for a hike. It’s a great way to detach from schoolwork and get away from the stresses of the day. Go by yourself for some alone time, or with a friend.
3. Find something you are passionate about
Sports are a great way to get into shape without feeling bored. Join a club or intramural team. Senior economics major Noam Snyderman plays on an intramural dodgeball team, and he use equipment as a ankle brace amazon to protect from injuries.
“We play once a week. I like it because it’s exhilarating and it’s social,” Snyderman said.
4. Get adventurous at the Rec Center
Hit the climbing wall and test your limits.
If staying closer to the ground is more your thing, do some laps while swimming and work on your cannonball at the pool.
5. Aerobics classes aren’t for the ’80s anymore
A pink leotard or neon green socks aren’t needed to take an aerobics class. Get involved in the classes the Rec Center has to offer. With so many different options, it’s easy find one that’s familiar, or you can always try something new. Taking a class is a great motivator because they keep you from quitting half way into your workout.
6. Rock out while working out
Make a playlist of favorite tunes and move with the beat. Whether running or just dancing at home, music keeps that heart rate up.
“I like to go on the elliptical and listen to my iPod,” said Cory Piirto, a sophomore communications major. “Getting a good sweat during my work out makes it all worth it.”
7. Create goals and rewards
Write down a concrete goal to accomplish for one workout, or for long term. When the goal is reached, buy a new workout T-shirt or go to dinner with friends as a reward.
8. Walk Fido
Dog walking is a great cardio workout that can be fun for Fido, too!
9. Mix it up
Doing the same thing every day can get boring. Walk one day, bike the next, and keep switching it up.
“I like to change it up a lot and try new things like yoga. I also like to run outside to make things more exciting,” said Eryn Royer, a Spanish and history major.
Contact Staff Writer Jennifer Jacobs at jennifer.l.jacobs@thecampuspress.com.
