Rec center, snow provide students cold-weather fitness opportunities
As the temperature drops and the winter season approaches, it can be hard to leave the warm couch and brave the cold to go work out.
However, multiple sports and activities are available indoors so everyone can stay warm and in shape this winter.
It’s easier to find motivation to stay in shape during the summer. Some just find the summer weather pleasant, while others stay in shape to look good at the pool.
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise helps shake winter depression, increases energy levels and helps improve sleep.
As a bonus, staying in shape during winter means it will take less time when the desire to look good for spring break comes around.
One place worth looking at for winter exercise is CU’s Recreation Center.
The rec center offers a variety of indoor activities to interest everyone.
“There is ice skating, rock climbing, basketball, and (the opportunity to) take stuff like martial arts and yoga,” said cashier Andrea Geddes, 21, a senior integrative physiology and psychology major. “You can also dive on the diving board for fun, play racquet ball, ping-pong and foosball.”
The Rec Center also offers classes and sports in addition to other activities. Some classes include dance, tennis, fencing, swim and massage lessons.
Most classes offer a trial period during the beginning of the semester. This gives students the chance to try a class and see if they like it before paying.
Visit the Rec Center’s Web site for a full list of classes.
There are still plenty of options for people who do not want to give up the outdoors during winter. However, there are several important steps to remember before exercising in the cold outdoors.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important to get permission from a doctor before participating in exercises outdoors since certain medical conditions such as asthma can be triggered by cold air.
It is also important to remember to dress in layers, drink plenty of fluids, keep an eye on the wind chill and know when to call it quits.
Great abs won’t look too good when covered in frostbite.
The snow itself can be a great opportunity for exercise. Shoveling, snowball fights, building snowmen and building snow forts are all great ways to stay active.
While these activities may not be as effective as summer jogging or outdoor swimming, they can be fun and much healthier than sitting on the couch.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Cameron Naish at cameron.naish@colorado.edu.
