With spring break right around the corner, the Emory gym rat population has grown significantly. The treadmills (the ones that aren’t broken yet…) at the Woodpec are in even higher demand than usual, so all of you regulars out there know what this means: your chances of snagging a machine are slim to none and the competition to get one is fierce. There’s no need to worry, though, because exercises that don’t involve the treadmill, elliptical, or any machine do exist! There are also a ton of great gyms around Atlanta, as well as specialty studios for those of you who prefer a more guided workout.
- The Magazine Workout: Self Magazine has a great article about the top 10 at home work outs, including links to specific videos and programs. DVDs cost a lot less than gym memberships and never expire. Plus, you’re guaranteed top instructors who know what they are talking about – these pros are responsible for many celeb bodies (see Mandy Ingber’s expert advice, she trains Jennifer Aniston!). DVDs are like a 1-1 training session in the privacy of your own home (or dorm room). If you don’t feel like investing in DVDs, there’s always YouTube.
- Watch TV And Burn Calories: Check out the BodyRock.tv channel for easily accessible fitness advice, workout videos, and health tips. Trainers will lead you through the workout of your choice – pilates, yoga, cardio, Zumba – and you don’t even need to leave your living room. It’ll require some furniture reconfiguring, but consider that some extra calories burned.
- Get Outside: Here’s another simple option: put on sneakers and go for a run with a friend for FREE! Take advantage of amazing weather while it’s here (because we all know it’s gone tomorrow). An awesome spot for running, walking or biking is the ATL Beltline, a “multiuse trail and linear green space” that runs through Lullwater, Piedmont Park, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward. Grab some sun, scenery and fresh air with this type of do-anytime (unless it’s raining…) outdoor exercise.
- Flywheel/Flybarre: You would think this specialty studio isn’t ideal for a student trying to save some cash, but they are now offering a student deal at 15 dollars a class. It seems like a large fee when putting on your sneakers and going for a jog is free, but sometimes you need the extra push from a professional. If a good sweat and motivation is what you are looking for, then this is the right place for you. Flywheel is a cycling class that is set in a dark room, set up with stadium style seating. For a quick 45 minutes, you let the throbbing beat of the music guide you as you spin your way to a sweaty, stress-free place. Flybarre is a better option for those who aren’t into high-intensity workouts and are more used to pilates or yoga. It involves light weight training, dancing, and core strengthening exercise. There’s no harm in checking it out because your first class is free.
- Yoga: With so many styles of practice, finding a good yoga studio can be challenging. The pricing can also be close to a gym membership, which offers all kinds of classes and equipment. Red Hot Yoga studio in Buckhead offers a pass giving access to an unlimited number of classes for $75/month, which is definitely a price to beat. They’ve also just added a 4:30 p.m. class to their schedule, so you’re bound to find a class that fits right into your busy day. Yoga is great to mix in with your weekly exercise routines, especially with the busy lifestyle of a student. Bikram at Red Hot Yoga gives you the chance to pay attention to your neglected body, sweat it out and clear your mind.
- Dance 101: Exercising just for the sake of burning calories and losing weight can get boring. Dance 101 provides an outlet for those looking to get in shape and have fun while doing it. It is also one of the few exercise methods that works different muscle groups at the same time. Dance 101 offers a variety of dance styles, from ballet to hip hop. If you’re not sure what kind of dance you are interested in, a Discover Level Class is offered to explore your options and find a perfect match. Dance is not typically thought of as a form workout, but don’t be deceived because you can burn anywhere from 500-700 calories per class.
- Stone Mountain: When the sun finally makes its way out, there are no excuses to avoid working out when you can hike Stone Mountain. As you chat your way up the mountain with some friends, you’re guaranteed to forget that this is a calorie burning activity. The hike up will take less than an hour and doesn’t require any rock climbing skills. Be sure to pack a backpack with some healthy snacks and lots of water for a picnic at the top! Afterwards, you can enjoy the town at the base of the mountain with restaurants, gift shops, and the amazing candy kitchen!
- Crossfit: While this can be an intimidating workout, BTB Crossfit is a studio close to campus that offers an open house class for newbies every Saturday morning at 11 a.m. This workout is perfect for the antsy, excited person looking to get in shape fast. It uses circuit style training, with exercises from rope climbing to jogging outside, so there’s truly never a dull moment. The program is intense and requires full commitment, but as you’ll quickly notice, the regulars have seen major weight loss and increase in muscle. If you are willing to devote a few hours each week and give it your all, this exhilarating workout will whip your body into shape.
We certainly do not have a shortage of workout options in Atlanta. Listed above are only a handful of the best indoor workout studios and gyms, but there are so many more. If you aren’t feeling the pricey membership, spring is super close, which means long walks in Lullwater and jogs through the Virginia Highlands! There are so many exercise options you can choose – and if you try them each a couple of times, there’s no way you’ll ever get bored with your workout. If consistency is more of your thing, though, don’t be afraid to ask gyms and studios if they have a student rate. Whatever you choose, get out there and start moving, and get that beach-babe bod you’ve always wanted.