As we hit the midpoint of the semester and work is at its fullest load, it’s easy to let exercise fall to the wayside. It can become such a drag to force yourself to focus in the ZSR and then force a workout later at the gym. Luckily, working out does not need to be a chore! It’s all about matching your personality with a workout style!
Do you like to go be slow and steady?
On days when nothing sounds better than a long, moderate workout that leaves your super-refreshed, consider going for a run. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a “runner,” per say. Head out to the trails for some alone time—it’s a great way to regroup and clear your mind. Loop through the Reynolda trails, up faculty drive and on to the cross country trails by The Barn for a nice 30-45 minute jaunt that will recharge your mind and get you some fresh air. Or try a cycle class! While they can be intense (if that’s your jam), you control your own resistance, so it can be a lower-impact running alternative . It’s your choice! The Miller Center offers classes every day except Saturday. Both running and cycling are guaranteed to make you break a sweat that will help you decompress after an onslaught of study stress.
… or quick and intense?
For that Monday when you only have one unplanned hour of the day or post-paper-writing fatigue, try workouts that incorporate interval training. Make your own treadmill or elliptical workout by alternating 30-45-second periods of intensity (increase your pace AND resistance/hill) with 20-35 seconds of slower recovery. Or try the Miller Center’s Metabolic Effect classes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll exhaust every last muscle you’ve got for an intense total-body workout. Also check out Cardio Kickboxing on Wednesday nights—choreographed sequences of punches, kicks and squats can be excellent stress-release.
Do you like to be structured and calculated?
Some of us thrive on structure – knowing exactly how many curls you’re doing to target your biceps or how many laps equal a certain amount of miles. If this is you, go for set strength training workouts. Ideas and longer-term exercise plans can easily be accessed at Self.com to help you achieve whatever workout goals you have. If you’d rather have somebody push you through it, try the Miller Center’s Total Body Toning classes, which combine music and an instructor to take you through weight training. Pilates is a good option, too, if you’re looking to incorporate mindfulness and deep breathing.
… or silly and fun?
Others of us like to forget we’re working out, like walking with friends or getting competitive playing a sport. If this is you, try the aforementioned, or get yourself a really good playlist for the gym’s cardio machines. Group fitness classes were made for you, especially dance-based Zumba and the more strength-training-based Ballet Sculpt and Cardio Funk & Pump. The Miller Center now offers four Zumba classes a week! With so many options, working out will definitely never seem like plain-Jane exercise.
No matter your personality, there is a workout for you. Find something that makes you excited and shake things up! Catch up with a friend over a Zumba class instead of a lunch date or take a half-hour break for a run on a beautiful fall day. Scheduling in exercise just like any other fun commitment will make it just that!