Students are well into the first semester of the year, and whether you’re a freshman or a senior, getting into proper exercising habits is key to reducing stress, increasing body confidence and keeping that Mizzou 22 off! The sooner you begin an exercise routine, the easier it is to stick it during the fall and winter months. But where even begin? Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a dedicated yogi or a Tiger X guru, it’s important to switch up your routine and keep your workouts exciting during the next few months! So, what to choose?
Yoga
Yoga is available with a Tiger X pass, and also in various locations around Columbia. Yoga isn’t a cardio exercise, but helps keep you balanced and your muscles toned. There are different levels of yoga that require more flexibility, balance and engagement of core muscles, but yoga is usually a fairly low-intensity exercise. Yoga is the perfect complement to running and other intense cardio, as it stretches out every muscle in your body and works muscles you probably never knew you had.
Running
Many believe that running is the only “good” form of cardio, but that isn’t true! The elliptical and bike work the exact same muscles as running, but are less harsh on your joints. If running is something you want to get into but you’re not sure where to begin, start by running a half mile and gradually increase your mileage by a quarter of a mile each day. Start this over every week, and before you know it you’ll be able to run farther than you ever have before. Although there are plenty of other cardio exercises, running is challenging and allows you to get continuous cardiovascular benefits.
Tiger X
Tiger X classes are one of the best perks the Mizzou Rec center has to offer. For a $50 pass, students get their money’s worth after only seven classes. Students can take unlimited amount of classes, and can complement low intensity “stretch” classes like Pilates with more intense exercise classes like Tabata, which is a 30 minute straight cardio class. Other classes, such as Power are strength classes mixed with intense cardio. Power is meant for those who want to increase strength in their legs, arms, core and glutes, while also pumping their heart rate up. Other Tiger X classes, such as Cycling or Cardio Cross Train are also great ways to get an all-body workout in 50 minutes. These classes are at convenient times during the day and offered numerous times per week. Tiger X classes require little effort because Tiger X instructors teach all your workouts, and the workout is already pre-set. Not to mention, it’s easy to work around a schedule because it’s at the same time everyday.
There is no one workout that is better than another. Setting an individualized routine and finding classes that fit in a schedule is important. During these fall and winter months, when food is the central perk to every holiday, it’s important to keep up to date with workouts. And if you’re just looking to spice up your workout routine, switch it up. If you run, take a week off and practice yoga or try cycling! The more you try, the more you’ll be able to switch up your routines and keep your workouts exciting.
Photo Credits:
http://www.bu.edu/today/2010/your-brain-on-yoga-calmer-more-content/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Running_woman.jpg
http://www.mizzourec.com/team_mizzou/positions.asp?ID=16