We all love the feeling after a great workout. The endorphins, the sense of accomplishment, and that overall “healthy” feeling can last for hours after you kick off your sneakers. With regular exercise, you can reap more than just that temporary high. Improved mood, heightened focus, better sleep, more energy, a boosted immune system, and looking and feeling more fit are just a few benefits to look forward to when you’re dedicating time to getting your body working and your heart pumping.
So, why is it that it’s so hard to commit to as little as thirty minutes just a few times a week? Some would say our busy schedules are to blame, others cite laziness or lack of energy. While those may be true, trekking to the basement of the PhysEd building, getting on an elliptical or stationary bike, and repeating the same motion over and over is certainly not a motivating prospect.
Want to kick the treadmill blues while also kicking your butt into shape and having a blast? Here are just some things you can do around campus or in the privacy of your own room that will have your heart rate and spirits soaring.
Loop the Loop
The Purchase campus is circled by a three mile road with significant shoulder space. Known as the loop, you often see people jogging or running it. Even if you’re not much of a runner you can still make use of the campus perimeter.
Grab a friend and catch up while you walk briskly. Doing this with a buddy will make you forget you’re actually getting a significant cardio workout in. Being able to hold a conversation can let you know that you’re not working too hard (hint: if you can sing, you’re not getting your heart rate up). You can use the perimeter of the campus for more than pairs power walking (please avoid going alone—especially after dark).
Rollerblading is tons of fun and a great workout, as are cycling and longboarding. Even getting around half the loop doing any of these activities, combined with the fresh air, is going to have you feeling great.
Fitness classes
The college offers a variety of classes in the Wellness Center and the gym (it’s worth it this time). They range from yoga to belly dancing and Zumba; a mixture of Latin dance and core fitness workout. You can attend the free sessions that keep your mind and body engaged for the duration, whenever they are held. Classes usually take place one to two times per week and schedules are available online or in the Wellness Center.
Sex
Yup. Sex. A roll in the hay, the mattress mambo -whatever you want to call it. Getting down and dirty has been proven as one of the best workouts out there. An hour of intercourse can burn up to 250 calories and works every muscle in your body. We can all find time to squeeze in a quickie somewhere in our packed schedules, and even just lying there for twenty minutes will boost your mood and give you the cardio kick you need.
80’s Workout Videos
Yes. They’re still on the shelves, but I’m willing to bet your parents still have them lying around somewhere. This one is most fun and effective when you go all out. Dress the part, get a few friends together, and let Cindy Crawford kick your butt. You’ll laugh out loud and you can’t deny how great those instructors looked in their spandex.
Don’t deny yourself the perks of being fit. With so many fun ways to avoid the misery associated with traditional workouts, stop making excuses and get moving.