For me, there are few words as soul-sucking as “gym”. Though I was quite active in my high school years and worked out nearly two hours a day as part of the swim team, after leaving this strict routine and into the demanding world that is UChicago, I found it increasingly difficult to find the time or energy to exercise. To make matters worse, the depressing line of treadmills at Ratner and the prison-like environment of Henry Crown weren’t exactly inspiring. However, we all know that exercise is necessary in order to maintain a healthy body (also, isn’t it a little pathetic when you realize you can’t climb the stairs of Cobb without panting?).
So some equally lazy girlfriends and I went on a search to discover workouts we could do in the comfort in our own room. YouTube provided the answer in the form of Cassie Ho, a personal trainer and creator of the YouTube channel, POP Pilates. POP Pilates offers videos (free, of course) in which Cassie, who seems to have limitless energy and optimism, leads you through a workout, most of which last 10-15 minutes, set to a soundtrack of pop hits (hence, the “pop” in “POP Pilates”). Many of the videos are, unsurprisingly, Pilates workout that target a specific area but there are also videos focused on cardio and whole-body workouts as well as nutrition and diet. Though the videos aren’t necessarily long, many of the routines are surprisingly tough and you’ll likely work up a sweat, especially if you decide to do more than one. Here are some of my and my friends’ favorites:
The New Body Makeover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMnY5jAlp6Y
This Pilates workout is great in that it targets your legs, abs, and arms, all in the span of 30 minutes. But don’t let the duration fool you. Many of the moves will be difficult to complete once your muscles start aching and Cassie’s cheeriness will start to infuriate you. But you got to push through it! Revel in the soreness the following day.
Bodyweight Workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPi6ZkrGCv8
Here, Cassie leads us through a cardio workout which is devastatingly tiring. I had to push the pause button several times during my first attempt. You’ll be down on the floor doing mountain climbers, burpees, and push-ups or jumping around (probably not the best workout if you live in an upper floor of an apartment). This workout will make even the fantastically fit sweat furiously and your heart rate will rocket. And it’ll be awesome.
Good Time Abs Challenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SILytLQf0JA
This workout which targets your abs literally lasts one song (a horribly cheesy song at that, but I’ll save that for later). One song. Yet it is hilariously difficult. I did this workout with a friend last quarter and I think we lasted a minute and half before having to pause and die for a moment. If anyone can complete this (besides Cassie, herself), you deserve a medal.