OK, it’s getting to that point in the semester where classes are taking over your entire life and staying in shape is about as important as …well nothing because sweater szn is coming up so who cares, right? WRONG.
Working out is a life-saver when shit hits the fan because it’s the best way to relieve stress and make you forget about all the other annoying things in your life. (Like, how every single time you do a load of laundry you lose at least 2 socks…seriously I will never understand how this happens.)
PLUUSSSSSS you gon’ look hot a.f.!
And unless you’ve been living under a rock (or a tempurpedic rock in WashU’s case), you know that the South 40 Gym, better known as the Estro (sorry boys), is offering FREEEEEE classes this entire year.
Free.
With that, here are the top 3 classes that all of you need to try (before the new AC opens up and the classes move there, ‘cause we all know how hard it will be to leave the 40 for that). And then you can reward yourself with a pint of Talenti. Or two. Deal? Deal.
In no particular order:
1. Barre
Difficulty Level: Medium.
Disclaimer: You don’t have to be Maddie Ziegler from “Dance Moms”/have any prior dance experience at all to take this class. It basically consists of fast-paced micro movements that make every part of your body shake in sheer pain. I wish I was kidding too. You get out of it what you put in. Obviously, that goes for every workout, but it’s really up to you how much you want to squeeze your cheeks together and thrust your pelvis in the air (shoutout: hip thrusters).
2. Butts and Guts
Difficulty Level: Medium – Hard
This class is exactly what it claims to be: a hardcore workout for your butts (lol) and your guts (A.K.A. abs because the word “guts” seriously makes me cringe for some reason unbeknownst to me). It usually consists of three overall circuits, each with three or four different exercises 30-60 seconds long. I know, sounds excruciating. It definitely is, but you have to make sacrifices for the ~booty~.
3. Bear Bootcamp
Difficulty Level: Hard. As. SH*T.
OK, so I’ve only done this once so far, but wow. It was seriously the hardest but also greatest workout I’ve had in a long time. It’s basically a bunch of different fast-paced combinations that keep you on your feet. Changing the mode exercise every couple of minutes actually makes the time go by a little faster, so you’ll be on your way to Pastaria in no time. Shanika, the instructor, plays #nogames and really knows how to make you leave feeling like a whacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man. Definitely worth a try.
All GIFs via giphy.com.