Between keeping up with classes, student orgs, friends and a strict Netflix schedule, it can be hard to find time to exercise. If you’re short on time and motivation, fear not: here are ways to exercise without actually stepping foot in a gym.
1. Exercise in the Shower
Bust out a few squats while you’re shampooing, the water will prevent you from getting sweaty and you’ll still get a nice booty from it. (If only Niall were there too)
2. Running to Catch the Light Before It Changes
You may not look very cool, but you’ll get in a nice little burst of cardio.
3. Spontaneous Dance Parties
Turn on some party music with your roommates and just dance around. It’s kind of like a free Zumba class!
4. Walking up Bascom to Get to Class
Ignore what they tell you on the tours about how the walk up only burns the calories in a Cheeto. Anything that can make you out of breath totally counts as exercise, right?
5. The Little Half Jog You Have to do When Someone Holds the Door for You and You’re Still Really Far Away
Make sure you’re also awkwardly smiling and thanking them the entire time.
6. Walking in Heels
Work on those calves and glutes while looking like a runway model (plus, balancing on tiny stilettos is definitely good for the core!)
7. Butt Clenches While You’re Studying
Multitasking is a college student’s best friend, and getting those A’s and working on your butt seems like a pretty good combination. The best part is no one will ever know.
8. Carry a Heavy Load of Laundry
If you don’t have laundry on your floor or in your apartment, the struggle of carrying a heavy basket of laundry will give you Michelle Obama arms in no time!
9. Trying Not to Slip on Ice and Snow
Another easy core workout that also prevents you from hurting yourself and your ego.
10. Attempting to do the Lift from Dirty Dancing with Your Significant Other
Plus, it makes a really good party trick if you can actually do it.
11. Walking Up the Stairs at Starbucks
Or just stairs in general.
12. Blow Drying Your Hair
Holding your arms over your head that long certainly feels like exercise.
13. Carrying a Bunch of Textbooks and Your Laptop in Your Backpack
When you have to carry the equivalent of a small child on your back, it counts as exercise.
14. A Make Out Session
Kissing can burn anywhere from one to two calories per minute, so grab that special someone because it’s for your health!
15. Squatting to Look in the Fridge
Bonus points if it’s because you’re searching for healthy food instead of junk food.
16. Trying to Balance on the 80 When There Are No Seats Left
Trying not to fall into the laps of strangers makes for a great core workout.
17. Climbing into Your Lofted Bed
It’s much less impressive than rock climbing, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
18. Pacing Around the Room While Making a Phone Call
It is scientifically proven to be impossible to stay in one spot while on the phone, especially when you have to talk to real adults.
19. Making Your Bed
This one’s a stretch (pun intended), but it certainly feels like a workout to try to get a fitted sheet onto a bed.
20. Taking a Much Longer Route than Necessary to Avoid Running Into Your Ex
Avoid the awkward “Haven’t seen you in a while” conversation AND get in those Fitbit steps.
Sure, you won’t turn into a bodybuilder or Victoria’s Secret model through these workouts, but it’s a start.