Ladies and gents, the weather is (somewhat) colder, and there are times when you cannot harness the energy to get to the gym for some traditional exercise. And as the temperature keeps dipping under, the temptation to stay in and watch Netflix may overpower your will to exercise. But let’s be real…we all have these days when the very images of the treadmill, the elliptical, or the stair master in your mind make you want to take a nap instead. But don’t beat yourself up about it! Here are some handy dandy work-less workouts (for when you don’t feel like running). These workouts are perfect for in-between finals study sessions, during the long winter break, and for staying active into the new year!
Examples of these work-less workouts include…
Swimming
Swimming as cardio and muscular endurance training is excellent because it involves less stress and tension on joints. But it also a great exercise for people of all fitness levels!
Exercising with trampolines or hoola hoops
If you’re looking to relive your childhood days, try jumping on the trampoline. This is another low impact total body workout. And another classic childhood tradition is hoola hooping! If done correctly, hoola hooping is a complete core workout.
Dog/Cat Sitting
I’m sure they will thank you. If you take them for a walk, remember the doggy bag and a leash!
Ice Skating & Roller Blading
Depending on your access to these facilities, ice-skating and the old time favorite, roller blading are magically fun activities to do with friends!
Just Dance!
Dance is a melting pot of movements for each and every muscle of the body. With dance you get your cardio, flexibility training, and muscular strength and endurance, all in one!
Wii and Xbox Gaming
Wii games are not just a super awesome time, they help develop coordination, timing, concentration, and agility. With choices ranging from Wii Sports, Just Dance, Yoga Mind Body, and Mario Kart, where can you go wrong? Taking a Nature Hike in the Open Air
If you’re not afraid to get a little messy, and are not disgusted by bugs, this activity is for you! Get distracted by the nature surrounding you. You can even add on a backpack, and presto, there is your core training for the day!Chair Aerobics
So this is a new craze lately for professionals to help circulate the blood flow while being confined in a tiny office cubicle. But us students can benefit from these exercises as well. Two exercises to try are the Sitting Spinal Stretch and the Invisible Chair Sit (essentially a wall sit).
Cleaning Up Your Room
This is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. You get your room spick-and-span, and at the same time, you’re targeting your main muscle groups by scrubbing and dusting the clutter away!GOOD LUCK WITH FINALS TRIBE!