I am that person who always wants to go to the gym, and after a few weeks I fall off the band wagon. Yes, it happens to kinesiology majors, too. I am a firm believer that you don't need a gym membership to be active and healthy, so here are 7 suggestions to get you moving this semester (that aren't the gym).
1. Take your dog for a walk
Going for a 30 minute walk a day is a great way to get moving and I am sure your pup would be happy to get moving alongside you. Don't have a dog? Snag your roommate and take a stroll downtown. Have fun window shopping. Bonus points if you pick up a healthy snack like a salad or a smoothie along the way.
2. Go to a trampoline park
Trampoline parks are springing up all over the country (Ha. Springing, get it?). Grab a group of friends and go jump around. This is probably the most fun way to get a workout in. Not only are you doing plenty of cardio, you're also working your leg muscles!
3. YouTube a yoga class
Who says you have to pay for an expensive yoga class? Not me! YouTube is a great resource for all things exercise, especially yoga. Find a beginner class and take it in the comfort of your own living room. The best part is that, unlike in person classes, you can rewind a YouTube instructor to figure out how to do that complicated pose.
4. Relive your childhood
Go ahead, gather up some friends and go take over your local playground. Play tag, capture the flag, or kick the can. Nobody said that playgrounds were just for children. Games are the easiest way to fit in a workout without feeling like you're working out. It's all in good fun!
5. Ride your bike
Invest in a bike basket and take your small trips to the grocery store on your bike. It'll add weight once you put your groceries on, so use your trip there as a warm up and try working harder on your way home.
6. Park far away
Seriously. There's no rule that says your daily dose of activity has to be all in one burst. Park far away and take a walk around the mall. Do your shopping and then walk back to the car with the added weight of your bags (or not, because #brokecollegekid).
7. Attend a group exercise class
Okay, so this leans a little towards the gym side of things, but group exercise is a fantastic way to get active in a fun way. It's practically the only way I can stay focused on a work out. I am a dancer, so for me, my dance classes count as a workout. I also love Pilates and yoga. However, there are a million classes to choose from. Try Zumba or maybe a martial arts class. Find what works for you and rock it.
There's nothing better to curb the stress of college than exercise. Seriously, exercise is the best medicine. It'll help keep your body systems healthy so you can fight through this year's flu season, and it'll keep you in a good head space. If you're feeling overwhelmed, find time to get active. I promise you don't need a gym membership.
Take care of yourselves friends. Oh, and no horizontal running please!
