Although freshman year is behind me I still live in constant fear of the infamous freshman fifteen. Between the snacks all around my sorority house and the Bagel Place’s daily delivery of fresh bagels, gaining a sophomore sixteen is not that far off. I am starting an exercise regimen so that I can eat my cinnamon raisin bagel and cream cheese every morning without guilt
With this new workout mentality I wanted to make an informed decision about which form of exercise would be the best for me.
When at the gym I realized the weight room is definitely out of the question due to the intimidating muscle men that parade their biceps underneath their barely present tank tops. I move onto the machines, which seem welcoming so I start to walk on the treadmill and after a while I think I am getting a great workout. Still, I was not ready to commit to the treadmill full-time.
My mind was certainly blown when I learned that Zumba, a dance fitness class set to Latin music, was offered at Ritchie Coliseum. After frequenting classes in my hometown, I figured that I should give it a shot here to see if it could help me work off that day’s carbohydrates.
Personally, I find the treadmill to be a little mundane, I mean walking without a destination doesn’t sound like that much fun to me. However, sophomore Yasmine Guedalia, a double major in government and politics and psychology major happens to love the treadmill.
“I like to see how hard I have been working.” Guedalia said. “When on the treadmill I can set a goal for myself and work towards it.”
I can agree with Guedalia who feels that running on the treadmill is a great workout. A 150-lb person walking for 30 minutes at 3 miles per hour burns 200 calories on the treadmill, according to Livestrong.com.
Guedalia also feels like the treadmill is a good place to clear her head and focus on herself and after a busy day of school and homework it sounds nice. I am always down listen to some Justin Timberlake and get into the workout zone.
After some research, I have discovered my favorite form of exercise is definitely Zumba. After 20 minutes of dancing around to fast pace music I start to sweat like I never have before.
“It’s a creative and fun way to release stress,” sophomore communications and family science major Nicole Kloorfain said. “When I am in Zumba I am always having a good time and don’t realize I’m working out.”
Zumba is an intense dance work out and how many calories you burn depend on your weight, duration and intensity, according to caloriesburnedhq.com. Zumba is all about having a good time and letting loose.
Comparing these two forms of exercise has been informative, and experimenting with both has worn me out. I decided that Zumba was the best way for me to stay healthy and active this school year. You can check out the recreation centers schedule online where a lot of fun classes are offered all around campus, http://crs.umd.edu.