We have reached the time of year when those who swore that they would work out every day have fallen off the wagon and are steadily losing motivation. Phrases like “my diet starts tomorrow” and “after this I will actually start eating healthy” can be heard in every corner of campus. But let’s face it: a late night Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit tastes way better than a salad, and laying in bed watching Netflix is always a preferable to working out. But not to worry, there are still things that can be done to burn a few extra calories if working out is totally out of the question.
1. Always take the stairs
Take the stairs every chance you get. Take the stairs in your dorm going both up AND down. Savor that burn in your quads when you’re forced to walk to the third floor of Dallas Hall. If you’re feeling especially bold, skip the escalator and carry your bags up the stairs in the airport to work out both your arms and your legs. Your limbs may sting a little, but at least you’re not on the stair-climber machine in Dedman.
2. Lose Giddy-Up’s app
Delete Giddy-Up’s app from your phone. This will force you to walk everywhere whether you like it or not. You will have no choice but to burn some calories. It’s not like they ever answer their calls anyway.
3. Walk to brunch instead of Ubering
You’ll save a few bucks by not ordering an Uber and you’ll get a mile-long walk under your belt before brunch even starts. There are several popular brunch places within walking distance from campus, like Penne Pomodoro and Villa-O, which are both about a mile away.
4. Always park far away
Park far away from your dorm, especially if you’re bringing home groceries. Lugging grocery bags back to the dorm is a sure way to tone up your arms, and that trek down the parking garage stairs and across the parking lot will help you get a few extra steps in. Also, park far away from restaurants when you drive to eat off campus. This way, you will burn calories both before and after you eat!
5. Drink caffeine
Caffeine increases the rate at which you burn calories, so if you’re feeling tired, opt for a coffee or a tea. Coffee has been known to fill you up quickly and slightly curb your appetite so you will stay full longer. Also, green tea contains catechin polyphenols that boost your metabolism, and oolong tee has been found to increase metabolic activity by 10 percent.
6. Walk to the farthest Starbucks to get your coffee
If you’re craving your usual morning latte and have a few extra minutes, walk to the farthest Starbucks on or near campus. You’ll get a little extra cardio and you will reap the metabolic benefits of drinking caffeine mentioned in #5. Some of the Starbucks locations within walking distance of campus are:
- 6733 Hillcrest (Snider Plaza)
- 3036 Mockingbird (Next to the bookstore)
- 6000 Bush Ave. (Dedman)
- 6414 Robert S. Hyer Lane (Fondren)
Check out our rankings to decide which location is best for you.
7. Take the long way to class
If you have a few minutes to spare before your next class, try taking the long way. This is an easy way to burn a few extra calories before you have to sit in your chair for an hour.
8. Fidget!
When you’re stuck sitting in class, don’t be afraid to fidget in your chair. Studies show that by doing little movements like tapping your feet, wiggling your fingers, pacing around the room, and moving restlessly in general, you can burn up to 350 more calories each day!
9. Watch scary movies
Next time you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix, check out the “horror movie” genre. Getting your adrenaline pumping is more than just an exciting way to spend your down time. Studies show that you can burn up to 200 calories during one 90 minute movie just by feeling scared!
10. Dance!
Last but definitely not least, dancing is a great way to work in some extra cardio. Whether you’re out at a club like Luxx or Avenu, at a bar like OT or Barley, or just in your dorm or apartment, there’s no reason not to blast your music and dance like no one is watching. If people give you weird looks, just remember that you are burning more calories than they are. Dancing definitely burns more calories than judging does.