The stress is heating up and the temperature is cooling down…what does that result in? Skipping the gym is too easy to do when the temperature drops and professors start handing out those large assignments. Missing the gym one day turns into two and then a week…then once you haven’t gone in a while, why bother right? Let’s try to avoid that. Exercising and getting your blood going helps keep those endorphins (things that make you happy) flowing and your mind on task. Ten minutes of exercising (we aren’t talking an hour long spin class) can actually help you break that writer’s block and help you focus on what you need to get done.
Here are some ways you can burn a few calories without even leaving your room!
1. Just Plank.
Planks are one of the best positions you can do for your body. It targets all your muscle groups and helps both strengthen and tone! Also, you can do it while reading. It’ll make the time go faster and push you to hold it for a few more seconds. What more could you ask for? Try variations too. Side planks and one leg lifts are great ways to switch it up if normal planks feel boring or you want a little more of a challenge.
2. Squat Your Way to A’s.
Put your work on your desk and push away that chair. Sitting is the worst possible thing for you, instead of sitting the whole time you are working (for example writing a paper) get up every twenty minutes and do twenty squats. Keep those feet just more than hip-width apart and make sure to go to the full seated-position. They’re great for quickly getting that blood flowing without breaking a sweat.
3. Bridge (2 in 1)!
This is another great body-weight exercise that’s perfect to do when you have a lot of material to read. You either rest your book on your hips and get a little extra resistance or get a bonus arm workout by holding the book above you. Either way your working your hamstrings, glutes, quads, back, and abs…while still getting your work done!
4. Get Back At It.
Lay on the floor with your hands rested behind your head and lift your chest up off the floor, and back down. Repeat 10 times and rest. This is a quick and easy way to tone up those shoulders and back.
5. Dance It Off.
Put that book down and let yourself have a dance party to your top four favorite songs. This ten-or-so minute break will let your mind re-charge and get out some of that energy you’ve pent up. Sometimes a dance party is the best cardio a girl could ask for.
Don’t let those papers and assignments get you down. Enjoy the the short workout break and remember to keep moving everyday!