There’s no denying that spring has been a bit stubborn this year, but with birds singing, the sun shining, and flowers beginning to peek their heads out of the ground, it seems like spring is finally coming around. Chances are you’re getting a little bored of your usual gym routine. Luckily, the warmer weather and longer periods of daylight provide the perfect opportunity to revamp your workout and boost your motivation — try some of the following ideas for a fun, fresh workout!
Get on your feet
Bucknell’s campus and downtown Lewisburg provide the perfect circuit for runners who want to train on both hills and flats, build strength, and gain endurance, and you can always run on the stadium’s track. Get a group together or tag along with the Running Club for a challenge! If you’re not into running (there’s no shame…take it from someone who’s the furthest thing from a “runner”!), go for a long walk. Now that it’s getting nicer, try to walk places rather than drive – it might take you a little longer to get where you’re going, but you’ll feel great.
Pedal away
True story: I am obsessed with my bike. Bikes provide versatility, because they can be used not only for transportation, but for leisure and fitness-based activities. If you have one on campus, take it out for an easy ride around town, or hop on MapMyRide for routes beyond campus that will really get your heart rate up. You can also hit the nine mile Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, which is located just off campus. If you don’t have a bike on campus, check out Bison Bikes, a program sponsored by BSG that provides bikes and educational programming to students.
Take a “class”
Take your fitness classes outside by being creative and making up a routine with your friends — maybe a couple sets of jumping jacks and some sprints combined with core exercises. Yoga mats also provide constant access to fitness, so put some of those sequences that you spent all winter mastering to work under the sun. If all else fails, just be silly and dance around the quad while blasting your favorite tunes!
Participate in some friendly competition
Throw together a game of pick-up soccer or basketball, toss around a frisbee on the quad, or utilize the sand volleyball courts located outside some of the residence halls. Sometimes it’s fun to compete in a low pressure situation, and often times you forget that you’re even getting a workout because you’re having such a good time!
Embrace H2O
Ever been to the dock by the river? Try kayaking or canoeing! You can rent kayaks and other equipment from Bucknell’s very own Outing Club. Oh, and rumor has it that floating down the Susquehanna on some sort of inflatable is a must-do for every Bucknellian at some point during their four years!
Help others
Gardening is one of those sneaky little tasks that you enjoy while doing, but end up feeling sore the next day (another fun “workout”), so definitely check out the volunteer program at the Lewisburg Community Garden. If you want something more physically demanding, get involved with the Bucknell chapter of Habitat for Humanity to build homes and help others!
Channel your inner little kid
Play, play, play and never stop! Head down to Hufnagle park to have some fun on the swings, monkey bars, slides and to get in touch with your carefree, childish side. This local playground also has stations set up specifically for push-ups, leg lifts, and other strength building exercises. Chances are many of your early memories were created on the playground – take a stroll down memory lane and get your heart pumping at the same time!