Ever have one of those days when you want to work out, but the thought of getting near the treadmill makes you sick? Well, here are five fun exercise ideas to try on those days. These workouts are guaranteed to help you beat your workout blues.
Yoga
Yoga is all about building strength. It’s great for toning your whole body, but also for relaxing your body and mind. There are 11 yoga classes offered throughout the week at the SRC and Rams Head. For a class that will have you dripping with sweat that day and sore the next morning, try Mike’s class Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. in Rams Head. Not an early bird? Nina’s class at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in Rams Head is always great, too. Check here for the full class schedule.
Calories burned: 236* per hour of stretching (but it can be more depending on the intensity of the class).
Rock Climbing
Both Rams Head and Fetzer Gym have climbing walls that students can use after getting certified. Rock Climbing is a fun activity to do with a friend because you can actually hold a conversation during the workout. Rock climbing targets muscles in the arms, chest, back and even the legs, so it’s a great all-in-one exercise. Check here for the climbing walls’ schedule.
Calories burned: 649* per hour of ascending.
Cardio Funk
Want to work out and learn new dance moves at the same time? Your Cardio Funk instructor will have you sweating while teaching you moves that will come in handy at your next party. It’s a combination of hip hop dance and strength training, and it’s especially good for working out your core while burning calories. The SRC and Rams Head offer four Cardio Funk and Cardio Funk & Pump (the slightly more intense version) classes a week. Check here for the complete schedule.
Calories burned: 354* per hour of jamming.
Swimming
Swimming laps may not sound very exciting, but it’s a really relaxing and effective workout. Swimming allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing, allowing you to relax. Plus, it’s completely silent minus the sound of splashing when you’re in the pool. Swimming tones your whole body, improving strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility all at the same time. It’s also a low-impact exercise with a low risk of injury making it ideal for just about everyone. Check here for the Bowman Gray Indoor Pool’s hours.
Calories burned: 472* per hour of moderately swimming freestyle.
Rowing
Rowing isn’t just a water sport anymore! Both the SRC and Rams Head have rowing machines. They’re actually really fun to use and come with simple instructions on proper rowing movements. Rowing works your legs, hips and glutes as well as your back, shoulders and arms. It also engages the core making it a full body workout. Check here for times when the SRC and Rams Head are open.
Calories burned: 702* per hour
*All calories based on a 130-pound woman.
Sources:
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/the-exercise-benefits-of-rock-climbing.html
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/pdf_files/caloriesperhour.pdf
http://campusrec.unc.edu
http://www.lifescript.com/body/shape/workout/the_endless_health_benefits_of_swimming.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/82470-benefits-rowing-machine/
Swimming (photo): lifescript,
http://images.lifescript.com/Media/Taxonomy/fitness/fitness_03_article.jpg
Yoga (photo): the revealer,
http://therevealer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/yoga1.jpg
Rock climbing (photo): Blogspot,
http://www.sa-venues.com/blog/2007-images/rock-climbing-wall.jpg