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Alternatives to the gym A.K.A. Help, I’m allergic to exercise

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Durham chapter.

The kind of person who goes to the gym regularly for fun is a rare species and one that is to be admired and feared. However for those of us who are perfectly happy with marathoning only in the sense of watching back to back episodes of Breaking Bad here are a few alternatives to stave off the cheesy chips induced guilt.

Join a sports society

So many people swear off sport just because they’ve had a terrible experience with compulsory Netball at school but here’s the thing, not all sports are terrible. Whilst of course there are the classics on offer such as Hockey, there are also great opportunities to play Quidditch or even Ultimate Frisbee, and yes both are actually real sports. What better way to burn off those Jägerbombs and get fit?

Yoga

“I didn’t even know I had muscles there”-My friend after doing squats.

In all actuality however Yoga is an excellent way of becoming more flexible, strengthening and toning muscles, and doing some form of physical exercise without resorting to jogging on the spot for half an hour.

Dance at Durham

It’s understandable that dance has a reputation for being inaccessible (thanks for that, Black Swan), but contrary to popular belief everyone can learn to dance and with everything from Korean Pop to Tap on offer at the DSU why not give it a go? Fitness and the co-ordination skills not to take people out to That’s Amore, what more could you want?

The Klute Dash

Free entry before 11 and everyone turns into Usain Bolt. I suppose this counts as exercise if you’re really really desperate.

Hiking

Want to escape the bubble? Feel like there aren’t enough hills for you here? DUHWS might be the thing for you. Not only are you free from the temptation of Urban Oven/Paddy’s/Subway but unsurprisingly, walking up mountains is good for your general fitness, stamina, and legs.  

 

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Vlada

Durham

1st year Classics from Castle