Get in shape for spring break… but don’t stop there!
If you’re heading somewhere warm for spring break, it may have just hit you that vacation time is right around the corner. Chances are, you are not where you want to be fitness-wise.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas and Chanukah to Valentine’s Day, all of these holidays seem to be focused on consuming massive amounts of food in cold weather. Whether your fitness goal is to improve your overall health, lose x-number of pounds, or get that six-pack you’ve always dreamed of, change doesn’t happen overnight. However, spring break is the perfect motivation to get started on a more long-term health boost. Kick start a healthier lifestyle with these suggestions!
Take a group fitness class at HelWell
Lerner offers a variety of morning, afternoon and evening classes. You’re bound to find something that you will enjoy and that will fit into your schedule. To jumpstart your spring break goals, try a fast-paced, cardio-intensive class like cycling or Zumba. Bring a friend to motivate you and keep you on track!
Classes cost $6 if you’re dropping in. For $85 you can get a Full Fitness Pass, which gives you unlimited access to all group fitness classes at HelWell. If you’re more into yoga or Pilates, you can get the $65 Mind & Body Pass. Check out the GWellness website for more information.
Make sure to use the weight machines at HelWell several times a week if your goal is to define you muscles and improve your strength! Do the machines every other day to give your muscles a break, or focus on different muscles each time you go.
Take advantage of YouTube
Personally, having to walk across campus when it’s cold and windy outside is my main excuse for not wanting to go to HelWell. Fortunately, YouTube has tons of videos to get you moving without leaving the warmth and privacy of your room.
When I’m home over break, I obsess over playing Just Dance on my Wii. It is an addicting dance game with great songs and fun choreography. You don’t need to lug a Wii to school with you (like I did freshman year) because all the songs and choreography are available online. Whip out your laptop, place it on a flat surface, make a little space in your room and dance like no one’s watching.
These are some of my favorite videos:
· Beyoncé’s Crazy In Love – Just Dance 2
· The Black Eyed Pea’s Pump It – Just Dance 3
· Sugarhill Gang’s Apache (Jump On It) – Just Dance 3
Eating right is half the battle
It’s almost become common knowledge that for women, changing eating habits has a greater impact on getting in shape and losing weight than exercise. This does not mean that you have to diet to see results; you just have to make healthier choices. Making little changes can have a big impact.
Cut down on carbs if you want to see results fast. Instead of getting a wrap, get the wrap in salad form. If you get a burger, get it without the bun. Bobby’s Burger Palace (21st & K) offers all of its burger options without a bun and served on a salad. If you’re at a restaurant, avoid munching on the bread basket while you wait for your meal.
Make substitutions. If you usually get your burger with fries and a soda, trade the fries for a side salad and hydrate yourself with water. Next time you have a sweet tooth, substitute that cupcake for a piece of fruit. The naturally sweet treat will leave you feeling refreshed instead of regretful.
Watch your portions. If you go out to a restaurant, eat half of your meal and then save the rest to bring home. This way you make two meals out of one and don’t leave feeling too full to function. If you’re at the hot food bar at Whole Foods or J Street, get less food than you think you’ll eat. Chances are, you’re going to buy more than you can eat and will probably keep eating not because you’re hungry but because the food is there.