So this past summer I decided that after experiencing my first semester at college, the gym was not giving me enough variety to avoid the freshman 15. I really tried with the gym at first; I thought maybe just maybe I could find the magical time in which the gym wasn’t crowded. And quite frankly after months of not seeing people at home the first memory I did not want to happen while at the local gym was people from my hometown engaging me in small talk about school while I’m sweating out all the alcohol I had consumed last semester. The moral of the story is that I began to seek out new fun exercises that involved less time at the local gym and more time with supportive middle aged moms as we worked through our fitness goals together.
Zumba:
This was my first exercise addiction. When I’m not at McHebes I still enjoy dancing like nobody is watching. There’s nothing better than laughing alongside your best friend as you attempt at Latin dance in a structured environment. No matter how reserved you are to begin with, your in Shakira will step in because your Hips Don’t Lie. What better excuse to get down and dirty than a strong core without a creepy guy approaching you??
Hot Yoga:
Honestly this one isn’t for everyone. I personally love it because like Zumba this doesn’t feel like a workout because of the minimal effort. Hot yoga is essentially a basic yoga class with emphasis on the hot temperature which can be anywhere from 80-100 degrees. If your embarrassed about sweating, don’t be because everyone is DRIPPING, its normal. After this class you feel accomplished as if you did heavy work but really you just sweat out the toxins preventing you from seeing results.
Aerial Yoga:
I did this exercise purely to say I did it and because it looked fun. Emphases on the past tense because within 5 minutes I realized that I couldn’t mentally get in the zone. This is one of those yoga classes that have the potential to be really relaxing in order to get your stretch in. However if you are not secure in your abilities, which I wasn’t, then your mind will overtake and you’ll become painfully aware of your lack of control. Like any yoga class this requires an immense amount of trust and self-relaxation.
Kickboxing:
This is by far my FAVORITE of everything else. By no means am I a tough chick who can kick ass but these classes made me feel powerful. Something about getting in the zone, putting on gloves and getting out all your drama and stress on the body bag is euphoric. Also opt for a girls-only place so that way you feel more comfortable! The only dangerous aspect is you may start to feel bold out in the real world so try to leave your toughness back at the kickboxing class.
Tone it Up with Karena and Katrina:
Don’t steer clear of this app based on the $0.99 required to get the app, keep in mind the cost of songs is $0.30 extra, I know its hard times. This app is your classic on the go for whenever you have time workout. The daily workouts can help distinguish whether its leg and booty, arms or abs day in which the longer videos are located on YouTube. Karena and Katrina become your best friends who you somehow bond with in video because of their super lax Cali girl vibe which makes you want to work harder rather than disappoint.
If you’re sick and tired of the standard elliptical and go-to gym equipment, then try out the following workouts whether it is in your dorm or off campus. It’s worth it to push yourself for the physical challenge but also laugh at yourself as you learn knew things with your friends!