Whether you’re a fitness guru during the semester, taking full advantage of the easy access to fully stocked gyms offered at Notre Dame, a self-proclaimed couch potato who prefers to get all her exercise walking between classes, or somewhere in between, there are no doubts that the beginning of summer can raise some serious challenge to a workout routine. Even for those who don’t have scheduled workouts during the semester, the return home marks a sharp decline in movement for most people — now that the dining hall is just down the stairs rather than a completely different building.
But despite the possible challenges, summer is actually one of the best times for starting a new workout routine or honing in on some of your more difficult exercise goals. There are no classes to focus on, and without any homework, even a crazy work schedule means you probably have more free time than during the semester. So here are six different ways to try and get fit this summer!
1. Sign up for a fitness class
Sure, you might have to pay a little bit more than you would have to at school, but if you have the cash, it’s definitely worth it. Paying means you’re more likely to consistently attend (otherwise that cash definitely went to waste) and classes are a great way to stay in contact with people outside your family during the summer. Take a chance to try something new — take barre, spin a little or stretch it out with some yoga.
2. Go the distance
Even if you’re not a runner, walking three-six miles a couple times a week can be incredibly helpful for any fitness routine. It’s easy, cheap, and allows you to get outside and enjoy the warm summer weather. Take a walk and explore whatever place you’re calling home for the next three months. This is especially nice if you’ve taken off somewhere new. Google cool things to do in [insert city here], check out any outside fairs or festivals, grab your camera, and walk around — you won’t even notice you’re exercising! If you’re somewhere with trails, try checking out the local hiking scene. Lace up your shoes and get walking. It’s the best way to learn about a new place.
3. Try something new
You don’t have to pay for an expensive fitness class to try some new ways to exercise. Search Pinterest for whatever type of exercise you’re interested in and challenge yourself to do it at home. Yoga, Barre, weights — you can find almost any exercise you’re interested online and it’s all for free. Be careful not to overstress yourself though, and always listen to your body if you think it’s getting to be too much.
4. HIIT it up
An interview on Buzzfeed recently told me that a workout can either be long or it can be easy. If short and sweet is more your style, HIIT workouts are definitely what you’re going for — you’ll sweat a lot but you only have to worry about it for 15-30 minutes and you can be on your way. The whole premise is to alternate hardcore cardio (sprints, jumping jacks, lunge jumps, squat jumps, high knees, etc.) with low-intensity, toning moves (Russian twists, push ups, glute raises, crunches, etc.) for short periods of time (30-60 seconds, max). There’s some research out there that suggests this even speeds up your metabolism.
5. Channel your inner child
There’s a reason no one’s really telling children they need to go for a run. Naturally, they are more inclined to run around and expend energy than adults — channel that energy and hit up a park this summer. Running, skipping, jumping are all great ways to get moving this summer. Some playground equipment is even especially good for honing your balance skills.
6. Catch up on your Netflix
So this sounds completely counterintuitive, but stick with me for one more moment. TV shows can be a great way to distract yourself from whatever way you’re making yourself sweat — which is fantastic if you really hate working out. Check out this Buzzfeed list for some ideas and catch up on the shows you missed over the semester, all while working up a sweat.
The HCND application is now open! For more information contact Rebecca Rogalski at rrogalsk@nd.edu or Katrina Linden at klinden1@nd.edu.
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Images: 1 (photo provided by author), 2, 3, 4, 5 (photos provided by author), 6, 7, 8