Let’s play a word association game. When I say “Ohio”, what’s the first thing you think of? Oh, you don’t have to tell me—I already know: crappy weather! As females, it’s hard not to notice it. After all, we do have to plan our hair and outfits around it. But, my occasional optimist is just begging me to point out how lucky we’ve had it this winter! Sure, there were a few dreary days following a single snowfall, but those were cushioned by some 40-degree highs! Exciting stuff in the middle of an Ohio January.
But when I say “crappy Ohio weather,” the next word out of your mouth is bound to be “unpredictable.” Don’t I know it! I leave my apartment with layers on layers, and I’m sweating on my walk home four hours later. It’s ridiculous! But, my personal sorrows aside, the inevitable unpredictability of the campus climate prove especially difficult in scheduling a very important aspect of every collegiette’s™ life: working out! No matter how near you dwell to J.O. North, South or the RPAC, it’s never close enough in the winter. Let’s be honest, we all put off our workouts until “later” (homework comes first, right?), but when “later” rolls around with a 12-degree high on it’s arm… see ya, motivation!
Resist the urge, ladies! There is no excuse for sacrificing our workouts just because it’s a bit nippy out. You may beg to differ, but I’m here to offer you some insight on how to triumph over winter and it’s malicious attempts at ruining our figures. Try out some of the following exercises and have a laugh at winter’s expense. You don’t even have to leave your room!
- Billy BlanksTAE Bo We have all dreamed of how B.A. it would be to know kickboxing. Now’s your chance! A personal favorite of my roomie’s, TAE Bo, is a fast-paced, exhaustive cardio workout guaranteed to burn those calories you picked up at Starbucks this morning. Available in a variety of different workout DVDs, Billy Blanks takes you through some intense moves to tone every part of your body. Bonus: you’ll feel safer walking around campus knowing that your punching form has improved. Cheaply obtainable online at http://www.billyblanks.com/store/ or in some retail stores like Target or Wal-Mart.
- Zumba Fitness If dancing is more your style, Zumba is perfect for you! Classes are offered in a variety of locations (including the RPAC), but you can have this fun workout at home, too! The DVD set is pretty pricey, but with access to a Wii or Xbox Kinect, you can purchase the Zumba exercise games for a good price. Available in all stores where video games are sold, the Zumba Fitness game would be a perfect way to get your girls together and get a fun workout in. Everything is more fun with your friends!
- Other Various Workout DVDs Since it’s unheard of to be without a TV and DVD player these days, picking up a cheap workout DVD is a foolproof solution to everyone’s exercise dilemmas. There are innumerable options out there, from yoga to Pilates and beyond. At stores like Target, you’ll find a broad selection at very reasonable prices. Like I said, no excuses!
- More Conventional Exercises If you happen to be the only college student in the Midwest without access to a TV, skip the DVD and hop online for some great workout routines! We all know the standard crunch, push-up, squat, etc. exercises that can comprise a fantastic body sculpt, but it’s so hard to put them together and motivate ourselves to stick it out. So, let someone else do the planning for you! There is a plethora of websites with ready-made workout routines just waiting for you to delve into them. A good site for this is http://www.muscleandstrength.com/. Don’t be frightened by the surplus of scary-muscled men and protein supplements decorating the site. Browse the multitudes of workouts and find one that fits your needs!
If you’re feeling ambitious, take workout clothes to class with you and head to the RPAC right after! You’re already out and about, and you’ll feel so good about yourself afterwards. Who knows, maybe we’ll all get inspired and meet on the ellipticals. But, homework first … right?
Sources: http://www.billyblanks.com/store/, http://www.zumba.com/, http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=zumba&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallany%…http://www.muscleandstrength.com/
Photo source: http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Tae-Bo-Flex/dp/B0000C0FBF