Don’t want to suffer in the bitter cold, but still desperate to keep that summer bod? Let’s “walk through” tips to stay warm, new workouts to try, and all the little ways you can turn up the heat on staying active by keeping up the endorphins this upcoming cold season.
HIT UP THAT NEW REC CENTER
It’s about time! There are big improvements for Pitt students, and it was worth a pretty penny (our tuition). How convenient was this month’s grand opening! No more suffering with no gym or walking all the way up cardiac hill in the cold just to be exhausted when you get there. Instead, just walk up halfway to the new recreation center. From a climbing wall to basketball courts to an indoor track, and any machine you can think of, the new rec center is super student-friendly! There’s no reason not to work out this season!
Need an energy boost after that workout? Soon they will be opening their cafes, Recharge, Squeezed, and Edamame! If not, don’t worry—Chick-fil-A and Shake Smart will wait for you after.
Not that you need a 3D tour from years ago, but I can tell you this is pretty accurate compared to my recent gym seshes at the new Rec Center (and it’s a huge upgrade from the Pete!)
HOT GIRL WALK EVERYWHERE
Unless you need a ride downtown, there should be no excuse to Uber to that one class that’s a few extra blocks, your best friend’s new place, or even your own home after a long day. Not only will you be saving dollars with this approach, but you’ll be working off the takeout you had this weekend. It’s all about balance. Perhaps, you may see a friendly face on the way or get a nice whiff of some flowers to put you in a good mood, but you can pretty much toss those small moments out the window when you take a Lyft.
If you get bored of walking or are in a time crunch, that’s fine too, try a bike! It’s fun, easy, and you always have the right-of-way. POGOH Bike Share is a great way to start your biking journey throughout the city with a membership, and I have friends who love it. If you have your own, places like Posvar Hall, most dorm buildings, and sidewalks offer a bike locker storage place for your prized possession and mode of transportation.
Stay ADVENTUROUS
“Weather” you realize it or not, going on adventures with friends or solo is a great way to get outside and be effortlessly active; anything is better than bedrotting. Plus, as the holidays approach, this allows you to enjoy fun activities guilt-free, because throughout it all, you’re getting out of the house and getting a quick getaway from that stressful college routine. Even shopping is a way to get your body going. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s always a fun time with friends!
TRY A NEW INDOOR YOGA, PILATES OR CYCLING STUDIO
I know you’ve been thinking about it, and now is the perfect time! With Reform Pilates and Orange Theory in the Strip District, and [solidcore] and Zenergy Cycling in East Liberty, you cannot go wrong with booking a day trip to your next hot workout sesh (with a side of matcha, of course!) Classes aren’t free, but do it for you—invest in yourself.
DRESS IN LAYERS
If you’re planning on taking a run in the early morning weather, which can be quite chilly, be sure to dress in layers. Just for your warm-up before you head back indoors, or if you prefer to stay outside, layers are never a bad idea.
For your base layer, aim for a moisture-absorbing or workout-friendly tank or bra that is synthetic and supportive. Next, dress with an insulating layer shirt, such as fleece, to separate from your final layer, a wind/waterproof jacket or sweater! Rain, mist, fog or snow, don’t be scared, but be prepared! Be sure to stretch first to start up the body’s heat process; you can always remove a layer later. When you go to actually start your run, go slow at first. Start to speed up and find your pace based on the weather that day! You and your lungs will thank me later…
TRY NEW WINTER SPORTS
Skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, you name it. These activities aren’t something you can do all year round unless you happen to have an indoor rink or a mountain of snow. Take advantage during the colder months, and pick up your next hobby that doesn’t have to be seen as a form of exercise, but rather a form of fun! I recommend taking a group or close friend who is familiar with the sport you choose before you fly solo, because you don’t want to fly off that mountain!
No excuses.
If none of these did it for you, there’s always a way! Buy a cheap Amazon yoga mat and do some stretching every day, mediation work, or even buy an indoor walking pad! These alternatives are great for people who work from home more often, or want to relieve stress for free. Growing up watching Shark Tank, with one of Pitt’s very own Mark Cuban, I bought my first Simply Fit Board with my allowance money, and it made me fall in love with my at-home workouts. From the comfort of your home, grab some weights, hop on that board, and twist while you throw on your favorite show (even if it’s not Shark Tank, no hurt feelings here.)