We all know how important working out is for our health and well-being. Yet, there is a difference between knowing and doing. Time, money, and access can all be major barriers in a collegiettes exercise habits. Additionally, even if one does get into a routine, going home for breaks may throw it all off when availability and schedules change.
Although Ambrose has cardio pods in most of the residence halls, the equipment in each is limited. If someone doesn’t have time to wait for a machine to open up, an opportunity to exercise might be missed. Sometimes, getting to Lee Lohman is inconvenient or there may be a team practicing or working out in the gym. Paying for a membership to an off campus gym might be expensive.
Despite all these barriers, the options for exercising in college open up a whole new gym: your own dorm or living room. Home workout videos are becoming much more popular since the release of programs such as Insanity and P90X. While these can be expensive, there are many other more affordable options available in stores such as Wal-Mart, as well as online at Amazon and Netflix. The best part? There is a huge variety of options so boredom with a workout isn’t a factor!
1. Jillian Michaels
While many people complain about how “mean” trainer Jillian Michaels is, there is no denying she never fails to deliver a hard-core workout. From abs to legs to full body workouts, collegiettes™ have many types of workouts available from Michaels. In all of her videos, Michaels includes both strengthening and cardio intervals for a well-rounded experience. Most of the programs last about 30-60 minutes. She provides examples for beginners, intermediate, and expert exercisers, as well as giving options for including weights to increase intensity. For most of her videos, a yoga mat or towel would be beneficial for floor exercises. Additionally, Michaels creates programs that advance over weeks, so collegiettes™ can see just how far they advance.
Wal-Mart sells a large variety of exercise videos put together from Jillian Michaels and they are very affordable, including:
Ripped in 30: $8.96 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Jillian-Michaels-Ripped-In-30-Widescreen/15711282
Killer Abs: $11.03 http://www.walmart.com/ip/21474259
Killer Buns & Thighs: $8.96 http://www.walmart.com/ip/17173714
[pagebreak]
2. Tae-Bo
This type of workout was made famous by its developer, Billy Blanks. It is a combination of kickboxing and cardio exercise that is bound to leave you sweaty and feeling good. Although he started in 2000, some of Blanks’ more recent workout videos also include moves to increase flexibility and others incorporate hip-hop dance.
These videos generally last somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes of high-intensity exercise and do not require extra equipment unless the viewer chooses to use weights or bands. According to various reviews, these routines may be more difficult for beginners, so be patient and allow time for improvement.
Netflix has many Billy Blanks videos available not only as DVDs, but also on demand so they can be viewed instantly in your room, including:
Billy’s Favorite Moves: http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Tae-Bo-Billy-s-Favorite-Moves/70054165 strkid=602978609_1_0&strackid=3e876259ce0b1fae_1_srl&trkid=222336
Tae Bo Funk: http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Billy-Blanks-Tae-Bo-Funk/70108043?strkid=60…
Tae Bo Flex: http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Billy-Blanks-Tae-Bo-Flex/60034448?strkid=60…
3. Yoga
This is a much less intense workout, unless variations are used that include more repetitions rather than isometric moves. However, that does not mean that it is any less of a workout! Yoga is a popular strengthening exercise that involves body weight training. It can also be a great stress reliever by incorporating the mental and spiritual aspects of life. Although there are different traditions of yoga, the most commonly used today is known as Hatha. It uses various poses to increase strength and focus. This practice generally does not require extra equipment, except a mat or towel. However, it is important to keep in mind body mechanics because many poses can cause injury if done incorrectly. There are also many videos available which are modified from typical yoga practice to provide a more calorie-burning workout.
Amazon.com has many affordable options for collegiettes to consider:
Yoga for Beginners Boxed Set (Yoga for Stress Relief / AM-PM Yoga for Beginners / Essential Yoga for Inflexible People): $20.99 http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Stress-Relief-Essential-Inflexible/dp/B0…
Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga For Beginners: $9.99 http://www.amazon.com/Element-Hatha-Flow-Yoga-Beginners/dp/B005QUQRDS/re…
Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown: $7.39 http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-Yoga-Meltdown/dp/B0031XYLWG/ref=s…
Element: Yoga for Weight Loss: $6.25 http://www.amazon.com/Element-Yoga-Weight-Ashley-Turner/dp/B002EWD0BI/re…
[pagebreak]
4. Dance
With the explosion of Zumba onto the workout scene, dance videos have become much more popular. There are many options for all levels of expertise, from Latin to hip-hop to ballroom. Dance is often considered a “fun” option for working out because it incorporates music into the routine. Plus, what collegiette wouldn’t love a few more moves to add to her repertoire?
Dancing is not only fun, but also provides a solid aerobic workout along with strengthening muscles one might not normally use. Most dance also is done with just the body so extra equipment is not required. It is something most students already do with their girls, so it wouldn’t be hard to get a group together for a little exercise on Friday afternoon before going out at night!
There are many types of dance available on video as exercise programs, so the options are endless. Some include:
Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom: $5.24 http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Julianne-Cardio-Ballroom-Hough/dp/B002LSI1GY…
Tru2Form: Latin Grooves Latin Dance Workout: http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Tru2Form-Latin-Grooves-Latin-Dance-Workout/…
Dance Off the Inches: Hip Hop Body Blast: $10.00 http://www.walmart.com/ip/19235026