If your school year is anything like mine, then you might already be finding yourself juggling assignments, friends, and after school activities. I have found that scheduling some time to destress is a great way to get back on track. Setting up some type of fitness routine is a great place to start. Not everyone works out the same way, but there is something out there for everyone.
Here are four ways that I enjoy staying active during the school year.
1. Intramural Sports
Intramural sports are easily my favorite way to stay active after classes. If you love playing sports, but don’t want the commitment of joining a club or varsity team, then intramurals are a great alternative to consider. There are over 40 leagues offered in both the fall and spring semesters as well as different levels for competitive play. You can check them out at the intramural sports website.
2. Run
Running is a traditional way to get in your cardio for the day. When it’s nice out I like to run outside around Iowa City. However, when it gets a bit colder out the CRWC is a good place to get your workout in. You can either use one of the many treadmills, or you can head up to the third floor to use the track.
3. Lift
Lifting is a good way to build muscle and it pairs well with cardio days. The CRWC tends to be busy, but if you go pretty early in the morning or late at night you can usually get in a good lift without having to wait too long in between reps. If you choose focus days, then lifting does not need to be a long time commitment.
4. Yoga
Yoga is one of the most relaxing fitness exercises I have experienced. I personally enjoy the heated classes offered at Hothouse Yoga. There are still other yoga options if you are not willing to pay for a membership. You can take some free classes at the CRWC or you can attend Hothouse Yoga’s community classes that are $7 per session. I haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, but there is a new yoga studio called Benders as well.
These are four of the ways that I rotate through to stay fit in an entertaining way. There are also several free classes offered at the CRWC: including Zumba, HIIT, Kickboxing, and more. Weekly schedules are posted on the CRWC website. You can also choose to take an active class for credit through the university. Some of the classes offered are: Kickboxing, Taekwondo, PE Games, and so much more. You can find a complete list to these on MYUI. There are many options available for students to stay fit. It’s all a matter of getting out there and finding them!