With spring break just around the corner, it’s time to ditch those oversized winter sweatpants and break out the sexy bikinis hiding under your bed so we can flaunt our curves once again. We know the transition to a springtime wardrobe can be quite challenging after a winter filled with comfort foods and high-calorie desserts. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of curling up to watch re-runs of Desperate Housewives instead of motivating ourselves to workout at the gym during this chilly Michigan winter. And, we’ve given up those low-cal fruit salads for calorie-packed midnight munchies. Don’t fret anymore! You can follow these quick tips to getting in shape for spring break and you’ll be well on your way to feeling fabulously sexy for a game of beach volleyball!
Tip#1
Let’s show some Wolverine love by loading ‘The Victors’ fight song onto our iPods and taking a relaxed jog from the Michigan Union to the Big House to pump us up and burn those calories fast! (Remember, it’s okay to take breaks along the way. This is a two-mile round trip jog, but you’ll feel fantastic after completing it!)
Tip #2
Water, Water, Water. Yes, it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book for losing weight and getting into shape fast, yet we all find ourselves choosing sodas and smoothies over this non-calorie beverage. Whether you’re walking to class, studying at the library, or relaxing in your dorm room, make sure to keep cold water with you to stay refreshed and healthy.
Tip #3
Trade in the unhealthy midnight snacks (we mean Oreos, Doritos, and ice cream) for some light and refreshing fruits and veggies. Not only will your body love you for feeding it healthy munchies, but you’ll also feel great without that heavy food sitting ion your stomach all night long (fresh apples, oranges and bananas from the dining hall are great for you, too!)
Tip #4
Head out to Crisler or Yost arena to cheer on our Wolverines to victory in a Michigan basketball or hockey game! Between pumping your arms, waving those pom-poms, jumping around in the student section, and screaming until you lose your voice, you’re bound to shed a bunch of extra calories. What could be more fun than a Michigan game AND burning calories at the same time? (Just don’t over do it at the concession stand!)
Tip #5
Use those legs to walk! It’s super easy to rely on the M-Bus to take us everywhere and anywhere on campus, when in fact, it’s really easy to just walk. You might not realize it at first, but walking is a fantastic way to burn calories like lightning and it doesn’t require too
much effort! So bundle up with those hats, gloves, and scarves and brace the Ann Arbor weather.
Tip #6
Mix up your workout routine! Instead of the same old treadmill routine, why not try something new? Go swimming in the CCRB or NCRB. Why not grab your friends and shoot some hoops or test out a game of racquetball? Try taking a jog around the Diag while enjoying the Michigan scenery – just remember not to step on the big ‘M!’
Tip #7
Hit the weight room! Yes, as women, we sometimes feel a bit odd lifting weights next to those big bodybuilding men. We’re not saying go bench press 200 pounds, but using the weight machines to tone your butt, abs, thighs, and arms will go a long way to getting in shape for spring break. So grab your girlfriends and go! You’ll feel great once you start toning your body and there’s always plenty of yummy eye candy in the gym.
Tip #8
Strike! Have you ever thought about bowling as a way to exercise? Check out Colonial Lanes Bowling Center on South Industrial Highway right here in Ann Arbor!
This is a great way to have some fun while getting a fantastic calorie burn at the local lanes!
Tip #9
While this tip might sound a bit unconventional, it’s a great way to start toning your body- in privacy! In your own room, you can grab two textbooks that are about the same weight and place a book in the palm of each hand. Lift your palms straight up and the textbooks will serve as weights. Do 10 reps. You can also hold the books by the spines and move your arms downward at your sides. These are two great moves that can tone your biceps – and you can do them any time you have a free minute or two!
Tip#10
Relax and keep the stress to a minimum! We know that college is an extremely chaotic and stressful time, but it’s okay to take a step back and just breathe. Stress causes us to intake excessive calories, leaving us with food babies every night! So, stick to balanced, well-proportioned meals everyday. It’s not a bad idea to keep a food journal either!