Going to the gym is time consuming. The travel time there and back, the time spent finding cute gym clothes (because there is always a guy you know), hunting around for your student ID – who has the time anymore? Not me.
But don’t be discouraged! You can still have an equally awesome workout at home. And the best part? Multitasking. Yup, you can work out while you’re doing your homework, watching TV, or walking to class. Here are five easy ways to stay in shape without taking away from your busy schedule.
The original Stairmaster
Never take the elevator! Run up the stairs of your apartment building, dorm, class buildings – anywhere! It beats doing the Stairmaster – especially because these are real stairs.
Hanging leg rises
This is perfect for when you’ve just woken up. When you’re still lying in bed and hating yourself for ever thinking a 9:00 AM class was a good idea, lie on your back, straighten your legs out in front of you and lift them up six inches and try holding it for two thirty-second intervals. Your abs will thank you.
Planks + Pushups + Reading
Lay your reading on the floor in your room and plank until you’ve read a whole page. Read a few pages in between to rest and then do it again. And after every ten pages, do ten pushups (on your knees is more than fine).
Flexibility and Facebook
Don’t underestimate the power of stretching. It gives your joints a good range of motion and prevents injury. When you’re on the computer, sit on the floor so that you can stretch at the same time. Keep one leg out to the side of you and bend the other one inwards and lean forward to type. Switch sides every once in a while.
Just dance
Whether you’re on the Corner, at a frat party, or just blasting music with your friends… dance, dance, dance! It’s a great way to pump up your cardio workout, let loose and have fun.
Try it out! Now there’s no excuse for not being in shape.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.