To most people, working out means hitting up the gym, but not all college students have the time or means to get there. Sometimes, working out gets put on the back burner.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. The best way to work out outside of the gym and without all those fancy machines is to do what we college kids do best — walk.
“One of the best exercises is to walk up the stairs rather than take the elevator,” said Mary Ann Swain, a professor in the Decker School of Nursing.
People walk up and down stairs every day without realizing how beneficial it is. And let’s face it, some of us lazy college students even skip this step in favor of something easier. After all, who really wants to walk up eight flights of stairs in the Library Tower?
But taking the stairs instead of the elevator can be a step in the right direction. Swain recommends a gradual transition toward taking the stairs if you’re not used to it.
“Even in the Library Tower, start with one flight and then take the elevator,” Swain said. “Add a flight as you can, so you are walking up three to four flights.”
You could also take a walk around the Nature Preserve for some peaceful, quiet time. Or if you want to stay indoors — considering the weather suddenly realized it’s winter — get a few friends to go to the mall. Between walking in and out of stores and carrying all of the stuff you buy, you’ll get in a pretty good workout.
Pamela Stewart Fahs, also a professor in the Decker School of Nursing, feels that no matter what the weather is, you shouldn’t let nature stop your workout regime.
“Even if you are stuck in the dorm in bad weather, walk the length of the hall several times or walk up a couple of flights and walk down that hall and then back to your room,” Fahs said.
Other then just walking, she also suggests getting involved in sports and outdoor activities.
And if none of this sounds appealing to you, you can always do a quick workout in your room.
“I do sit-ups when I’m too lazy to go to the gym because it makes me feel like I’m still accomplishing something,” said Leah Geller, an undeclared freshman.
Yaelle Tuvy, a sophomore majoring in biology, feels it’s even easier to work out quickly in your room when you have a TV.
“You can do sit-ups, squats and lunges to make those awful commercial breaks go by faster,” Tuvy said.
And for those of you who would rather do anything than exercise, try something fun like dancing or ice skating. You can dance in the shower (if you think you won’t slip on your bar of soap) or dance Downtown Friday night. Or, if you’re really interested in dancing, you should try one of the classes offered at the East Gym such as Zumba.
And, if all else fails, you can always exercise in class.
“Sit straight at your desk, place your fingers on top of the desk and your thumbs underneath,” Swain said. “Contract your stomach muscles, put your legs together and lift your knees up so your feet are three to four inches off the floor. Hold for a count of 10 and lower your feet back down.”
Exercise doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym switching between the treadmill, bike and weights. Exercising can be done anywhere at any time, even if you don’t realize it.