With spring break days away and summer creeping around the corner, it’s crunch time—literally. At below freezing temperatures, there’s nothing else most of us would rather do than to hide under our blankets and eat. Unfortunately, all good things have consequences, and as my mother always says, “A moment on the lips, forever on the hips.” While wild horses couldn’t drag most of us to the gym, it’s time to go.
Whether it’s a lack of motivation, laziness, or the weather that makes going to the gym so undesirable, there are plenty of fun options to get back in shape. The University at Buffalo Residential Fitness program offers a wide variety of ways to work it. Since treadmill workouts (without televisions) are tedious and it takes forever to see results, why not try a fun and free class? Options such as the Variety Workout, Pilates, and Boot Camp, will have your bikini-body ready for spring in no time!
This past Wednesday, I decided to check out the Variety Workout, offering a little bit of everything. For one hour, from 11a.m. to 12p.m., on the tenth floor of Goodyear Hall on South Campus, this class will kick your ass. Upbeat music and a lively instructor make it easy, and even fun, to get your heart pumping. My favorite part was the aerobics. Working up a sweat and getting the endorphins flowing, is the first step to feeling better about yourself and your body.
The work-out then switches over to core training. Most people are unhappy with their middle region, and the ab and oblique exercises will tighten those areas before you know it. The sets of crunch-like reps, improve posture and tone. The cool-down at the end stretches out the muscles worked during the class, to prevent injury, and increase flexibility.
You will be sore, you will be tired, and you will feel much better. A lot of the exercises during this class are easy, and can be repeated in the comfort of your own (warm) home. I plan to do the ab and oblique routine twice a day until I board my plane to the beach for spring break.
When you look good and feel good, it’s easy to be confident in lighter, smaller, summer clothing. Taking small steps is the safest, and most encouraging way to get fit. For those who haven’t been working out this winter, and may be intimidated by an aerobics class, I would recommend easing your way into one of the Pilates classes, offered at 271 Richmond on North Campus, Thursday 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and Friday 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For those really in a time crunch, or who are ready to try something a little more strenuous, I would recommend this Variety Workout or Boot Camp & Abs, offered Thursday, 4:00 to 5:30p.m., also on the tenth floor of Goodyear Hall. It is absolutely worth the time and effort to take advantage of these fun and free classes! Hope to see you there!
These free sessions will have you sweating from the workouts, rather than the cost of a personal trainer.
