So I am sure everyone knows that weight is a hard thing to manage, especially when there is yummy food present and entertaining television programs at our disposal. Sitting down with your favorite snack, friends, and television program is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long, hard day of work or school. All that down time and food however, usually adds up on our hips. So what can we do to keep our weight in check?
For some of us the gym works and is enjoyable, but for those of us who get bored easily and are prone to not feeling like working out, the gym can be daunting. As Jillian Micheals and other workout gurus have said in many of their workout videos, variety is key to keep you motivated and also to prevent the body from plateauing, getting too used to the routine and thus limiting the results.
Switching up our workout routine seems fun and helpful, but what else can we do besides hit the gym? As Jess Nanney, a member of Dance Company, recommends… just dance! Jess says, “Dance is a fabulous alternative to working out at the gym! It incorporates both cardio and strength in the same workout… dance is an enjoyable activity and the time flies by! And anyone can dance, you don’t have to be good at it. Not everyone can lift weights or run a mile but everyone can dance. Its more about having fun and expressing yourself while staying fit and active then it is about getting every move perfect every time.”
Right on Jess! So in addition to dancing your booty off here are a few more options and suggestions to help diminish your middle and increase your fun.
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Biking
- Swimming
For those of you who still don’t see something of your liking, consider trying a casual game of your favorite sport. And playing a casual game doesn’t necessarily require other people, or even leaving your dorm room for that matter. For all the video gamers out there, McDaniel’s own Eric Liggins can vouch that Wii really works well for him as an alternative to the gym. Eric plays a variety of sport games on the Wii that keep him entertained and active.
So get together with friends or simply fire up the Wii and try out some new exercises. No matter what you choose do not let yourself get bored with your workout because boredom decreases your motivation, causes a plateau, and ultimately, a larger pant size.
