5 ways to stay fit without going to the gym
Brittany Bumgarner
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Sports
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Grueling class schedules. Homework that keeps piling up. Friends that want to go out and party. Sleep from last week that you still need to catch up on.
With such endless obligations, it is no surprise that college students have difficulty finding time to get to the gym. But there are other solutions to staying fit. Here are a few suggestions for the next time you want to work out, but you don't feel like dragging yourself over to Ragan Brown Field house.
1. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to work out when you don't have a lot of time to spare. Just spread out a mat in the middle of the floor beside your bed, grab one of your text books and read while you practice your yoga poses.
If you are feeling really ambitious, take your yoga mat outside and get a tan while you work out and get your reading done.
In addition to being convenient, yoga is a popular way to stay in good health. According to CNN.com, more than 10 million Americans practice yoga. It not only keeps you in shape and increases flexibility, but is proven to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, arthritis and stress.
2. Swing Dancing
Swing dancing gives you a way to keep in shape while it enhances your social life and keeps you entertained.
"Swing dancing is an enjoyable activity that gets people out of their rooms to socialize and be active, even if their goal is not to stay in shape," said first-year student Lucy Rowe. "The more frequently you participate, the greater the benefits."
Guilford's "Fancy Feet and Fingers" offers weekly swing dancing lessons every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Community Center. The club is also sponsoring a 12 hour swing dance Oct. 8 for Hurricane Katrina relief beginning at noon. Everyone is welcome; there is no experience necessary.
3. Tae Bo Jamz
The notorious Billy Blanks is at it again with his "Tae Bo Boot Camp" series. This time, he created three volumes of non-stop upbeat music that will encourage anyone to get up and start moving.
"I created this music to motivate and give you the power and ability to follow through your workout energetically," said Blanks when promoting his material on his official website. "Along with the music are inspirational words to uplift and help you through your workout and in life."
With such endless obligations, it is no surprise that college students have difficulty finding time to get to the gym. But there are other solutions to staying fit. Here are a few suggestions for the next time you want to work out, but you don't feel like dragging yourself over to Ragan Brown Field house.
1. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to work out when you don't have a lot of time to spare. Just spread out a mat in the middle of the floor beside your bed, grab one of your text books and read while you practice your yoga poses.
If you are feeling really ambitious, take your yoga mat outside and get a tan while you work out and get your reading done.
In addition to being convenient, yoga is a popular way to stay in good health. According to CNN.com, more than 10 million Americans practice yoga. It not only keeps you in shape and increases flexibility, but is proven to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, arthritis and stress.
2. Swing Dancing
Swing dancing gives you a way to keep in shape while it enhances your social life and keeps you entertained.
"Swing dancing is an enjoyable activity that gets people out of their rooms to socialize and be active, even if their goal is not to stay in shape," said first-year student Lucy Rowe. "The more frequently you participate, the greater the benefits."
Guilford's "Fancy Feet and Fingers" offers weekly swing dancing lessons every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Community Center. The club is also sponsoring a 12 hour swing dance Oct. 8 for Hurricane Katrina relief beginning at noon. Everyone is welcome; there is no experience necessary.
3. Tae Bo Jamz
The notorious Billy Blanks is at it again with his "Tae Bo Boot Camp" series. This time, he created three volumes of non-stop upbeat music that will encourage anyone to get up and start moving.
"I created this music to motivate and give you the power and ability to follow through your workout energetically," said Blanks when promoting his material on his official website. "Along with the music are inspirational words to uplift and help you through your workout and in life."