It’s the second week of school here at Elon, and at this point, things are getting busy, homework loads are becoming heavier and time is most likely moving faster. If you’re finding it hard to make it to our newly expanded fitness center, don’t worry.
Here are some tips for fitting exercise into your busy schedule:
- Take a few laps around the library: Long nights in the library are not always the best for our waistlines. Studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time, four hours or more, can lead to weight gain and increases the chance for heart attack. Every hour or so, get up and make a few laps around the library, walking (or if no one is watching, running) up and down the stairs between floors.
- Walk or bike to campus: If you live off campus or are tempted to grab the Elon BioBus, pop out of bed a few minutes early and walk or bike to class. If you have extra time, take the long route. It provides a great opportunity to mentally prepare for the day. Walk with a friend, and you'll have an extra boost of quality time.
- Have a dance party with friends: Dancing is a great way to exercise, whether you're blasting music in your dorm room by yourself or are out at a party. It's helps relieve stress and is a blast. Grab a friend and boogie!
- Go on a cleaning spree: Sweeping, mopping and dusting are known to burn calories, but a cleaning spree can also provide an opportunity to squeeze in extra squats, lunges and stretches. On Saturday or Sunday morning, turn on some tunes, grab a dust cloth and get moving!
- Shop with friends on the weekend: Shopping is not only good for the soul but also good for the body. Trudging in and out of stores will burn calories, so shop until you drop!
- Stand as much as possible: Have a phone call? Walk around the room as you catch up with your friend from home. Watching TV? Use the commercial break as an opportunity to stand, get a drink of water, anything that will keep you standing and moving.