Fitness apps and techniques for warmer weather
Working out allows you to release pent up aggression and stress, and let’s be honest, college students have a lot of energy built up.
By implementing workout routines into your schedule, you’ll find that there is always time to put your health first. After a while, you begin to enjoy the feeling you get after finishing a hard workout.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go to O’Pake Recreation Center every day and pump iron, but you should probably do something other than sit down and watch Netflix for hours.
The hardest part of working out is simply getting started.
“[Getting started] is always the biggest hurdle, whether it is from the fear of being judged or just not being in a routine, finding any activity that you enjoy that will get you moving is the best place to begin,” said Ben Steenrod, head strength and conditioning coach at O’Pake. “If you feel that going alone is too scary, then don’t be afraid to reach out to others at the gym, or convince your friends to join you.”
I always suggest testing out what you can and cannot do as a good way to begin. Find your weaknesses so that you can improve upon them. Steenrod suggests “low-level cardio and weight training” as good starting places if you are heading to the gym.
Cardio workouts include the bike, the elliptical and incline walking. The Saint Joseph’s University campus is called “Hawk Hill” for a reason – incline walking is just called “being late for class.”
St. Joe’s makes staying fit and active an easy task. It is just up to you whether or not to take advantage of the opportunities offered. There are a variety of classes offered in O’Pake deemed “Hawk-Fit” workouts, such as Zumba and yoga.
However, there are also uniques classes like “Total Body Conditioning” and “Hawk-HIIT” where you can get an intense workout with fellow students and trainers. These sessions are offered on multiple occasions during the week at varying times. All you have to do is check out the St. Joe’s campus recreation site for the schedule and class descriptions.
Fitness apps are also a great start if you like working out in your dorm room. There are a good number of resources, and personally, I always follow my gut and look towards renowned apps with good ratings. My app of choice is “30 Day Fitness Challenge,” which allows the user to pick if they want a full body workout or if they want to focus on a particular section of their body. After that, you just choose your difficulty and let the 30-day challenge begin.
If you like running more than muscle building, you can take Steenrod’s advice and use the “Strava” app, good for anyone who is walking or running for exercise. This app utilizes GPS signals to track your speed and distance accurately and allows you to compete in daily or weekly challenges to keep you motivated. Steenrod suggests the “Pen and Paper Strength” Instagram account, written by a former strength coach who posts daily workouts.
Working out can help you set a foundation for the rest of your life. It improves your focus, self image and boosts your energy.
“I work out as often as my schedule allows me to and I find that I always have more energy than when my workout began,” said Tyler Yucha, ’19.
Moreover, some of the students you meet in the classes become your personal support group in both workouts and in life.
Take advice from Steenrod:
“Working out and making healthy choices while in college also will help to improve a student’s health later in life.”
