Becoming the Next Jane Fonda

When you hear the words “workout video” there is a certain image that comes to mind. Whether it’s Jane Fonda in her hot pink leotard doing knee lifts like a madwoman or Tony Horton shedding his abs in P90X, there is an unmistakable sense of corniness.

Then when you combine the perfect hard wood floors and gym-like vaulted ceilings, you really begin to question just how reasonable any part of that workout would be.

Well, I decided that despite the painfully resilient smiles and the fake tans, I was going to trust the instructors of a workout video and see just how bad it could be. As it turns out, working out to a video is kind of awesome!

Firstly, you never have a chance to think about how many more reps you really feel like doing or for how much longer you want to hold that plank. Instead, you’re completely engrossed in keeping up with the fast tempo, so reps are just a requirement and you’re following right along. 

Secondly, the bizarre moves actually work. At first it seems completely unnatural to be on the floor with one arm behind you and one leg up in the air trying to crunch. But once you get your mind past the idea that you’re twisting yourself into a pretzel, you start to really feel the burn! That’s because the moves are designed to shock your muscles into learning a new movement. It not only improves your coordination, it also wakes up your muscles and challenges them to react to the new exercise, making you more toned.

Third you have a personal trainer anywhere you go. You may not be able to pack all of the equipment, but throwing a DVD into your suitcase is easy. You don’t have to feel like your sacrificing a quality workout for a weekend trip. Plus, some videos can be as short as twenty minutes. It really becomes easy to get a great workout with little time or space.

You don’t have to go out and buy a whole DVD collection or make a pack to follow a routine for the next six months. But, a workout DVD really is a great way to squeeze in a quick and demanding exercise, without having to hit the gym or the studio.

Update Your Summer Workout Wardrobe

There’s something about the shift between spring semester and summer that almost always seems throws any schedule out of whack. Whether it’s an absolute opposition to anything productive after finals week or just the move back home for summer, I am always sent scrambling to get back on track.

What could possibly reverse this cursed lack of motivation? There are many answers, but it seems one of the most motivating is spending money. Whether it’s joining a yoga studio or a gym it seems like the monetary commitment really forces us to stick to a new routine.

So how do we, broke college kids, find an affordable way to get motivated? It may not be a regimented workout routine you’re directly investing in, but a few updates to your summer workout wardrobe can certainly do the trick.

Here are some of my favorite picks for inexpensive summer workout looks!

Old Navy Active Tanks $9.99-19.94: Unlike their sister brand Athleta, Old Navy has great pricing and functionality. Tanks come nearly 20 color and print options, are tag-free, and feature removable padding, so you can decide if you want the extra support, or if the built in padding is just not cutting it.

Garage Leggings $11.90: A pair of black leggings is a solid staple to any wardrobe and are especially perfect for working out. However, it seems like it’s impossible to find a pair that aren’t completely see-through after one wash.  Garage leggings are the only fool proof pair of cotton leggings I’ve found, that won’t cost half of your paycheck. 

Aéropostale Zip Up $28.00: Normally, I’d consider Aéropostale a place to buy my little brother hot pink swim trunks and goofy graphic tees. But on a recent visit for those two items, I encountered a great zip up. The lightweight fabric makes it perfect for summer and, although it’s not featured online, I saw a wide variety of colors in-store.

 

Target Sports Bra $16.99 or 2/$30.00: It’s always nice to think that during our workouts we look like a Victoria’s Secret model. But let’s be real: rarely does that ever happen. So why drop the cash to buy a Vicky’s Sports Bra when it’s likely going to hide under a tank. Even if you do decide to flaunt it, a Champion brand sports bra from target is just as colorful and flattering at half the price. 

Next time you've got just a few extra dollars and are looking for a great way to get yourself moving, consider investing in a few of these new pieces for your workout wardrobe. 

Adventure Meets Exercise

May has finally begun and with it comes the sunsets after seven. So what have you been doing with these extra hours of daylight?

If you’re like me, you’ve likely been spending an hour outside running and the rest of your time dreaming of the coming days when your final paper will unleash its grip and you will be free to explore the outdoors.

Well, in celebration of this oh so close freedom, I give you some of the best outdoor exercises to look forward to this summer!  

 

Paddle Boarding: What better way to spend the summer than exercising in the water? Plus paddle boarding is less intimidating for beginners than surfing, as it requires a relatively still body of water. I just purchased my Groupon voucher this morning for an introductory hour of paddle boarding and I could not be more excited!

The Color Run/Color Me Rad: Each of these racing offers an exciting incentive to running a 5K. Instead of just a free t-shirt and a personal badge of honor, these color runs douse runners with a different color for each kilometer ran. Plus, the races are not timed and it’s encouraged that first time runners register. It’s all about happiness and positivity, just as your summer should be.

Register here:   The Color Run or Color Me Rad

Antigravity Yoga: It may not be outdoors, but this hammock-inspired technique is still a great opportunity to try something new and relaxing. In a nutshell, instructors guide you through regular Vinyasa poses, while you’re suspended in the air on a hammock. It may be a little bit odd, but this activity provides all of the muscle and joint strengthening qualities of regular yoga, so why not give it a try!

Bicycle Tours: What you’re actually touring depends on your location. I’ve seen anything from boardwalks, to wineries, to entire cities. It might take a bit of research, but you’re bound to find one near you. If the pricing isn’t in your budget (which, based on my research could very well be the case) you can always make up your own adventure. Plan out a specific part of town, a park, or even a few restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. Then instead of taking a car or public transit, bike!

Batting Cages: It’s not the world’s most intense workout, but just 40 minutes or so at the batting cages can be a blast. You can find this option close to almost every neighborhood. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to make a group activity.

Now just power through those finals, and then you’re free to embark on one of these or any other outside adventure! 

Motivation from Mom

There are some days where everything just seems to fall out of place. No matter how hard you try, your shoelaces come undone while you run, that cramp won’t go away, and you still haven’t found that $20 bill you misplaced.

For me, that kind of day has repeated itself for the last two weeks. After a while it gets harder and harder to keep myself motivated. Luckily for me I have a wonderful mom who is my support system no matter what. Even when she doesn’t know what to say, just hearing her talk about what she might do makes me feel better.

So as finals approach and the stress kicks in, I’m here to give you some of the greatest lessons my mom has taught me over the years.

Sometimes, it’s okay to cheat. Sure you shouldn’t look over at the person next to you while taking an exam. But, if all you want is that Panera Blueberry muffin, then get it! Eat half, refresh your inner self with this little treat, and then move on. Don’t dwell on the small stuff because it’s just that: small and insignificant. Plus you deserve to treat yourself on occasion.

Never let someone else change how you see yourself. There is always going to be someone—whether it’s at work or at school—with whom you just cannot get along. And that’s okay. It might not even be someone in your everyday life, but there is always someone. The sooner you realize that you are the only one who can determine your own self worth, the easier it becomes to disregard the hate others put out.

When you feel like giving up, try harder. I’ve always had a tough time getting out of slumps. After a while it’s hard to keep believing that things will get better and disregarding the negative opinions of others. It’s these exact moments when you feel like giving up most, that you must try your best. It is one of the hardest things to do: push yourself when you’re not even sure you believe you can. But it’s after this struggle that you realize how strong you truly are. 

Positivity in the Wake of Tragedy

As a human it is heartbreaking to hear of the bombings at this year’s Boston Marathon.

As an American it is frightening to be so tragically reminded that we must value our safety, for it is not always ensured.

As a Boston University student is shocking to realize that these moments of terror could happen in our very own backyard, injuring those in our community. 

As a runner it is appalling to see those who set out with such effort and positive determination devastated by loss and injury.

However, out of this heartbreak, fright, shock, and appall, also comes a sense community.

It is unfortunate that this unity was not sparked by better circumstances, perhaps the spirit of Patriot’s Day that awakens the Boston community and its visitors annually. Still, we must be thankful for the kind and selfless acts we have seen and continue to see.

With this thought, I want to encourage readers, family, and friends to resolve to commit to an act of kindness and generosity for just this one week.  Go big by volunteering or donating blood. Or decide to make a change in your own micro community by resolving to hold the door more. Either way your effort is what counts.

My resolution: At least once a week I pass a homeless man on the corner at the end of my block. I’ve always been told to be wary of giving beggars money, especially in a big city. So I’ve resolved that every time I pass this spot I will take 10 minutes to stop inside the convenience store where the man rests and buy him a bagel, or a muffin, or juice—something that will keep him going without worrying about giving him money. I may not be able to take him off the streets, but at least I can give him a part of what he isn’t able to buy himself.  

Comment, tweet, or Facebook your acts of kindness throughout the week. Get your friends and family involved too. Let’s keep spreading the message to get the most positive impact possible!