Going to gym not only way to get fit

If the idea of sweating it out at the University Recreation Center to get that Spring Break body doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other ways to get adequate exercise that don’t involve the elliptical machine or the StairMaster.

Cara Sidman teaches a Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Kinesiology 100 class which promotes an active lifestyle. Her class uses pedometers in hopes of increasing the number of steps taken throughout the day. "It’s all about balance," Sidman said. "If you can’t work out one day it’s OK; do other things for your health like stretching and drinking water, and then do better tomorrow. No pain, no gain is a myth — you don’t have to be in pain to be healthy."

Junior Simeon Teopaco is an avid exerciser who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. As a member of the water polo team, he practices at the UREC pool four days a week. However, on days he’s not practicing with the team, he prefers to run around Harrisonburg and ride his bicycle. "There are a lot of hills, which is great for cardio and it really builds your leg muscles," Teopaco said. "There’s also a good view [of the city?]."

Teopaco has a lot to be proud of — he lost 80 pounds in one year after he started exercising. "At first it was to kill time between classes, but then I registered for an 8K [5 miles] race, and it was to prove to myself that I could do well in it," Teopaco said. "Then eventually it became a life change." He plans to continue his well-rounded fitness routine and eventually run a marathon.

For those of you who aren’t at marathon level but want to achieve a higher level of fitness, Sidman advises a higher intensity of the activity for a longer period of time. Any cardiovascular activity that gets your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week is best. "Doing 10-minute bouts of exercise helps," Sidman said.

Since it’s cold outside, another good idea is for everyone in your dorm/apartment to buy an exercise tape, such as yoga, Pilates or strength training, then rotate them.

University Recreation Fitness Manager Kenneth Martin recommends trying intramural or club sports. "It’s good physical activity because it doesn’t seem like you’re working out because it’s a sport you enjoy," he said. He also recommends doing strength-training exercises in your dorm or apartment such as crunches, lunges, squats and push-ups. Dumbbells or even soup cans can be used as resistance.

"Park at the [Convocation Center] or find a spot further away — it’s a farther walk, but better for you," Martin said. Non-gym-related forms of exercise can help you remain healthy. Take the stairs up to Madison Grill rather than using the elevator, or walk from the Quad to the Integrated Science and Technology building. These small changes can add up and can really burn a lot of calories.