Winter Workout Wisdom to Wipe Away Weariness

Blizzards, like Nemo from this past weekend, can make a college student’s day when class is canceled and we can lay back, relax and catch a few more hours of shuteye. 

But once that pleasant sleep is over, many of us may find ourselves looking for an activity that makes us feel productive, since the massive amount of snow can prevent students from wanting to leave campus.

Instead of spending countless hours in front of the television or computer screen, or devoting the entire day to catching up on studies, make use of your free time to make your body happy. Snowy days don’t always have to be “boring” or “unproductive,” and exercise is one of the most positive, dynamic and fun ways to spend time in your dorm.

Amanda Rosen, a sophomore, enjoys the energy she gets from working out, no matter where she is, and finds her dorm to be a great place to get moving when feeling sluggish on a snowy day.

“Days when the weather is bad, I like to do a workout DVD, specifically Jillian Michaels,” Rosen said. “I also love my Nike Training app from my iPod when I don’t feel like walking to the gym.”

Since workout DVDs and some apps can become expensive and are not always available to students at their convenience, there are also a variety of other ways in which students can stay active in the comfort of their rooms.

Exercises that can be done within the confined space of your dorm are almost endless, especially since many of them, such as jumping jacks, planks, mountain climbers, push ups, crunches or even wall sits do not require much moving around. Since room sizes on campus vary, those listed are just a few that can be accomplished in every dorm, no matter the space available. Completing a few reps of each, or even picking and choosing some to do, can bring a boost of energy to your lazy snow day. 

Other workout possibilities include using small exercise equipment, such as 5 to 10 pound dumbbells or resistance that can be purchased at low-cost stores such as Five Below. Using dumbbells can be an arm workout in itself, but you can add a different take to other exercises, such as squats, by lifting dumbbells or a Russian twist workout, an exercise movement that works the abdomen muscles by performing a twisting movement.

“When I’m stuck in my dorm, I just really like to do anything that works up a sweat,” junior Nicole Ramirez said.

If routine exercises are not for you and are too structured in your taste, try mixing it up a little bit and making your own personal workout session that doesn’t feel like a chore. Kendyl Voli, a sophomore who dorms in Overlook and is not a fan of bland training routines, loves to break out in dance.

“I love to go on YouTube to find some Zumba or different workout videos,” Voli said. “They make me feel accomplished, like I have my own free personal trainer.”

Voli also expressed her enthusiasm about exercising in the room with a friend.

“I also recently learned a dance to Taylor Swift’s song, ‘I Knew You Were Trouble,’ and practiced that in the common room,” she added. “All I had to do was move the table so I had room. I invited my friend over so I could teach it to her after.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.”

So, next time you feel restrained in your dorm due to snow and don’t want to trudge to the gym, remember there’s always room for some exercise.

mmattia@ramapo.edu