Spring Break
Sneak off the pounds
Emily Abbate
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Focus
The beginning of the semester is a hectic time for many UConn students.
Not everyone has the time to go for a run between classes or fit in the extra reps after a long day of meetings and office hours.
However, there are some small things that you can do - courtesy of lifehack.org - to get a little bit of physical activity in.
And the best part? They can all be done between classes or even in-class - no need to change into your gym clothes.
In-class:
Toe raises
While at your desk, slowly lift your toes off of the ground and keep your heels firmly planted on the ground.
Running in place, sitting down
At one point in your life or another, I wouldn't doubt you've seen a football practice. And at these practices, football players commonly do a drill where they run in place.
The in-class version? Tap your feet in place simulating a run in 30-second intervals.
But be careful not to make too much noise, and you might want to sit toward the back.
Hip flexions
Lift your right foot off the floor and bend your knee at a 90-degree angle.
Hold this position for 30 seconds, and then switch feet.
Butt squeeze
Slowly tense the muscles of your behind and then hold the squeeze for up to 15 seconds. Release, repeat.
Abdominal stretch
Lean forward onto the edge of your chair. Plant your feet flat on the ground and stretch your arms horizontally in front of you. Make sure you are sitting up straight, and then proceed to contract your abdominal muscles. Continue in 20 - 30 second intervals, take a break, and then repeat.
Out-of-class:
Take the stairs
The elevators in Monteith and Arjona are pretty scary anyway. Generally, stairs are the quicker alternative, and taking them offer a number of benefits.
"Even two flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to 6 lbs. weight loss over one year," according to takethestairs.org.
If you're used to climbing the stairs, then try taking them two at a time - it will provide a deeper stretch.
Lunges
A good exercise to do without a lot of others around. While you walk, lunge forward and take a wider step.
Walk more
Some of the buildings on campus have extensive corridors and hallways. Walk through the building as fast as possible without running, and avoid knocking anyone over.
If you have a half-hour break between classes, take a walk outside instead of just sitting around and waiting.
Wall sits
If your professor is running a little behind schedule and you and the rest of your classmates are waiting outside the classroom, take advantage of it.
Rest your back against a wall and move your feet away from the wall. The wall should be supporting the weight of your back and your knees should be bent.
Hold the position as long as possible.
Not everyone has the time to go for a run between classes or fit in the extra reps after a long day of meetings and office hours.
However, there are some small things that you can do - courtesy of lifehack.org - to get a little bit of physical activity in.
And the best part? They can all be done between classes or even in-class - no need to change into your gym clothes.
In-class:
Toe raises
While at your desk, slowly lift your toes off of the ground and keep your heels firmly planted on the ground.
Running in place, sitting down
At one point in your life or another, I wouldn't doubt you've seen a football practice. And at these practices, football players commonly do a drill where they run in place.
The in-class version? Tap your feet in place simulating a run in 30-second intervals.
But be careful not to make too much noise, and you might want to sit toward the back.
Hip flexions
Lift your right foot off the floor and bend your knee at a 90-degree angle.
Hold this position for 30 seconds, and then switch feet.
Butt squeeze
Slowly tense the muscles of your behind and then hold the squeeze for up to 15 seconds. Release, repeat.
Abdominal stretch
Lean forward onto the edge of your chair. Plant your feet flat on the ground and stretch your arms horizontally in front of you. Make sure you are sitting up straight, and then proceed to contract your abdominal muscles. Continue in 20 - 30 second intervals, take a break, and then repeat.
Out-of-class:
Take the stairs
The elevators in Monteith and Arjona are pretty scary anyway. Generally, stairs are the quicker alternative, and taking them offer a number of benefits.
"Even two flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to 6 lbs. weight loss over one year," according to takethestairs.org.
If you're used to climbing the stairs, then try taking them two at a time - it will provide a deeper stretch.
Lunges
A good exercise to do without a lot of others around. While you walk, lunge forward and take a wider step.
Walk more
Some of the buildings on campus have extensive corridors and hallways. Walk through the building as fast as possible without running, and avoid knocking anyone over.
If you have a half-hour break between classes, take a walk outside instead of just sitting around and waiting.
Wall sits
If your professor is running a little behind schedule and you and the rest of your classmates are waiting outside the classroom, take advantage of it.
Rest your back against a wall and move your feet away from the wall. The wall should be supporting the weight of your back and your knees should be bent.
Hold the position as long as possible.
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