Monthly Archives: July 2012

Fitness & Nutrition Roundup: Eat More Fat, Exercise Safely in the Heat & More!

Posted on 07/26/2012 by Stacey Northup

How to Exercise Safely in the Heat: This summer feels like the hottest ever, and unfortunately for North Carolina, the heat usually stays until late October.  MSN has tips to exercise safely, even in the 100 degree days.

Why You Should Bring Your iPhone to the Gym: Some people say leave your phone in your dorm so you can focus on your workout.  Men’s Health gives you a reason to carry it along.  Here are six apps that’ll help you make progress at the gym.

What Your Trainer’s Not Telling You: While you’re huffing and puffing during a group fitness class, you may be curious what is going on in your instructor’s head.  Read these 10 things that instructors want you to know from Shape.

Eat Fat to Burn Fat: So maybe picking up a deep-fried Twinkie isn’t the healthiest, but eating certain fats may help you lose fat.  Sound contradicting? Well, fat can help keep you full, build muscle and even put you in a better mood.  Check out more of its benefits from LiveStrong.

Categories: News Roundup | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Benefits of Pilates

Posted on 07/19/2012 by Stacey Northup

If you’re looking to change up your workout routine, consider taking a Pilates class.  It will challenge your muscles in completely new ways.  Here are five reasons to give this class a shot:

  1. Long and Strong: Pilates moves will work your muscles to become stronger, but with all the stretching involved, you won’t get bulky like some people fear with free weights.  And with hundreds of different moves, you’ll work muscles on every part of your body.
  2. Good for the Mind: Just like Yoga, there is a mental aspect of Pilates as well.  You’ll learn how to focus on your breathing, posture and body.  The class is a great relief from all the stress of school work.
  3. Burn Calories: Pilates does a lot more than strengthen your muscles and create an inner peace.  It will get your heart pumping and burn some calories!
  4. Abs of Steel: Your core is the focus on many Pilates moves.  A few classes will result in more flexible abs and a flatter stomach.
  5. Reduced Chance of Injury: So many injuries are a result of inflexible muscles.  Because of the regular stretching, your muscles and joints will become limber.  Then, you’ll be less likely to get injured during a different workout, such as running or lifting weights.

The most important aspect of exercise is doing something you love.  If you’ve never given Pilates a shot, try it!  You’ll realize how physically and mentally rewarding it can be.  Click here for the group fitness class schedule for Summer Session II and be on the lookout for the schedule for the fall semester!

Categories: Fitness, Health | Tags: , , , , | 5 Comments

Woollen Gym’s Renovations

Posted on 07/12/2012 by Stacey Northup

This week I was able to hear all about Woollen Gym’s new rooms from Joel McLawhorn, Campus Rec’s Facilities and Operations Coordinator.  The gym’s renovations have a lot to add to the facility.

Four exercise rooms on the basement level of Woollen Gym got a big update since the last time you were there.  There are two brand new dance studios equipped with full-length mirrors, ballet bars and surround sound speaker systems.  One room has hardwood floors while the other has a matted surface.  Additionally, there is a new weight room used for EXSS Physical Education classes (shout-out to the first-years!).  There is also a heavily padded room, also known as the Combative Room, used for martial arts, boxing and any other type of contact sports.  And to be able to store all the weights, exercise balls, steps, etc., there is a new storage room.

Want to use a room?  You must reserve it in advance through Campus Rec.  They’re primarily used by Sport Clubs and EXSS classes - so reserve the room early!  Campus Rec usually take reservations for the entire semester and the rooms can be used up until midnight.

Really interested in the dance studios?  There is actually another dance studio located on the lobby level of Woollen Gym with hardwood floors and full-length mirrors.  It is smaller than the two newest rooms, however this one is open for drop-in use anytime the gym is open!

If you want to take advantage of these new rooms without a reservation, be sure to register for an EXSS classes (you have to take one anyways to graduate…) or if you’ve got some special talents, consider Sport Clubs.  And if you just want to check them out, be sure to stop by Woollen Gym!  These renovations are something you don’t want to miss!

Categories: Fitness | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Tips for Beginning Runners

Posted on 07/05/2012 by Stacey Northup

Early in the morning or late in the evening makes the perfect time to run outside in the summer.  Inside on a treadmill any time of day – even better.  Is the elliptical your go-to machine?  Or maybe you always sign up for the rowing machine at the gym?  Well, try running!  Running is a great aerobic exercise because it uses your whole body.  If you’re nervous to get started, here are a few running tips for beginners…

  1. Include Intervals: If you don’t consider yourself a runner, it may be difficult to run for three or more miles without stopping.  To build up your time and endurance, start off with intervals.  For example, run for one minute then walk for two minutes.  Within weeks, you should be able to gradually increase your running time and decrease your walking time.  Before you know it, you’ll be signing up for 5k’s!
  2. Find a Running Buddy: Having someone to run with can help motivate you.  Just when you’re getting tired, your friend can push you to keep going.  Find a partner who has the same experience as you or is willing to go at your pace so that you don’t overdo it.
  3. Set Goals: Having a goal that you are working towards in mind can push through a tough run.  Sign up for a charity race on campus or pick a specific date that you want to be able to run four miles without stopping.  Then, once you reach your goal, you will feel proud and can begin working towards a new goal!
  4. Get Rest: One of the most important parts of any training routine is to include some rest time every week.  If you push too hard, you will burn out.  Rest allows your muscles to recover and rebuild.

With the heat, be sure to always stay hydrated and fuel your body properly with nutritious foods!  Also, make sure you wear proper running clothes and supportive running shoes.  For some real motivation, check out the marathon and track runners at the Olympics in a few weeks!  Happy running!

Image

Categories: Fitness, Health | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Adventure Journal by Contexture International.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 109 other followers