The start of a new year, even if you are like me and don't like resolutions, provokes a feeling of optimism and excitement. The start of a workout on a treadmill, however, can inspire dread, boredom and frustration as the screen seems to mistake the 10 miles you feel like you have run for 1/10 of a mile.
While you're home on break, this can feel like your time to bring back your healthy habits that might have gotten lost in exam weeks and the holidays. But a gym membership can be expensive, not to mention the fact that you are only home for a few weeks to use it, and not everyone loves the monotony of cardio and weights that most gyms offer. But, instead, there are easy ways to try fun classes, studios and workouts without dipping into your Christmas money.
Most fitness studios want people to try their classes so that they can attract clients. This means that they often offer steeply reduced prices, or better yet a free class or even week to try to get you hooked. If you only have break until you go back to your university recreation center, trying different studios can fill up your weeks with exercise and give you a fun workout to try with friends. Orange Theory Fitness and Core Power Yoga are just some of the companies that will let you try them out, and it can help you find something you like for when want to change up your routine.
Another way to get a break from your usual workout and get some fitness inspiration is by following Instagram accounts that post workouts that are doable and make you sweat. Stay away from accounts that seem like "fitspo" with unrealistic expectations that are known to impact body image and make it feel like you have to work out two hours and week and eat 500 grams of protein to be healthy. Instead, it is just about moving and making healthy habits, and companies like Self Magazine (@selfmagazine) and PopSugar Fitness (@popsugarfitness) feature simple bodyweight workouts that you can do at home or use to make the most out of your gym time.
Free apps can also motivate you to get moving without making you spend extra money. Nike, MyFitnessPal and Sworkit are all apps that can help give you workout plans or track your progress. You don't have to have a pricey fitness tracker to use them, and tracking long-term changes can push you to keep going and get you back on track when you skip a few days.
Getting exercise doesn't have to be an investment, but it can be a free way to be healthier and figure out what you like and what motivates you. Invite some of your friends from home to a free class or to do a workout with you, and you have time to catch up and get healthy. It's impossible to transform every habit because of a new year, but if you find some small things that make you excited about working out or making changes, self- improvement feels much more possible and you can feel like you are going somewhere, not stuck on a treadmill.
