It is safe to say that working out in January is not nearly as exciting as it is in July. Running outside is nearly impossible with the wind chill, and walking to the Rec can feel like a death march. That is why it is extremely important to find alternative methods of exercising that seem both fun and doable. No one is asking you to train for a marathon right now — but if that’s your MO, then more power to you. Instead, simply find ways to make fitness fun so you can avoid winter weight gain and boost your mood. That way, when spring rolls around and hemlines start shortening, you will feel more empowered than intimidated!   

Blogilates 

Cassey Ho of Blogilates is known for her extremely positive attitude and her challenging Pilates-inspired workout videos. If you’ve ever considered Pilates easy, you’ve never tried Cassey’s workouts — she can make you sweat in under five minutes! Also, she never stops talking, which is surprisingly motivational when you’re trying to hold a plank by yourself in your dorm room and desperately want to fall to the ground. My favorite workouts are her newest dance cardio routine and this awesome HIIT/pilates combo workout.     

Hotbox 

If you have some money to spare and crave the feel of a class environment, consider checking out Hotbox. It is kickboxing mixed with plyo and strength in a heated room, and you basically do not stop moving for an hour. You will burn upwards of 600 calories per class, so if you need a super intense workout to balance out all the delicious winter goodies you like to eat, consider spending the money on a membership. They start at $80 a month, which is actually pretty reasonable considering you get access to their gym facilities as well as unlimited kickboxing, strength, and yoga classes. Just make sure you can get into rap music and trainers yelling in your ear — this workout is not for the faint of heart.  

Barre3 

If you are a self-defined “cardio bunny,” Barre3 is the workout for you. It will sculpt long, lean muscles, get your blood flowing, improve your flexibility, and reinvigorate your mental state, all within an hour-long class. Barre3 is located in The Gulch right across from The Turnip Truck, but if you would rather exercise in the comfort of your own home, you can buy an online membership for only $15 a month. This gives you unlimited access to Barre3 workout videos and recipes, so it is a major steal compared to the expensive studio classes. However, if you need to workout in a group, you will absolutely LOVE Barre3 in the Gulch — all of the trainers are amazing, and you will leave each class feeling sore yet surprisingly peaceful.   

Fitness Blender 

Sometimes, leaving your dorm just isn’t a possibility, but you really need some cardio. Consider turning on a Fitness Blender HIIT workout to get your heart rate up in a minimal amount of time. Daniel and Kelli are a super cute (and hot) couple, and even though they don’t play music during their workouts, they are motivating and encouraging without being annoying. Plus, their lack of music means that you can play your favorite Spotify playlist in the background! Some really great videos by the Fitness blender team include their famous 1000 calorie workout and this half-hour-long cardio/arm routine. They also offer fitness plans and eating plans if you crave more structure!