For anyone who has ever been on campus over the summer, staying fit can be both easy and challenging.
It is easy because there are work out resources on and around campus. Plus, some days it is so nice out that taking a walk or swimming is both fun and exercise. But it is challenging because some days it is 90 degrees here and just walking outside makes you sweat. A lot of the classes and outdoor recreation activities do not run during the summer. Plus, some resources are only open to you if you are taking summer classes.
So, what is there to do on campus that involves physical activity? Well, my personal favorite free work out over the summer involves the tennis courts by the RPAC. The tennis courts are always open and always free. Last summer when I learned that you had to pay to go to the JO over the summer the hard way, I turned to the tennis courts almost every evening. These tennis courts are conveniently lit so you can play without the scorching sun on your shoulders while still getting toned and burning calories.
Aside from my person love of tennis, there are other outdoor facilities which operate more loosely over the summer. For example, Fred Beekman Park. Fred Beekman is a short bus ride, walk or drive from campus and it offers free softball diamonds, a jogging path, picnic shelters, grass field space, basketball, and sand volleyball courts.
Another summer option that offers an interesting array of activities is Jesse Owens West Park, located right by Fred Beekman. The JO West Park offers a cricket pitch, skate park, grass field space, and disc golf course.
Aside from these specific locations there are many other basketball courts and sand volleyball courts scattered around and inside of Ohio State’s campus.
One work out that is always free and can easily be done anywhere is going for a walk, run or jog. It is fun in the summer to walk early in the day or at dusk, when it is safe yet cooler out. It is easy to get the motivation because you can walk wherever you want for any distance. I recommend going with a friend because the time passes by quickly and it is way more fun.
What tips are there for working out in the Columbus summer heat? Well, first off always be hydrated and wearing proper clothing. Wherever you work out you can bring Gatorade or water with you. If you are going somewhere the sand volleyball court on Woodruff with a huge group, I would consider bringing a cooler full of water and other drinks. That way, they will be nice and cold at any given temperature!
Be sure to wear proper gear depending on the sport or activity you are participating in. Always be wearing tennis shoes and socks. Since most of the summer days here are pretty warm, wear shorts and a t-shirt or tank top to avoid overheating. Or, if you are more confident/really can’t take the heat, men can go shirtless and women can wear an athletic sports bra.
You may be thinking, “I always have time to work out over the summer but I never end up going.” Well, if you are concerned that your motivation may not be at its peak over the summer, you are not alone.
A lot of people do not take classes over the summer, myself included. The temptation of a couple month long break of doing nothing after work besides going out and having fun is pretty strong. However, it is not as bad to go work out once a day or at least a few times a week as you may think.
My number one motivator tip is always go with a friend, boyfriend, sorority sister, fraternity brother, family member, etc. This makes going to the gym or outdoor facility or wherever WAY more fun.
A second excellent tip would be to bring headphones or speakers with you to listen to music on your phone or iPod. If you are on an elliptical, treadmill, or bike at the gym you can even watch Netflix or YouTube videos if you are really dreading the work out.
A final tip is to reward yourself for working out often. You can set goals. For example, if you do not work out at least 4 times that week you can’t watch the new episode of whatever show. Or you could do something positive instead of a punishment/reward system and go get a medium fry from McDonald’s or Blizzard from DairyQueen for being so motivated all week.
I will be following my own advice this summer off campus and I hope you will too!
