There are days when not even a new playlist, the latest issue of Glamour, AND Tough Love on VH1 could make my 45 minute elliptical sesh fly by. My mind is bored, and so is my body. And when my body is bored, it’s not burning as many calories. The human body is designed to be efficient so when I do the same exercise day after day (which gets boring), my body uses fewer calories to do the same amount of work on day 30 than, say, on day 1.

The same goes for you, people.
If your mind is bored, your body is bored.

As college students, we’re bored enough sitting in lecture each day; our workouts should be something that we look forward to! And at the risk of sounding like your mom, college is the time to try new things, so why not new methods of exercise? Cross-training (varying different types of exercise or activity), also helps you burn more calories by tricking your body with new and unfamiliar movements. It can also prevent exercise-related injuries, as you’re working different muscle groups and using different parts of your body for each activity. And, taking group fitness classes is an awesome way to meet people. Studies have shown that exercising with other people increasing the level of endorphins that we release during a workout, keeping us coming back for more!  Some universities even let you take sports or fitness classes for CREDIT! You pretty much just have to show up. Good motivation if you find it hard to get out of bed and to the gym, or wouldn’t otherwise have time to exercise.

If you’ve been doing the same 45 minute elliptical workout for the past few months (or few years!) it’s time to switch things up. Here are a few ideas to add a little mix to your workout: Read More »

Did you know the Olympics start tonight?

I can’t imagine how you would have any idea. It’s not like there has been a billion commercials/news stories/a total media frenzy surrounding the event.

I guess I am sorta excited; lord knows the Summer games are far more exciting than the random ice events (bobsledding? curling?) of the Winter Olympics. I love watching the gymnastics and diving – those people are amazing. Oh, and of course swimming is super exciting, what with Michael Phelps – a fellow Wolverine – dominating the pool.

But the rest is just sorta boring. Why would I care if the U.S. had the best fencers? And who really feels pride in knowing their country can row the fastest? What do the Olympics have to offer that is worth getting out of the pool early to watch?

How about hot guys?

I know, I know; the Olympics are all about strength, agility and lots of hard work. They are about bringing the world together in a little “friendly” competition. They are about finding the world’s best athletes and celebrating them. But, come on, what’s wrong with watching for a little eye candy?

So, I scoured the internet to find the hottest US athletes. Something that I, as an American Woman, can be proud of. If you couldn’t think of a reason to watch the games, I found you 12. Grab some snacks and settle in; you are not gonna want to miss a thing. Read More »