Five Exercises You Can Do in the Dorm
Trying to avoid the Freshman 15?
With those buffet-style cafeterias and late night study-snack breaks, it’s no wonder why we pack on the pounds in college. But eating right is only half the battle to avoiding weight gain. Exercise is also key to staying healthy. But you don’t need a gym pass to stay fit.
Here are five exercises you can do in the privacy of your dorm.
Crunches: Do these while you’re watching TV. See if you can get to 50 during the commercial breaks. Be sure to focus on something directly above your head like the ceiling. This will improve your form and keep you from just bobbing your head.
Thigh squeeze:This one will work your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves, all at once. Sit on a chair with your feet together. Place a pillow between your legs and squeeze your legs together for five seconds. Do five repetitions of this exercise.
Counter push-ups: You’ll want to do these in the kitchen. Face the counter while standing two to three feet away from its ledge, and make sure your feet are hips-distance apart. While leaning forward, place your hands on the edge a little less than shoulder-width apart. Bend your arms and inhale as you lower your chest toward the counter. Exhale as you push up from the counter. Do 15 repetitions of this exercise to strengthen your arms, chest, shoulders, stomach and back.
Chair squats: This one is sure to give you firmer thighs and legs. Place a chair behind you just as you would if you were about to sit. Your feet should be hips-width apart and your arms should be by your sides. Bend your knees and inhale as you lower your hips down to the chair, as if you’re about to sit. Place your weight back on your heels so your knees don’t hover over your toes. Hang there for a moment, then exhale as you start to come up to the standing position. Try to get up to 25 repetitions.
Calf raises: You’ll need some sort of platform like a thick textbook or a step for this exercise. Position your feet on your platform of choice so that only the balls of your feet are on the platform and the heels are hanging off. Raise and lower yourself by pushing off with your toes. Do 20 repetitions of these.
Also read:
- Healthy Fast Food Ideas for College Students
- Home Fitness on a Budget
- You Are Your Own Gym
