Something I am very passionate about is working out. I love nothing more than feeling the rush of endorphins, wearing my Nike gear and sweating up a storm.  

I hope that reading my column can help you find motivation to work out if you don’t already. There are so many different ways to be active, and fitness is different for everyone. However, activities you consider “normal” may actually be exercise.

One of my favorite things to do is power walking, and it’s so easy to do. To get the maximum benefit, hop on a treadmill and set the incline to 15. I take the speed to 4 mph and walk for 30 minutes. I burn more calories doing that versus running. It’s really easy on the joints and feels like you are walking up a steady hill. There isn’t anything strenuous about it.

Another plus is that you can watch Netflix while working up a sweat. When running, I find it hard to watch a show due to bobbing up and down.

With my background in dance, I love doing a Zumba, class that I take at The Rec that incorporates a fun, high cardio workout in the form of dance. Even if you aren’t rhythmic, don’t give up! There is always variations of moves, so if one is too hard for you to grasp, don’t worry. In an average Zumba class, you can burn more than 1000 calories. The best part is it doesn’t even feel like you are working out. It’s so much fun and the classes are usually packed full.

The last thing I love doing that helps me stay fit is yoga. Yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body. Not only does it align your body, yoga also gives you a wonderful stretch. Toning and staying lean helps get rid of unwanted body fat. Depending on yoga skills, you can take classes from basic stretching to advance pro. Along with the physical health yoga brings, it also aids the mental health. Being able to relax, focus on breathing and stretching allows you to enter into in a state of total relaxation. I also have an app on my phone called Yoga Studio. It was $4 in the App Store, and allows me to do yoga in the comfort of my home.

I hope you are now inspired to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Fitness comes in so many forms. With eating right, and a proper workout schedule, it isn’t hard to stay healthy. Never get discouraged, and I hope you all can reach your goals.

Skyler Chill is a sophomore organizational communication major and a columnist for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].