Many of us cringe when we think of parking at SLCC. Imagine if you actually looked forward to finding the furthest parking spot. Trust me they are always the last parking spots to be taken. The greater the distance you park from your classroom the more calories you will burn. No more early morning rush to school looking for the closest parking spot.
Breathe, or as Yogis’ say Pranayama. Breathing involves two actions, inspiration (active process) and expiration (passive process). Now take a deep deliberate breath. By opening the lungs you allow more oxygen to the brain and to your cells. During forced inspiration and active expiration you are using muscles to expand the chest and to contract the abdominals. Oxygen is a key element in keeping Ph balance. In addition, a deep breath can help with stressful situations.
Consider yourself lucky when you have stairs on the way to class. Climbing up stairs with your book bag (weight) tones your gluteus (the bum), quads, calves, and lower back muscles. Try taking the stairs up to the top level of the building and back down to your class. Soon these obstacles become your tools to a fitter, lighter you.
Bring healthy snacks to school. Eating small meals throughout the day helps maintain a homeostasis that allows the body to continuously burn calories while you study.
Drink 64 ounces of water a day and an additional 12 ounces for every half hour of exercise. Drinking water fills the stomach taking a way the empty filling. Add a low calorie electrolyte to a bottle (10cal to 25cal).
Take an HLAC Lifelong Wellness class. Find a class that you enjoy or something you have always wanted to try. You never know, it might become passion.
Use common sense when picking foods at the school cafeteria. Remember breads and pastas are high in calories with little nutrition benefit. Fresh salads are good if the portions are reasonable without being smothered in dressing (fat). Drinks can have more calories than a solid meal so be selective. Read labels when you can and stay away from fried foods.
SLCC Lifetime Activity Center is free to all students with a one card. Take advantage of some of the great amenities that include racket ball, gymnasium, weight room, fitness room, and indoor track. Since you’re here already it makes working out convenient, saving you time with no extra cost.
Take a yoga class. It will do a number of good things for your body and mind including the lengthening and strengthening of muscles. Yoga also teaches breathing techniques that can help with stress. Taking the time to participate in yoga class a couple times a week can help you lose weight as well as put balance in your life, benefiting your overall health and studies.
Leave the tension and high stress to your colleagues; enjoy the obstacles that are laid out before you.