Spring pushes students to get in shape
By Andrea Ragni
While the spring air is warming up and the days are longer and lighter, there is one thing that looms over the heads of many students on campus: the daunting task of getting in shape for swimsuit season.
As the summer months rapidly approach, the thought of wanting to show a superbly toned body and perfect golden tan lingers in many students' heads.
While this task is not always an easy one, there are many ways that working out can be made fun, especially during the spring months. A simple alteration to a workout plan, can work wonders and even make working out more than a chore. Here you will find tips and ideas to help your spring workout plan start off on the right foot.
Spring quarter is infamous for the beautiful weather that can keep students from hitting the books as they savor time spent outside. While it's tempting to just bask in the sun by the Leavey pool, the reality is that a workout can also be brought into the great outdoors. The multi-tasking of tanning and exercising can be achieved in a number of ways.
If you desire to be by the water of Leavey pool, try leaving the pool deck and actually getting into the water for something other than just cooling off. Try swimming laps as a way of cooling off as well as exercising. Swimming is great for your muscles, and there are many strokes that you can alternate that will keep a variety in your workout. Start out slowly and build your number of laps up every day, especially if you are a beginner.
Sophomore Megan Raimondi tries to make it to the pool to swim three times a week.
"I love swimming because I feel like I'm getting a great workout for my muscles," she said. "Plus I get to enjoy the great weather and soaking up the sun all at the same time. What more could you ask for?"
If swimming isn't your thing, running can also be a great way to get exercise and still be outdoors. Many students utilize the surrounding areas of campus and run to the infamous San Jose City Rose Gardens. The gardens are about three miles round trip and offer beautiful landscape that can be admired upon arrival.
"I run to the rose gardens and then do sit-ups there and run back," sophomore Julie Screbant said. "I get the same workout I could have done in the gym, only I get to do it in the sunshine."
Another great way to get out is to play one of the many intramural sports that Santa Clara has to offer. Freshman Jen Wiser plays intramural soccer. She says, "Intramurals are a great way to have fun with friends and get a great workout at the same time. It's a lot better then going to the gym and running on the treadmill."
From tennis and soccer to softball, there are many opportunities to get a workout outdoors. Take advantage of Bellomy Field or the tennis complex. Even if it is just for a pick-up game with friends, any excuse to exercise outdoors is great this spring.
If you're looking for more of a challenge this spring, consider doing an organized event such as "Bay to Breakers" in San Francisco. The race is on May 15 and there is no need to be a serious runner to participate. There are many different categories to run under such as "fun runners," costumed runners to teams of 15 or more people. Bay to Breakers is a great activity to get exercise in a fun atmosphere.
Being outdoors and working out is not only great for your body, but many students also feel it is great for their minds and spirits as well.
"The great weather of spring makes me want to get outside and workout," junior Kevin Griffin said. "The winter weather, and a little bit too much partying, started to catch up with me. This spring has rejuvenated me and I now do all of the working out needed to keep the ladies flocking."
Any motivation is better than no motivation. So whatever it may be that encourages exercising this spring, let it be the driving force to a healthier lifestyle.
* Contact Andrea Ragni at (408) 554-4546 or aragni@scu.edu.