Anyone who’s experienced Rio Hondo’s Campus can attest that no matter where your location, you can expect a work out. Anywhere from the parking lots, stairs in the quad, down to the stairs upon each building. At times (who are we kidding ALL the time) it can get quite annoying and aggravating, that with a simple walk to class one can produce sweat of a 5k runner. Let’s take a moment to remember the out of breath, sweaty mess you are arriving to class. Got it?

Now with that image in mind, let’s propose the idea that campus, in all its rigorous, hilly greatness can be used to potentially provide that 2017 summer body you, along with many others, so desperately want. Not to mention that by using any of these options, you are getting school responsibilities and a workout done at the same time. Talk about productivity and killing two birds with one stone, am I right?

1. Change where you park – Parking at ANY lower lot adds those extra steps that amps your daily step count. Also walking up from all lower lots provides that “incline” sensation without the treadmill. Another perk about parking in lower lots is how fast you find parking. So ditch waiting for parking and some weight gain by simply changing where you station your wagon. 

2.Taking the stairs – All around campus you are surrounded by stairs. And by taking those stairs, whether it’s from floor to floor or building to building, is a great way to incorporate the Stairmaster from the gym to your everyday walk to class. But let’s not limit yourself  to just that use, how about using these stairs on your breaks between classes? Or a couple sets in morning or afternoon? The truth is no matter how you add them, adding stairs to your everyday routine is a great way to burn those extra calories.

3.Take a Hike – Rio’s campus contains many paths that can be used as hikes along side the hill heading up to main campus. Taking them provides a good workout and that hint of nature without having to travel too far. Also, campus being so high up, provides great views of the surrounding cities, perfect for those in search of that #hiking view picture.

Now these last two options do require more of us…

4.Take a Gym course – Gym memberships can be fussy and expensive.  More often than not forcing one to decide it to be unnecessary. However, Rio Hondo provides a state of the art gym facility for students and athletes. By simply registering for the class you are given access to a gym where you can work out and get credits. A place where you independently work and log your hours, no set schedule, just a required amount of hours expected at the end of the semester. Does it get any easier than that?
5.Take up Swimming – Another great resource available to you is Rio Hondo’s swimming pool. Also provided through registering for a class that can teach you the basic swim techniques while exposing you to the great workout that swimming provides in Rio’s refreshing pool. 

These are just five ways that you can add a little sweat time to your days on campus. A way to bring a healthier lifestyle closer and allow you to do your best while feeling your best. Many times it is hard to get those workouts in between school life, home life, and social life, but with these five ways I’m sure you can do it. Good luck, you’re already looking thinner!