Words by Sierra Pedro
Quick Tips for Daily Fitness Changes
Bike to Classes
If you’re anything like me, your bike may have been cooped up in your storage unit all of college (whoops). Let’s pull out our cobweb-covered machines and bike to class on rain-free days. Fresh air, plus a quick scenic tour Oregon’s greenery on your way to class? Doesn’t sound like a bad time to me! Just don’t forget your sturdy bike lock before you head out.
Adventure Sunday
Something that my roommate and I implemented for the new year are Adventure Sundays. Depending on the weather, we’ve dedicated our Sunday evenings to hiking, snowboarding or even just a walk through the park. What we love most about this is that we are able to see many parts of Oregon before we graduate. Our time in Eugene is limited, so we figure we should get outside while we can.
Choose the Stairs
It may seem too simple, but whether you’re headed to class or work, opting for stairs instead of the elevator is a great way to add in a few extra steps to your day. I’m a firm believer that even little changes can lead into big results.
 
Finding a Workout Regimine Perfect for You
CrossFit
You may have heard your friends making fun of CrossFit, but just hear me out for a minute. This is a workout designed to work for both the couch potato and olympic athlete — or anyone in between! The UO Rec Center offers unlimited classes of Webfoot Crossfit at $150 per term. You can purchase a pass at the service center or welcome desk. If you live off campus, most CrossFit gyms offer student discounts, as well. Lane 5 Crossfit by The Hub offers a student discount at $115 per month. Drop in for free to try it out on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. If you live closer to Valley River, try Eugene CrossFit. You can call them at 541-653-6299 to schedule a free one-hour introduction session.
Websites: rec.uoregon.edu/crossfit, lane5crossfit.com, eugenecrossfit.com
Group X
A Group X membership was a life-saver for me during my freshman year of college. I didn’t know where to start with working out on my own at the gym, and I knew I needed a trainer to push me and ensure I was doing all the movements properly. It’s easy to do movements incorrectly, and nothing is worse than trying to lift on your own and pulling a muscle or training your body to move in an unhealthy way that takes years to correct. Group X offers a wide variety of exercise programs from yoga to cycling to body sculpting, and each course is led by a student trainer. Drop by any Friday at 4 p.m. for a free workout or get a membership at the front desk of the Rec Center.
Website: rec.uoregon.edu/fitness-categories/groupx
Yoga
For some, hitting weights right off the bat may seem super intimidating. Maybe you need a workout that challenges your flexibility, strength and stress levels all at once. If this is you, starting with a light yoga workout is a great way to ease into conquering your 2018 fitness goals. The university offers yoga classes for one credit each, but these classes typically fill up fast. Try dropping into a free Friday Group X yoga workout, and mark your calendars for a spring yoga class if you can’t find an open seat for this winter. Bonus tip: bring a friend! In my experience, it’s easier to get a group of friends to a lighter workout than trying to drag them to CrossFit or weightlifting.
Website: rec.uoregon.edu/fitness