Burning calories doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours at the gym, trudging away on the treadmill or mindlessly working out on the elliptical. This time at the gym can get really boring and it won’t motivate you to go back the next day. Working out should be fun, and if you are tired of doing the same thing everyday, there are a lot more ways to burn calories that don’t require you to sweat it all out on the Rec Center’s equipment.

Ice skating – Not only will ice skating burn calories, but it will tone your muscles as you try to maintain your balance. It’s also a fun activity you can do with your friends on the weekend if you’re looking for something different to do. Check out the Pettit National Ice Center  for the location and public skating times of a local ice skating rink.

Try Workout Classes – Channel your anger and frustration at something other than your pillow. Or your roommates. Cardio Kickboxing classes are also offered at the Rec Center, and it’s a great way for you to increase your endurance and tone your muscles while having fun. If you want a change in your daily routine, also try the yoga class for some relaxation and stress control.

Hit the Playground – Embrace the little kid in you and go outside to play! Go to a neighborhood playground and swing around on the monkey bars, run around on the wood chips, and go down every slide for an hour or so. Sound childish? That’s because it is. But you’re allowed to be a little kid once in a while.

Juggle! – It sounds ridiculous, but I speak from personal experience: juggling takes a lot of effort. Especially if you’re like me and throw the ball ten feet away from you every time. According to Fitnessmagazine.com, you can burn up to 280 calories an hour just by juggling!

Zumba it out – For those of you who live under a rock, Zumba is a dance fitness program that has recently become very popular all over the world. Why is it everyone’s favorite form of fitness? Because it’s fun! Our own Rec Center offers classes every semester. Dance your heart out with your friends while toning your body, building your strength, and increasing your heart rate.

Or… just dance – I know what you’re thinking. You don’t want to showcase your amazing dance moves in a Zumba class in front of all of your friends because they’d just be jealous. I totally understand. If this is the case, then dancing alone in your room is perfectly acceptable.

There are a lot more ways to burn calories that don’t involve going to the gym. All you have to do is get a little creative.