5 Workouts to Do in Your Dorm

With the days getting cold and shorter, motivation to trek to the gym might be slim. Luckily for you working out at home has never been easier, even in your dorm! Grab your favorite yoga mat or towel and let's get started (work at your own pace and ability - listen to your body!):

Textbooks are for more than just studying

Pick up that dusty old textbook off the floor; we finally found a use for it. On top of helping you exercise your brain, textbooks can help you tone your abs. Talk about multitasking! Grab your yoga mat and lay face up with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold your textbook of choice directly over your head with both of your hands. Tighten your abs and lift your head and shoulders, along with your textbook, in the air. Hold for 1 second and release. Repeat 15 times then take a 30 second break and repeat for 2 more sets of 15.

No more sitting in your desk chair

You've been sitting in that chair for long enough, it's time to switch it up. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend down as if you were about to sit down, but stand back up before you actually do. You can also do this without your chair, just remember to keep your knees behind your toes and not to go below 90 degrees. Do these and soon enough you'll find your glutes in perfect shape!

Wait! Don't put that chair away yet

Your chair is going to get some overtime today! This time, we'll be holding it doing triceps curls. Stand behind the back of your chair with your feet hip-width apart. Grab both sides of the chair with your palms facing each other. Lock your elbows at your sides, tighten your core, roll your shoulders back and lift the chair with just your forearms. Lower the chair with control and then repeat the exercise 10 times. Pretty soon you'll be lifting your chair with ease.

The classic push-up

Some people may think push-ups are boring or difficult, but with practice you'll be showing off your strength in no time. Grab your yoga mat and get into a plank position. Place your arms slightly wider than your shoulders and lower your body until it nearly touches the floor. Push yourself back up and then repeat 15-20 times or until your arms are fatigued. Turn it into a fun challenge and aim to do a few per day, trying to beat your record each time!

Indoor biking without a bike

Regular crunches are a bit overdone, don't you think? Switch it up and try bicycle crunches instead. Lie on your yoga mat on your back. Put your hands behind your head a bring your right elbow to your left knee as your right leg extends out straight hovering above the floor. Then, do the opposite (left elbow to right knee while left leg is extended) and repeat 20 times. You can do this for 2 or 3 sets, just remember to try and step outside your comfort zone.

Now you're prepared for the long, cold winter ahead. Motivate your roommate and you'll have an on-demand workout buddy, too! When you want to switch it up and get out of the dorms, check out what Campus Rec group fitness classes are available on IMLeagues!

Written by: Sarah Horrigan, UVM
Date: November 2, 2020

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