We know that life gets busy, and squeezing in a workout is much easier when the days are longer and the temperatures are warmer. But studies show that getting physical activity year-round is important for both physical and mental health.
The good news is that exercising doesn’t need to take that much time—or put a dent in your wallet—to be effective. Plus, Colorado’s nearly 300 days of sunshine make it easy to get moving outside (even if it requires an extra layer). If you’re looking for ways to get a sweat in, we have you covered with five ideas below.
Get Your Steps In
Looking for something simple? Lace up your tennis shoes and take a walk. This works wherever you are, whether you’re in a classroom on the Auraria Campus, in an office downtown, or elsewhere. A recent study found that getting as many as 7,000 steps a day has positive impacts on cardiovascular and overall health. Bonus: If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try adding in a jogging session for 20 minutes at least two times a week.
Head to Campus
If you’re looking for strength training, cardio, and more, you don’t need to go far. The Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center is free to students who take at least six in-person credits in the fall or spring semester and $49 a month for employees (which is far cheaper than a boutique fitness studio membership). The facility offers fitness machines, a gymnasium, 38-foot climbing wall, six-lane pool, and group fitness studios.
Find the Nearest Park
Lucky for us, CU Denver is located within miles of several parks with bike paths, running trails, and more. Washington Park, for example, has a trail that goes around the entire recreational space—which clocks in at nearly three miles—with options for strength training along the way, including a set of pull-up bars.
Get Creative at Home
You know those cans you have stored in your pantry or cabinets? Those can come in handy as a replacement for weights for an at-home workout. If you’re someone who likes structure or guidance, streaming services often offer a variety of workout videos. Grab a set of weights (or household items), pull up a video on your TV, computer, or phone, and get your heart rate up.