5 Circuits for Exercising in Health-Conscious Times
By Alexa Silvestri
Exercise is a great way to stay in good health both mentally and physically. With all the chaos of the world around us, it is important that we continue to focus on our mental health and well-being with positive coping mechanisms like exercise. Getting your adrenaline pumping is a great stress reliever, and a nice way to take a break from studying or worrying about the outside world.
Nowadays, people (especially college students) are trying to avoid exposure to COVID as much as possible. In addition, mask restrictions and limited time, equipment, and capacity make the gym a less attractive option for students. So how can you stay in physical shape while restrictions are in place?
A solution to this situation is to workout in your own space, whether it’s a dorm room, apartment, or house. Here are five quick workout routines to help you maintain your physical health in any space! Don’t forget water, an awesome playlist, and a good stretch before and after your workout.
Workout Circuit 1 - Core: Grab a mat or any open space. Hit the ground and get ready to burn out your core in this short workout!
30 crunches
40 penguin heel touchers (lay on your back with knees bent and use your obliques to move side to side, tapping your heels with your fingertips)
15 straight-leg crunches
30 bicycle crunches
20 in-and-out (sit with your knees bent, elevate your legs and move them towards and away from your body)
15 push-ups
30 Russian twists
1-minute plank
30 second side plank (each side)
Workout Circuit 2 - Legs: Hold a pair of light weights if you have them. If not, grab something near you that could act as a weight or just use your body weight as a guide!
20 lunges (each leg)
20 side lunges (each leg)
20 curtsy lunges (each leg)
30 squats
20 inner thigh pulses (each leg)
15 fire hydrants (each leg)
20 donkey kicks
30 sumo squats
Workout Circuit 3 - Arms: Hold a pair of light weights if you have them. If not, grab something near you that could act as a weight or just use your body weight as a guide!
25 arm circles to the front
25 arm circles to the back
30 bicep curls
20 tricep dips
20 overhead presses
15 push-ups
20 tricep overhead press
30 second plank
Workout Circuit 4 - Cardio: Add a pair of weights or hold something that resembles weights if you would like. Using your own body weight is just as effective!
40 jumping jacks
40 high knees
30 split jumps
10 burpees
30 second mountain climbers
30 skaters (each side)
20 squat jumps
Workout Circuit 5 - Plank Series: Take breaks when necessary or shorten the time lengths of each motion.
1-minute plank on elbows or palms
30 second side plank on the right side
10 hip dips with side plank on the right side
30 second side plank on the left side
10 hip dips with side plank on the left side
30 second plank pressing heels back
30 second plank with shoulder taps
30 second plank with toe tap outs
30 second plank with rainbow hip dips
15 second plank on elbows
Repeat each circuit as many times as you have the time and energy to do. Do not push yourself past your limits! Even the simplest or quickest workouts can give you lasting results. Remember, you work out for you. You take a break for you. We spend all day focusing on other people. Take this time to focus on yourself!
