Monday Wake-up Workout

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong

On cold, rainy days like today it's easy to lose willpower and throw thoughts of your anticipated gym session out the window. However much of a struggle it may be to fight the urge to stay in bed and lounge around all day, I find that on days like these, it's best to push through and force yourself to get up and move. One good decision usually leads to the next, and starting out your day with a workout will give you the motivation to continue to be productive throughout the rest of your day.

Try starting your day off with an indoor cycling class. Cycling classes are a great way to get your body in motion while also offering a great workout. This 45-minute workout helps build muscle as well as tone your legs, glutes, and abdominals. The indoor cycling environment provides an opportunity to work out with the guidance of a trained fitness instructor, while also feeling as though your workout is your own. With cycling, your workout is purely your own, and only you can control how hard you push yourself. This workout will help your body to release endorphins and manage your stress throughout the day. Not to mention, you’ll feel great after you’ve pushed yourself through a 45-minute workout instead of sitting in your bed all morning.

Penn State’s White Building offers indoor cycling classes every day of the week, even lazy Sundays! Check out www.athletics.psu.edu for a schedule of cycling classes. Try starting with a 45-minute class, and soon you’ll be able to work yourself up to an hour-long spin. It may sound like a lot, but our bodies are much stronger than we give them credit for.

After every workout, it’s important to replenish the nutrients that our bodies have expended. Treat yourself to a nice snack as soon as you can after your workout. Try a smoothie – this is my go-to after workout snack. Don’t have a kitchen or a blender? No problem. Dining hall coffee shops on campus offer a variety of smoothies, but West commons definitely knows how to do it best. Grab a banana smoothie and ask for a scoop of protein in it. The protein and the potassium-packed banana will help your body to rebuild the muscles that you just worked, and come in great flavors as well.

A scoop of chocolate protein makes a smoothie
 into a yummy dessert (minus the guilt!)

Happy spinning!