Category Archives: Athletics

Fab FITness

Hi friends!

Just wanted to share my love for FIT’s FREE fitness classes through the Athletics and Recreation department. Of course, it takes me until my senior year to appreciate what a great program this is, BUT I’ve recently been spinning and it’s changed my perception of fitness.

I ran track back in high school and was extremely athletic in my day-to-day life, but that momentum died down once I started to work a lot and enter college. I like the spin class because you are essentially racing yourself — speed, endurance, and interchanging exercises including squats and weight lifting while pedaling. IT’S EXHILARATING! I’ve gone multiple nights in a row and it feels good to blow off some steam after a long day of work/class/interning/etc.

The spin instructor, Aubrey, is a super cool dude and won’t breathe down your neck if you are less experienced than the rest. The hip-hop playlist is also my personal favorite. I highly suggest you guys check it out! See the fitness calendar above.

Cheers to healthy habits!

Semester Activities

Welcome Back Everyone!

I hope you all were able to enjoy your breaks. It definitely felt nice to rejuvenate and prepare for spring semester! In doing so, I have thought about how to make the best of my last semester at FIT. Before assignments and projects kick in, I love to take advantage of what FIT and New York City have to offer. As this is my last spring living in Manhattan (sigh…), I was thinking of of my favorite activities, and things I am yet to try. Here are a few ideas you might want to try too!

FIT Fitness Classes:
FIT offers free athletics/fitness classes, which do not require prior registration. Classes are offered in different categories, such as spin classes, cardio classes, open gym classes, and so on. While athletics classes are a requirement for some majors, not everyone gets the opportunity to try them out. My goal is to try the kickboxing and spin classes before I graduate. Have any of you tried them? I would love to know your thoughts!

NYC Restaurant Week:
Every year, popular restaurants in the city participate in restaurant week. For special, fixed lunch and dinner prices, restaurants offer preset menus to try. A few years back, I tried the fixed dinner at Riverpark in east Manhattan. My friends and I were able to pick from the different options for a three course meal. My main dish was a pumpkin pesto pasta- not only was this delicious, but it was something I never would have thought to try on my own! This is the perfect opportunity to try some new food (for a reasonable price) that you might not have otherwise!

Groupons!:
Recently, a friend and I found an awesome deal for a spa groupon in Koreatown. Before the craziness of the semester begins, my friend and I were able to unwind and spend the day at the different sauna rooms and hot tubs. This is something I would have never done on my own, (especially once my school work picks-up) if I had not seen the offer. Groupon is always promoting different discounts to fun and unique outings. Sometimes, there are even opportunities for additional student discounts- keep an eye out!

These are just a few, unique ideas to make the most of your semester. Of course, we all put all lot of time and energy into school and our work; it is important to take time to enjoy all FIT and the city has to offer! Balance is key, right? What do you all like do make time for during the semester.

Happy first week,
Annmarie x

FIT Resources

With the start of the new year it can sometimes be difficult as to where to start regarding your resolutions or goals for the year. The resources that are on FIT’s campus are never ending and they can help you achieve your goals. Here are some examples:

Goal: Get a job after graduation
Whether you are a freshman or a senior, or somewhere in between, the Career and Internship Center located in B202 can help you. You can sit down with a counselor who will provide you with resume development as well as career counseling and advisement.

Goal: Volunteer/give back in 2017
In Student Life (A718), we have a club/organization called Student Volunteer Community Service (SVCS) in which we participate in events for Toys for Tots, Breast Cancer Walk, and The Children’s Hope Foundation. You can visit this link here for more information on how to get involved!

Goal: See the world
You are able to travel abroad with FIT! Most degree programs have opportunities in which you can study abroad for a year, semester, or a few weeks! You can visit their offices in B119, attend an informational session, or click here for additional information.

Goal: Read and learn more
This may seem obvious, but the library has unlimited resources available to educate yourself on topics that you are interested in. From physical books to online documentaries, the library knows no bounds! You can schedule an appointment for research services or you can browse the shelves yourself!

Goal: Get into shape
FIT offers some incredible workout classes every day that are free for all students! You are also able to access the fitness center on campus. If you prefer to play a sport, FIT has a tennis, cross-country, half-marathon, track and field, dance, swimming, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, and table tennis team! Find more information here!

Here’s to making 2017 a great year!

Ashley

Health + Fitness for Busy People

Chances are that if you attend FIT, your whole week consists of a maximum of 21 credits of classes, internships, work-study, clubs/associations, leadership activities, meetings, events etc. Being in a creative yet business-oriented environment 24/7 can influence you to take on more than you can handle – which is important to realize. Regardless of the goals we set for ourselves and the social standard we choose to accept, it is crucial we put ourselves first – specifically our health. Whether running to Brooklyn Bagel on 25^th and 8^th during a class break or inhabiting Starbucks the whole day, squeezing in fitness into a busy schedule is the least you can do. Here are some fitness tips for busy people on the go:

Take the Escalator/Stairs: Believe me, I KNOW how tempting it is to take the elevator everywhere you go, but taking the stairs or escalator can make a big difference. Avoiding the tremendous influx of students trying to make it to class on time beats wasting time in a sea of people. Burn some calories by climbing the steps to your next class and you’d be surprised to see the results in your toned calf muscles.
Utilize Time Between Classes: The best piece of advice I can give is to use your time wisely! Those couple of hours’ in-between classes are VITAL. After class, get your work-out on by heading down to the fitness center in the basement of the Dubinsky building for a few hours. Prepare in advance by bringing a gym bag with a water bottle and a change of clothes for your next class. Going to class and working out in-between is a great stress-reliever and motivation to maintain your physique.
Time Yourself: Depending on where you live, it may be simple stroll or a struggle to get to school every day. Most recently, I have discovered it is possible to get to school under 10 minutes from Kaufman Hall, FIT’s upperclassmen dorms on 31^st I encourage everyone to put their phones to good use and motivate themselves by using a stopwatch. I time myself when speed-walking to school as a fun challenge that focuses on my lower extremities and core at the same time. That way, I am working on my fitness and getting to class on time, at the same time!

When it comes to not having the luxury of free time, I believe in making time. Push yourself to the limit and test yourself with personal challenges and utilizing your free time to the fullest. Your body will thank you in the long run.

Melinda

Life Hack: How to be an Optimist

As we begin to get further into school it can be difficult to be optimistic when you are stressed out. But finding ways to stay optimistic about the future and your life will allow you to be positive even when your life isn’t exactly all rainbows.

First, It is a very important goal to set and accomplish larger goals , as well as follow through. We need to make ourselves believe we are capable of doing anything. You are what you reach for and it tends to become easy to forget why you came this far sometimes with a negative mindset.

Next, Remove any negative things in your present life. I cant tell you how amazing it feels when you do. Negative energy feeds off negative experiences so when you remove these things it opens many doors for change. Also, take responsibility for your own actions. While it tends to seem easy to blame others , it wont allow you to grow and feel good about yourself. The most successful people don’t blame anymore, not even themselves. They evaluate the situation and think of what they could do differently. We can use our set backs as a learning process for the future to keep improving.

Work in a positive environment. How can you change your outlook on life if you surround yourself with negative people who don’t care about their future ?Positivity can be contagious and once you inspire yourself you can inspire others as well. So being in the right environment is key to any amount of change.

Lastly, take baby steps, none of this will happen over night. It’s easy to be overwhelmed when you think about everything you want to accomplish. Take small easy steps to frequent success , this will keep you motivated and moving forward.

Stay Positive!

Xoxo,

Kailee