Tag Archives: fitness

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!

MB

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

Being FIT for the New Year:

As we all come back from the hibernation that is Winter Break, I’m sure we all have told ourselves “only one bite” of your aunt’s delicious chocolate cake or mom’s famous macaroni and cheese. If you’re like me, taking only “one” bite turns into ten.

Going into 2018, here are some tips I’m going to taking into consideration to start this year healthy!

  • Eat – No this is not a typo! Eat, and eat well this year. As much as people believe not eating will help you lose weight, it actually does the opposite. The key is to replace the “not so healthy” foods in your diet with healthier ones, not less food that your body needs!

  • Stay active – As the school semester begins, we all know sticking to an exercise routine gets harder and harder. Little workouts always count, break up an hour throughout your day of different cardio and strength exercises to keep those calories burning and sweat dripping.

  • Find a diet for you – If you’re one to diet, find the one that you and your body enjoy the most. Not every diet is meant for everyone, so don’t be pressured by peers to stick to one plan if it’s just not you!

Here’s to being healthy and happy in 2018! Let’s make this year a great one.

xx

Mariano

Health + Fitness for Busy People

Running in New York City - man city runner jogging in street of Manhattan with yellow taxi caps cars and traffic. Urban lifestyle image of male jogger training downtown. Legs and running shoes.

 

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 25th and 8th 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 31st 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

Tips for Staying FIT during the Holidays!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! Food & family, what’s better than that right!? As we all are beginning to regret our holiday indulgences, just remember that winter break is among us! As the year comes to an end, I’m challenging myself to stay healthy during this holiday season! Here are a few tips I’m finding helpful and hopefully will inspire you to join me as well!

1. WAKE UP and GO! – Waking up a little bit earlier than usual to get a head start on the day can really help you out! Mornings are perfect for a calm and relaxing jog or walk to wake up your muscles. You get your workout in and have plenty of time for getting all the busy holiday stuff done during the day!

2. Use yourself, not the gym! – Gyms can be intimidating if you are not used to working out on a daily basis, but to stay healthy high-tech, state-of-the-art machines aren’t necessary! Use your own bodyweight to work yourself out. Push-ups, crunches, squats, and jumping jacks here and there is all you need (or even try lifting leftover cans of cranberry sauce and gravy ☻)

3. Don’t deprive yourself from holiday meals! – With all of the tasty treats on the holiday table, it’s hard not to give in! You should never deprive yourself from enjoying your favorite  holiday foods. Eat up, but limit yourself to one serving. Once you’re done, put the rest in a container and slide it in the fridge. You’ll be less likely to dig in for seconds when the food is already put away.

Until next time…

– Mariano