Oh, to work out.
I don’t really understand going to the gym. It seems like
a lot of work to lift weights, and running on a treadmill is rather
dull. You don’t get anywhere for all of that effort.
Besides, gym people are scary. Buff people with ridiculous
muscles and hair ““ that creeps me out. Plus, I’m
allergic to spandex, sweat and B.O.
I’ve tried running at Drake Stadium, and that is a bit
more exciting than the Wooden Center ““ the track is poorly
lit at night, and the danger makes the jog more exciting.
Especially when you are wearing a matching J.Lo velour jogging
suit.
But to be honest, I usually opt not to work out. On the one
hand, I wonder, what’s the point?
However, my wiser side prevails occasionally, as I alarmingly
ponder, how am I going to keep this girlish figure?
Due to a rigorous academic and social schedule, I don’t
think I could possibly work out regularly even if I wanted to. I am
at the end of my line. Short of purging or stomach stapling, what
low-maintenance option do I have to stay fit?
The solution was under my nose the entire time: walking to
class.
When you walk from the Hitch Suites to, say the Public Policy
Building, did you ever notice your little heart thumping in your
chest? Ever notice that you are all sweaty and gross? That’s
because you just exercised.
I’m no cardiologist, but I figure that UCLA’s
dormitory area is at least a bunch of miles from the campus, which
provides me with a fantastic daily workout.
Additionally, UCLA has graciously provided its students with an
obstacle course on which we can specialize our workouts. We have
treacherous construction sites one must attempt to sidestep.
We’ve got freaky people on Bruin Walk accosting us with
fliers.
Look at it this way, pushing a flier-passer-outer out of your
way and onto the ground is not just fun, but more importantly, a
calorie burning exercise.
Think that is a bit harsh? Once last year a flier boy shoved his
propaganda in my face. When I politely told him I was not
interested in his cause, he told me I was, and shoved his papers
against my chest.
I toned my bicep against his face.
If walking back to the dorms after a long day of class
doesn’t get your heart beating, then you’re probably in
shape. But I specifically wear shorts and a T-shirt even on cold
days because I know I will be hot and drenched in sweat after I
trudge back to Hitch.
And what’s the deal with the steps by Puzzles? They
progressively get steeper as you hike up them.
I fell once.
Whether they are walking to North or South campus, it must be
reassuring for students to now know they are getting regular
cardiovascular exercise.
Assuming all students regularly attend their classes, that
is.
Go to class, kids. It’s good for you.