Sweat is not an appealing accessory to most Marian girls. Not
everyone puts in the grueling two-hour practice or participates in other
strenuous organized activities to keep in shape. Whether you are shaped
like a circle, square, trapezoid, or rhombus, here are some sure ideas to keep
you geometrically up to par. Errror, ³in shape.²
Exercise
is an essential element to having a well-balanced lifestyle. While organized
sports are a great way to maintain good health, there are many alternatives to
conventional exercise. Dancing, outdoor trail activities, and various classes
are all great ways to keep up your geometric standards.
Dancing is not only an activity for those with grace, but also can
cater to those with moves that are less than rhythmic. Thatıs right, you donıt actually need talent
to enjoy what potentially may be a complete workout.
While dance videos are available to be checked out, rented, or
bought, a hassle-free and fun way to get your heart pumping is to simply turn
up the jams in the privacy of your own or a friendıs home. Whatıs better than getting jiggy witı
it to The Faint and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at the same time? Of course, this exercise routine may
even improve your social life if transformed into a raging dance party, one
which the coolest of shapes will attend.
This blasting from the stereo may take a toll on your drums, but
donıt let that stop you from exercising.
There are plenty of enticing outdoor workouts available within the city
limits. For starters, biking, running,
and even walking are great ways to experience nature, and Omaha provides a
myriad of trails to cater for such exercises.
From Q Street to Fort, from 45th to 180th,
there is bound to be a trail or park near your home. Omaha trails include Field Club Trail, which runs from about
40th and Leavenworth to 36th and Gold; Keystone Trail,
which runs southward from about 88th and Fort into Bellevue; Big
Papio Trail, which runs from about 72nd and Harrison to around 90th
and Pacific; and Ed Zorinsky Trail, located just south of Center Street between
156th and 180th. If you canıt find a suitable path to exercise, local
sidewalks and parks will always work too.
Taking organized classes is also an option to
maintain fitness. Yoga and pilates
are offered at many locations in Omaha, such as Lakeside, an Alegent Health
wellness center at 168th and Center Street. On the other hand, if youıre not into
yoga, other courses are available to achieve the same shapely status.
Martial arts are sponsored at many places,
including Mick Doyleıs Martial Arts Center, at 10801 Blondo Street, Suite B. More
fun dance opportunities are also available through jazzercise, a unique mixture
of aerobics and fun music.
Jazzercise is offered at 90th Street Jazzercise at 90th and
Blondo. There are many other spots
where these classes are offered; be sure to check out your local YMCA.
As you embark upon your journey to shapeliness,
you may be burdened with struggles.
Junior Anna Greer says, ³I do enjoy dancing, and itıs always fun to exercise with
friends, but when Iım on my own I never actually do it.²
The focus of Marianıs Get in Shape, Girl retreat, which Greer attended, was
to motivate students to be healthy in mind and body. The leader of the retreat, teacher Ms. Rochelle Rholfs,
wants to go a step further and start a club at Marian to help non-athletes
maintain fitness. Rholfs says,
³Itıs harder to hold yourself accountable to just you, but if you have a group
itıs easier to hold your intrinsic motivation.² Ms. Kish has approved the club, but details such as time and
facilities are still being worked out.
Hopefully the club will be available to students soon.
All of these options lead to the same
conclusion: next time you are feeling ³bent out of shape², do not be discouraged.
There are endless options available to you, even if you are not athletic. All you need is a little bit of
imagination and the will to shape up, girl.