After a long day of class, work and meetings, college students love to relax in front of the TV to unwind and give our brains a rest. We often don’t feel we have the energy to get up, change clothes and make it to Peters Recreation Complex to work out. However, exercise is good for lowering stress levels and giving us a boost of energy and can be done in almost any living room, even while watching TV. The following moves are simple to learn and can be executed during commercial breaks and between shows. They require hand weights that weigh about five-eight pounds($8.99-10.99 at Target.com) and a few minutes of your time.
Each move should be performed with feet about hip-width apart and parallel to each other. Knees should be soft, not locked, and abdominal muscles should be engaged and tight. Make sure to breathe while doing the exercises and keep them slow and controlled. Do not continue with the movement if you feel discomfort or pain.
Overhead press
Begin with arms out to the sides and elbows bent up at a 90-degree angle (think “field goal” position). Palms should be facing forward with the weights parallel to your body. Press arms up so that they are straight and parallel, but do not lock the elbows. Arms should be just slightly forward so you can see your hands in your upper periphery. Return to starting position and do three sets of 10 reps each.
Lateral raise
Begin with arms straight down at your sides, palms facing inward with the weights perpendicular to your body. Raise arms out to the side, and once again, just slightly in front of your body. Make sure the entire movement comes from the shoulders and that you are not using your back or hips for momentum. Return to starting position and do three sets of 10 reps each.
Upright rows
Begin with arms straight down in front of you with the weights parallel to your body. Bend at the elbows and pull up on the weights, keeping them near your center line. Make sure to keep the weights close to your body and keep wrists straight and strong. Elbows should not rise above the shoulders. Return to starting position and do three sets of 10 reps each.