The Poor, Starving Student's Workout

So I titled this the poor, starving student's workout, but really it works for anyone. It's especially useful to those without funds, access to, or simply interest in a fitness facility.

Today, my workouts were simple. First, this evening, I did a 50-minute aerobic workout on the Rail Trail and in the arboretum with John. This consisted of a couple minute walking warm-up, about 42 minutes of running (with a break to iron out a creaky knee and calm an upset stomach), finished with a 5-minute walking cool-down segment. The perks to this workout are multiple:
1. Get to be outside
2. Works well as a partner, group, or solo activity
3. Change of scenery
4. Excellent fat burn (running is like the uber-torcher of fat among many cardio workouts)
5. Great for my heart, lungs, legs, and mind.
6. Cost = $0.00 (Well, it's good to have a trusty pair of running shoes, but that's a once or twice a year purchase, and then they can double as your casual shoes.)

So basically, anyone can go outside and run. Things to keep in mind are basically just yourself. If your body is screaming at you about something, like mine was about my knee, take a minute... walk... and then go. You can go at your own pace, so start from walking and build your way up to running. No stress, no fuss, just free exercise that's good for body and mind.

Workout #2 was a 20-minute yoga session right here in my own living room. I did a variety of stuff- balance poses, arm balances, vinyasas (mostly focused on upper body strength since I gave my legs a workout already with the run), and some basic seated stretching. Of course, savasana was used as a closer.
Benefits of this workout:
1. Again... it's free.
2. Creative- I'm not in a class, so I can do whatever poses I want to or feel that my body needs.
3. Strengthening
4. Improved flexibility- strong focus on the most overlooked component of fitness
5. Better balance- also an overlooked component of fitness
6. Calm mind, a moment to be with oneself before bed.

So for zero dollars today I helped my heart, lungs, blood lipid levels, blood pressure, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and mind. Hmmm... seems simple to me.

Bottom line is, you don't have to have a big bottom line to move your bottom... anyone can move for free. It's great to have instructors and professionals to help you if you can afford these aides, but if not... your body is pretty amazing and intuitive. Start moving it and see what it has to say.