Spring has sprung and it’s time to get your fitness on

This spring, take it upon yourself to heighten your workout routine and get your body summer-ready.

With all of the technology that is so easily available to us Americans we should have no excuse for getting behind on maintaining our body and health. There are a ton of apps out there for your smart phone where you can instantly get tips on health and fitness. Click here for some new fitness apps for your smart phone.

Spring time is the best time to amplify your fitness routine. You can include the outdoors or even spring clean your house to get in a good workout. I know it sounds surprising, but you can burn a great deal of calories just cleaning house! Scrubbing the floor on your hands and knees burns 400 calories an hour, not to mention you get quite an arm workout. If you're windows are dirty get out that rag and start cleaning. After an hour of window washing you will have burned 250 calories and be able to see the clear skies of springtime.  

You should also set aside some time to completely revamp your kitchen cabinet. Get rid of all those leftover goodies (but high in calorie) holiday and Valentine’s Day candies. Start fresh and hit up a local farmer’s market to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. The time is now when tomatoes, strawberries and avocados are in season so prepare your pantry with some good fats for the springtime.

Try and take some time out of your day to search the Web for meals that include those fresh fruits and vegetables. It makes a world of difference to cook with fresh produce to enhance your health. I know it will take some time out of your busy schedule, but cooking at home can really be the cure to those fast food and fatty meal cravings.  

Check out Shape magazine’s article for 20 tips geared towards vamping up your health and fitness routine this spring season.

University fitness center reaching two month anniversary, here’s the progress

Poolside at CSUN SRC

Since opening on Jan. 26, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has continued to gain attention. Students have been transforming their workout by adding additional days to their routines and venturing into group exercise classes on site.

CSUN student, Christina Azouz, says she no longer works out on her treadmill at home and takes full advantage of the convenient campus fitness center.  

“I like the variety of options that are available, be it classes or machines. There are a lot of different things to do,” says Azouz.   

Prior to the opening Azouz would typically workout twice a week and stay confined to her treadmill at home. Now she has expanded her routine to three times and week, including group exercise classes offered at the SRC as well as trying a multitude of new cardio machines. 

Everything is brand new at the SRC. Students love the fact that the facility really contours to how they want to work out.

If cardio machines are not your thing, you have a variety of other physically challenging ways to accomplish a good day’s exercise. Try the indoor rock climbing wall or sign up for an intramural sport with your fellow CSUN students. 

Check out the SRC's webpage for class schedules, a list of intramural sports options, pool hours and much more.

Speaking of pool hours, summer is upon us shortly and the SRC offers a pool area with a distant beachside feel. Bask in the sun, grab a raft for floating or get your exercise accomplished by swimming some laps. This summer the pool will be quite the spot for cooling down and it’s all free for those who register for the SRC!

Outdoor activities for those seeking to venture out of the San Fernando Valley

Ever wanted to step outside of the hustle and bustle of the city life or experience exercise outside of an indoor gym? Well for those who are students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), you now have the opportunity to take advantage of Los Angeles’ surrounding natural beauty by signing up for Outdoor Adventures at the new Student Recreation Center (SRC).
Outdoor Adventures is the newest program offered by Associated Students Recreation. This program allows students to sign up for outdoor activities near the pacific coastline, national forests, foothills and even the desert.

Activities include: whale watching, camping in Joshua Tree, rock climbing, night hiking, backpacking in Santa Barbara, exploring the Grand Canyon, whitewater rafting, kayaking and many more outdoor adventures. 

Each exploration varies in price based on what is needed. The prices range from $20 to $175 for students and non-student prices are about $25 more per activity. Those who participate in one of the outings with learn how explore nature safely, as well as, understand the local natural surroundings. 

Exercise anywhere is going to boost your health positively, however sometimes you just want to get out and walk/run somewhere else besides in place on a treadmill. Hiking is one of the easiest ways to get your body moving while also becoming part of the natural habitats that are so close to the busy streets of the Valley. Check out the most amazing local hiking trails near the San Fernando Valley.

Outdoor Adventures is a convenient way for students to partake in a nature inspired hike, trip or adventure with the help of those who will instruct on safety and the give the how-to on such an activity. 

Click here for a complete list of prices and upcoming activities offered by Outdoor Adventures at the CSUN SRC.   

Healthy body image highlighted at university campus this week

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is celebrating every body   Feb. 27 to March 2 during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The University Counseling Services at CSUN sponsor the group, Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating (JADE), consisting of a group of students serving as campus peer educators. The students are committed to providing comfort and knowledge to those dealing with an eating disorder or to be able to support a loved one who suffers.

This week JADE presents "Celebrate Every BODY" and is offering an activity each day that brings awareness to having a healthy body image and nutrition habits. Monday kicked off the activities with “Mirrorless Monday” where mirrors throughout campus were covered to promote finding inner beauty. On Tuesday the Matador Walk was filled with booths to raise awareness. Plus size model and previous winner of America's Next Top Model, Whitney Thompson, visited campus to share her story of maintaining self-esteem and confidence in a size 0 modeling world. Yoga was the highlight for Thursday, offering a free course and a lecture on how the stretches can make one feel even more beautiful. To end the week on Friday, JADE is asking individuals to take the day to not talk or think negatively about his or her body weight. Click here for more details about the activities sponsored by JADE.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), as many as 10 million females and one million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder. Most individuals suffering find it most difficult to share their struggle. NEDA provides a website full of information as well a phone number to call for help. For full access to the NEDA website.   

If you are struggling with your own body image, as many Americans do, take the time to fill out a self-assessment survey that is completely anonymous. Access the survey here and use keyword "JADE"