The routine of going to the gym can get tiresome. Renting the same locker, using the same machine and listening to the same music can get boring pretty quickly, especially if you need a little extra motivation or help with your workout.
However, there are several fitness fads students and local Eugenians are exploring to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Eugene CrossFit is close to the UO campus, easily accessible to students and provides an intense workout that will push your body to the limit.
For those unfamiliar with CrossFit, it is a highly intensified workout with constantly varying movements.
“Eugene CrossFit is a coaching center,” Eugene CrossFit owner Jeremy Stecker said. ”Every time you come, there is a coach working with you and one to nine other people and it really makes a difference. We have great coaches so you’re going to find you’re going to get much fitter in much less time than anywhere else.”
While CrossFit can be expensive, Eugene CrossFit offers a 15 percent student discount. Stecker assures people that it is well worth the money. The intensified training allows you to get results quicker than just working out alone.
“What you should do before you make any decisions is set up a free introduction – that’s where you come in for an hour and try it. We put you through a workout, go over how it works and you can see for yourself if it’s a good fit,” Stecker said.
If CrossFit seems a little too intense for your fitness level, check out Barre3 Eugene. Barre3 is a low intensity workout that combines ballet, pilates and yoga. It focuses on strength as well as elongation of the leg muscles. Do not be intimidated by the ballet bar, you do not need a dance background to do this workout.
“Anyone can do this low-impact sequence and see dramatic results,” said Jessica Neely, owner of Barre3 Eugene. ”It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 75, if you’re a turbo athlete or you haven’t worked out in years. No matter who you are, Barre3 will help you lose weight, build strength and transform your entire body.”
For those students who do not have a lot of time, you can see dramatic results in as short as a one-hour session. It is also a short two-minute walk from the downtown bus stop so it is very easy to get to.
Barre3 offers a 10 percent discount to students as well as specials for new members. Students can get an unlimited number of classes for $99 per month and, in addition to classes, Barre3 has online resources available, including home workouts and healthy recipes.
If the previous two workouts don’t sound like your fit, try Eugene Jazzercise for a fun and energetic workout experience. Jazzercise is a 60 minute dance-based fitness program that incorporates dance, strength training, pilates, yoga and kickboxing all while moving to popular music.
“Jazzercise is a long-proven workout that has grown using the latest trends in fitness,” said Nancy Bigley, Eugene Jazzercise co-owner. ”Every Jazzercise class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn calories, strength training to define muscles and strengthen your core and stretching to increase flexibility. Jazzercise is a very welcoming and non-competitive environment.”
A monthly student membership is only $34 for unlimited classes. Three months can be purchased for $99.
No matter what your fitness level or preference there are many options in Eugene to add some variety to your workouts other than hitting a gym or the Student Recreation Center. These relatively inexpensive options are a great way to stay healthy and have fun while doing it.
ASF
Eugene Crossfit: uses a competition philosophy to push physical fitness
(541) 653-6299
499 Valley River Center, Eugene, OR 97401
Eugene Barre3: a mix of pilates, yoga and ballet.
(541) 485-9643
224 W Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401
Eugene Jazzercise: all-ages and skill levels workout through dance
(541) 344-2700
825 Monroe St, Eugene, OR 97402