The long, cold winters in Buffalo may not be ideal stimulation for staying in shape. Finishing class at the end of a lengthy day and digging the car out of three feet of snow is more of an incentive to curl up with hot chocolate than curling dumbbells.
Though the dark days can be rough, some UB students and local fitness experts try to come up with creative ways to stay motivated regardless of their surroundings.
Jean Jitomir, a registered dietician and second-year nutrition graduate student, said competing in female bodybuilding keeps her motivated through the blistery season.
"Sometimes it's hard to stay motivated to exercise in the winter because it's hard to find the motivation to do much of anything," Jitomir said. "Training for a specific event, such as bodybuilding, is a great way to keep myself motivated."
Goal setting for a future sporting event could be just what a UB student needs to get active. At www.score-this.com, individuals who are interested in athletic events can sign up to compete in a spring triathlon in Grand Island or a 10K run in Lockport.
Some students took the competitive edge a bit further and teamed up with pals for a little one on one.
"Working out with friends keeps me going because they kick my butt into shape," said Jennifer Stockwell, a third-year School of Management major. "We keep each other motivated by taking weekly classes at the Buffalo Athletic Club."
For some students, exercising with a friend can prevent the excuses to skip a day of working out.
"I stay motivated by having a workout buddy. It keeps me on a strict routine. I am less likely to skip the gym too because I don't want to fall behind," said Vinnie Lorusso, a third-year accounting major.
Many students do not have the benefit of a workout buddy, but for those students who still want to work out, UB offers group fitness classes ranging from spinning to aerobics. In addition, intramural indoor sports such as volleyball and dodgeball are also offered.
The Get You Motivated, located on Transit Road offers personal training sessions and Pilates group mat classes for as low as $6 a session. This new fitness facility could be just what a fitness class enthusiast needs to avoid the overcrowded classes of a large gym.
Patty Mount, owner of The GYM, has a degree in physical education and health. She is also a basketball coach for a Lockport all-girl basketball team. She said that in order for individuals to reap the results of working out, commitment is crucial.
"You have to make fitness a part of your daily schedule regardless of weather," Mount said. "You would never hear a coach of a team suggest practice to the players during the winter months. You have to be there everyday no matter what."
Sticking with a workout regimen is not always the problem for some students, but due to hectic work and school schedules, finding time in the day is the bigger problem.
"I am pledging for a fraternity, interviewing for summer internships, and working nights for a local bank," Lorusso said. "So finding time to work out can be difficult. But I know in the long run keeping healthy will pay off."
Although it can be difficult to begin or stick with a fitness schedule, Jitomir said there are small changes individuals can make throughout the busy day to help take small steps towards fitness, regardless of the weather.
"Take the stairs, park far away even though it's cold out, get off the bus one stop sooner than you usually would, even take the long way to the bathroom - anything," Jitomir said. "It seriously makes a difference."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
