Photo by: Rachael Roark
Let’s face it, staying healthy is the last thing on your mind as you frantically scamper about the campus this spring. Late nights with bleary eyes fixated on computer screens and big bowls of mac and cheese may have kept you cozy all winter but the time has come to put a little effort in and shed that hibernation weight. Get creative, working out and eating healthy does not have to be boring or financially impossible.
Jump Street, farmers markets and running trails are a few of the healthy springtime activities in Denver that may make getting rid of that cottage cheese on the back of your legs a little more appealing.
If the pounding sound of feet to the revolving band of the treadmill is getting repetitive it may be time to consider jumping for good health. An hour of jumping will burn just around 200 calories and increase joint flexibility. The indoor trampoline park called Jump Street, located at 8225 North Valley HighwayThornton, CO 80221, has over 100 trampolines across the floor and on the walls, including a separate dodgeball area.
DU sophomore Carson Schoellkopf said, “Jump street is a great place to go for all sorts of reasons. Whether you are trying to become more athletic, or trying to go on a date with a girl, or improve your jumping skills, it provides a multi-use facility with good energy and a lot of fun.”
Tuesday and Thursday nights have the best deal, with two hours of jumping for $10. Jump sessions are in hour increments and begin on the hour and half hour. Jump Street is open Sunday through Monday from 11 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight.
Organic and fresh foods are an easy way to switch up your routine and feel immediately cleansing results. The outdoor Cherry Creek Fresh Market began last Saturday. The market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at E. 1st Ave. and University Blvd. Another option is the Sunflower Farmers Market at 2880 S. Colorado Blvd., which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and sells discounted organic produce. Last week Valencia Oranges were $0.99 per pound and peaches $2.99 per pound. Preview the weekly sale items at http://www.sfmarkets.com/sale-flyers/colorado.
Skip, walk, blade, bike or board over to Washington Park to take advantage of dirt trail around its outer edge and a second smaller inner loop on the south end. Amongst picnicking students, crochet playing families, and jogger moms there’s plenty of opportunities for fitness and perhaps even new friends. From campus you can take Downing or Franklin north to reach the park. Another is Cherry Creek trail that stretches about 17 miles and is easily accessible from DU if you go north on University Blvd. and left at E. 1st Ave. Follow the trail round trip, or take the light rail back to DU once you reach downtown. Both trails are biker friendly.
Quick Tips
- Stick to your labels. Instead of eating unlabeled and often high in fat foods from the dining hall buy reduced fat options you can trust.
- Say soy. Soy milk is high in protein, low in fat and available in dining halls upon request.
- Egg whites only. Fluffy and delightful eggs with no yokes are still high in protein but significantly lower in fat.
- Trade morning muffin for fresh fruit. While that sugary muffin top may look appealing remember, fibrous fruit will keep you going all day long.
