Ways to stay active in State College during chilly weather | Lifestyle

As the leaves change and weather becomes unpredictable, it can be hard to stay active around campus.

Battling the cold and seasonal depression can be difficult, but having a plan and a good mindset can help you stay on task and motivated.

Here are some options you can look into to stay healthy and happy as fall begins and schedules get busy.

Take a hike

Savoring the last of the summer warmth doesn’t have to end as we drift into autumn. Hiking offers the tranquility of the outdoors during most seasons of the year and an escape from campus life.

Mount Nittany offers a moderate five-mile trail loop up to the top and back, which is open to the public. If you’re looking for something a little easier, Walnut Springs Park has a two-mile flat route that’s accessible as well.

As long as you dress according to the weather, hiking can be a fun and grounding experience as the first chill of the season rolls around. It’s even a great activity to bring friends and pets along.

Go for a walk or jog around State College

Although it may seem crowded, Penn State’s University Park campus has 7,958 acres to go gallivanting through. The hundreds of paths and walkways are sure to get you moving as long as you’re bundled up.

You can even go off campus through downtown for a more secluded option. Become a connoisseur of the Greek alphabet as you jog past frat row.

Work out at the White and Intramural Building

Students are free to use the gyms and workout facilities on campus during the year. The Intramural Building and White Building gyms are great for a full workout at no cost.

Depending on where you are on campus, one building might be more convenient than the other, but both offer a variety of workout classes, gym access, indoor swimming pools and more.

It’s even a great way to meet new people and maybe create a workout group.

Complete an indoor circuit workout

We’re aware of the hold all of the at-home workouts had on us during the pandemic, but now school has started and the air is cooler. Leaving your dorm or apartment is only going to become harder as the weather shifts.

As a way to stay active without leaving the comfort of your own space, download a fitness app or utilize at-home YouTube videos to track and maintain your lifestyle.

Nike Training Club and Down Dog are great app options for students who want to pick their workouts and fit them in at any time of the day.

Wander around campus buildings

If you haven’t seen certain parts of campus, now’s the perfect time. Roam around the stacks of the Pattee and Paterno Library or go up and down the stairs of Rec Hall. These buildings are equipped with long hallways and a plethora of floors, perfect to walk through.

Exploring these places will surely help meet your step goal and gain the bonus of directional awareness on campus. Some people could use it.

Play intramural sports

Penn State offers dozens of club and intramural sport options for all skill levels.

The university’s IMLeagues website directs you to options such as volleyball, soccer, pickleball and dodgeball ready for you to sign up and show up.

The first step in creating an active season is looking into your options and trying something new that fits your schedule.

Cleaning and chores

Staying active can look different for everyone. If a structured workout isn’t for you, daily chores can even help you be productive.

Vacuuming, sweeping, doing laundry and cleaning windows are all ways to keep your body moving without completing an intense workout.

This combined with walking to class on a daily basis will help you stay motivated as the season changes.

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