No Time for the Gym? Work Out in the Library!

With reading period almost done and finals looming, Lamonsters and Cabot-Dwellers alike are starting to feel the weight of late-nights and high-calories on their shoulders (and stomachs.) Because we at Flyby understand that those precious espresso shots should be saved for research paper marathons rather than treadmill miles, we’ve brought you an exercise routine that can be done right from the comfort of your cozy cubicle.

1. Bicep Book Curls

Time to actually put that orgo textbook to some use other than as a doorstop. Load two plastic book bags with desired number of textbooks (we recommend starting with 1 book in each bag for CS concentrators and up to 10 in each bag for government concentrators). Sit on the edge of your seat with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Beginning with arms straight and books on the ground, slowly curl arms up to shoulders, pause, and then lower back down. Repeat 20 times.

2. Second Cup Sprint

The number of “laps” for this exercise depends on both how attractive the café staff is on a given night and your need for caffeine. No matter the number of trips to refill your mug though, you’ll undoubtedly have to make a mad dash to the restroom every two cups or so. Choose your own distance, going all five flights if you can hold it for that long, and sprint up the stairs to the restroom, catch your breath during the implied break, and then double your speed on the way back. If you’re working alone, this will also cut down on the chances of losing the laptop you’ve left unguarded.

3. Researcher’s Risers

Move those piles of books you have yet to read for your research paper off of your desk and onto the floor, stacking neatly and evenly so that a platform is created (take extra books from the surrounding shelves if needed). Step up with one leg and down with the other, switching your leading leg after every 10. Repeat for a count of 40. Note: for an added boost, leave whatever embarrassing pop music you’ve been blaring for the past 10 hours on and step to the beat. (A word of caution, however, do not jerk your headphones out of your computer since toned legs are not worth being the subject of an embarrassing I Saw You Harvard.)

4. Sleep-Deprived Dips

Legs straight, hold yourself up parallel to the floor by placing your hands on the edge of your seat with arms at a ninety degree angle. Lift up body until arms are straight and then lower into starting position. To add core conditioning, perform on a rolling computer chair. More hours awake=more trips to the café bakery. Do 2 for every granola bar, 5 for every croissant, 10 for every bagel or muffin, and 20 for every other pastry consumed.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt Araceli Alarcon.