HealthyU: Run for your life, UConn

The weather has finally turned for the better, and it's safe to say we've seen our last snowstorm in Storrs this year.

With the temperatures now in the 60s on a daily basis, all the avid runners on campus can migrate from the treadmills in the Student Recreation Facility to the outdoors.

Jogging around campus can be one of the most beneficial physical activities and also one of the most relaxing.

There's nothing quite like getting in a mile or two under the clear blue UConn sky (doesn't it seem like there's never any clouds at UConn? Maybe it's just me.)

Going for a run every day around the campus will get you in shape, but it certainly has its drawbacks. First of all, the chances you'll run into (not literally) someone you know are very high. The chances they'll want to stop and chat are also pretty high, which leaves you two choices - either blow off your friend or blow off your workout. The decision is usually pretty easy.

No matter how much or how little you want to talk to this person, you'll likely view the chance meeting as an excuse to take a break and catch your breath.

What starts out as a "Hey, whats up? Not much, you?" exchange quickly turns into a five-minute conversation about school, social life and how neither of you will get a job in journalism - or a job, period - when you graduate in May. Before you know it, your workout has become a complete waste of time.

Then, of course, there's the injury ry risk associated with running on-campus.

Sometimes, crossing the road is necessary, and the drivers at UConn don't always adhere to the "yield to pedestrians at all times" law. And you never know who's going to come flying behind you on their bicycle.

The running surface isn't ideal, either. Jogging on cement is bad for your knees and the uneven terrain is conducive to sprained ankles. And how about those hills? Well, running hills just sucks, regardless of whether you're an Olympic athlete or a chubby college student.

That's why there are alternatives to running outside. There are no hills in the weight room. There are no cars or reckless bicycle riders. Though the weather is warm outside, don't feel as though jogging around campus is the only way to get back in shape.

If you are into weightlifting, there are plenty of ways to get a good cardio workout while still pumping up those muscles. For one, you could opt to do higher reps. Another way to get an aerobic workout is to perform "supersets."

For example, if you're doing a "chest and biceps" workout, you should immediately do a set of curls after you bench press.

This will get your heart rate going and kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Other than lifting, activities such as full-court basketball, Pilates, jumping rope and even dancing can provide a good cardiovascular workout.

Running isn't for everyone, and it certainly has its downfalls. Luckily, running isn't the only wayto get back in shape.