Burn calories, school style

These simple tips will help eliminate the negative effects of a food-loving community | by TAYLOR IRWIN

1) Carrying Heavy Backpacks Upstairs

With 3 flights of stairs to climb in each building, STA girls grit their teeth as they journey from the class before. However, the weight of a backpack can make the trek beneficial to students.  According to a New York Times study, a student that carries a backpack upstairs regularly can reduce osteoporosis and improve cardiovascular functions in addition to strengthening many muscles.  Depending on both the backpack and student’s weight, girls can burn around 413 calories in a day, according to Nutristrategy.com, a nutrition and fitness awareness website.

2) Lunging Back From The Printer

Walking to the printer can be such a bore! Exert yourself by lunging to the printer. According to Nutristrategy.com, simply walking back and forth from the printer can burn up to around 12 calories, depending on the distance from your seat to the printer. To burn more calories, lunge to the printer and strengthen your thighs and calves in the process. So, get moving! Don’t ask someone who’s already walking that way to pick up your chemistry lab for you, get it yourself!

3) Skipping Across the Quad

Instead of traditionally walking across the quad, spice things up a little and skip! Not only does skipping increase your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular functions, but the workout also burns some extra calories and strengthens your leg muscles. Skipping to your destination burns an additional 3 calories per foot than walking does, according to dietandfitnessresources.com. So as you are going from class to class, grab a friend and skip off those calories.

4) Toe Tapping

Instead of just sitting there in class listening while your teacher drones on with a lecture, burn some calories while you’re at it! According to nutristategy.com, one of the best ways to lose weight everyday is toe tapping! So while you’re taking notes, tap your toes, fidget, and switch positions, You could burn up to 100 calories an hour, depending on your weight and the speed of your toe tapping. So, get tapping! Warning: this habit could annoy the person sitting next to you, so please tap in moderation.