We all have those days when it seems like all we want to do is just go home to Netflix calling your name. While we all know these days happen far too often, it is always important to exercise and even more important to find a workout that you enjoy and will stick with.

Students in both school sports and outside activities are finding fun ways to stay in shape. Running, yoga and swimming are just a few of the ways SMCHS athletes are staying in shape.

Make a run for it

SMCHS has excellent cross country and track programs, and junior Katie Moreno is a member of both teams.

“Running keeps me in shape and pushes you more than other sports,” she said. “You have to know your limits and how far you can push, but your teammates help with that. It is such a big family and everyone on cross country and track is so close. We all mess with each other, and you always want your teammates to do well, but at the same time its competitive.”

Junior Maddy Selby has grown as a member of the varsity track team and has found that her lifestyle is greatly improved as a result of her running. Selby isn’t the only one who feels this way. In fact, it is scientifically proven that people who run for at least 50 minutes a week are likely to be happier and to live longer. While the health benefits are certainly life changing, members of SMCHS cross country find that the friendships they make along the way are even better.

“As a freshman, I remember looking up to the seniors and juniors on the team, and they helped us out and pushed you,” Selby said.  “We all look out for each other, and I’m a lot more in shape because of it. It’s just a great way to get my stress from the day out.”

Running is a classic way to stay in shape and in southern California it isn’t hard to find beautiful places to explore on your run. Rather than going on the treadmill or the monotonous run around the track, try to hit a beach, lake or trail outside.  It could not be more convenient than going out for a jog around RSM lake or the trail directly behind the school.

Also, bring along a playlist of your own music or check out some workout playlists on Spotify. That way, you will be distracted and pumped up.  Lastly, make a schedule and commit to it. Build up your endurance by running a little further or a little faster each day.

Although, there will be days when you would rather not embark on a run, forcing yourself to stick to a schedule will keep you on task.

Strike a pose

Yoga is a fun and enjoyable way to stay in shape. Even if you don’t like traditional workouts, yoga is the perfect way to exercise and get results in a somewhat unconventional way.

Studies show that yoga increases your self-esteem, boosts your immune system, makes your posture better, helps you focus and makes you happier.

Junior Alexis O’Rourke has been taking yoga classes for two years and has found the health benefits have led her to a more active lifestyle.

“When I am stressed, it is fun to go to yoga because I can just think about that and not worry about anything else,” she said. “It takes your mind off of things for a while. But really, the best part is that it really helps me with running. I am on the track team and yoga is cross training for me that helps me run faster and do better at practice every day with extra endurance.”

One way to keep yourself excited for yoga class is to take the classes with a friend. You can hold each other to your individual goals and make working out a fun, social outing. You should also commit to taking classes regularly so that you have a consistent schedule and cannot cancel when you simply do not feel like going.

This is something that O’Rourke says is very helpful for her.

“I go to yoga with my friend Kelly, and she was a lot better and more flexible than me, so sometimes it can get kind of discouraging when I am next to her, but she and everyone else in the class really encourages me to do my best,” she said. “It makes it a really awesome experience and I gain even more out of it because I am taking classes with a friend.”

Be sure to find a studio or gym that offers yoga near you. It is always tough waking up for a workout in the morning and you will not want to drive far away after a long school day. Taking classes close to your home is incredibly convenient and eliminates one excuse you may use when trying to talk yourself out of a workout.

Just keep swimming

Swimming is a full body workout that improves balance, posture, coordination and flexibility. However, it is a difficult sport and you’ll need some inspiration to stay committed.

It is always a good idea to join a team. Being part of a team like the Mission Viejo Nadadores or the Coto Coyotes is motivating and your teammates will make rigorous workouts far more enjoyable. This is something that junior Grant Hoffmann has found to be one of the most important aspects for his swimming.

“The main thing that keeps me inspired to swim is my teammates and the opportunity to be a part of this team,” he said. “If you talked to any of the coaches, they would tell you that my relay times are much faster than my individual times. So, my teammates are really the ones keeping me motivated.”

However, if joining a team is not an option for you, set long term goals for yourself so you have something to work towards. These goals may include competing in a race or triathlon.

If that is still too much commitment for you, embrace the tan lines and know that swimming, even if you are in the pool just once a week, is a great way to get in shape and cross train for any other sport.

Getting started is always the hardest part, but if you follow these simple tips, you will certainly be on your way to a healthier you. Check out the video below for some more inspiring words from SMCHS student athletes.