It’s November in Arizona, and the weather outside is finally bearable. As classes start ramping up and finals are on the horizon, it’s important to take a break, reflect, and stay active. Hiking is the perfect diversion from your busy schedule and demanding classes.

Use our guide to pick the trail that’s right for you!

Hole-In-The-Rock Trail

You might recognize Abigail Beck as our new cycle instructor at the Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex. She’s taken the initiative to create two new programs this semester, Cycle Beat by Beat and Cycle Rise and Reset. In both classes, Abigail is working hard to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome at the gym and can take a mental break from the stresses of college. 

We always hear about the importance of drinking water, especially in the desert. After all, our bodies are about 60% water and it is often recommended that we drink at least 8 cups of water during the day for optimum health. We always hear that keeping hydrated is important, but what are the top reasons to drink plenty of water? Read on to find out what advantages you can get from staying hydrated!

During the school year, many students’ have time dedicated to school, homework, maybe a job on top of household responsibilities. Now that we’re at the start of the new semester, we can take the opportunity to direct our attention to our health and make time to be active. The CDC recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day for optimum health.

Working out is a huge part of having a healthy lifestyle⁠—it strengthens our heart and lungs, builds strong muscles and bones, and keeps our bodies performing at their best. While you undergo strengthening, part of the process can cause you to experience sore muscles and an achy body. This is especially true when starting a new regimen or when we increase the intensity of a workout, since new muscles are being used or we are putting extra strain on them.

The new year is here, and many of us seek to improve ourselves with hopes and goals for the coming year. Whether it is to build your strength and endurance, keep organized, ace all your spring classes, or any other goal you want to crush this new year, here are some tips to help you create a better you in 2022.

Have you ever wondered how food affects workout performance, or if it’s better to eat before or after a workout to maximize your results? If you’ve had questions like these, you are not alone. The answer might be surprising, but research shows that eating before and after your workout is key to getting the best results possible from your workout routine. Whether you are running, lifting weights, playing a sport, or taking a group fitness class, fueling your body properly gives you an edge on performance and improves the outcome for your body.

Sometimes the idea of lifting weights can be intimidating. The problem only compounds when we hear myths and misconceptions about lifting weights and what it will do to our body. Read on to clear up some of these myths and get your lifting on! 

Myth: Lifting makes women bulky.

There are many myths that surround working out. Some of these misconceptions play into why we don’t move our bodies as much as we could, so read on to bust some common fitness myths! 

Myth: You have to work out in a gym to have a good workout.

If you’re on the hunt for things to do for Family Weekend (November 5-7), gather your loved ones and head on down to the Sun Devil Stadium for an ASU football game! This year, the game will be on Saturday, November 6th against our rival, the University of Southern California. Looking for other fun activities to do with your family and fellow Sun Devils that Saturday? We’ve got you covered! The SDFC is putting on its annual Gold Rush obstacle course at 8 AM!

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