New Creative Workout Ideas

Are you bored with running and the gym? These are not the only ways to stay active. We have some great ideas on how to mix up your daily workout. Have you ever thought about skateboarding or an aerials class? Keep reading and check out designsponge for more information.




1. Aerial Silk – After my first silks class with Laura, I couldn’t believe how sore I was or how little I could actually do on the silks. Just lifting myself up was a challenge. Each class, I’m able to do a little bit more and that is all the motivation that I need to keep coming back. And most importantly, it’s so fun!!!
2. Skateboarding – A couple of years ago, Grace mentioned that she wanted to try longboarding so on her birthday, I surprised her with a lesson for the two of us in McCarren Park. We had so much fun that we went straight to Bustin Boards and picked out longboards. When the weather is nice, I skate into work almost every day (This was the video that hooked both of us).
3. Roller Derby – This is a great one for community bonding as well as having the added benefit of keeping you healthy. (Here’s a great NYTimes article about Roller Derby Classes)
4. Hula Hooping – The first time I realized someone could be good at hula hooping, I was at an outside concert here in Brooklyn. I couldn’t stop staring at a girl with four hula hoops, grooving to the music.
5. Trapeze – I’ve got my hands full with Aerial, but watching people do trapeze makes it seem pretty fun. (And you end up with killer arms.)
6. Trampoline is another one that falls into the circus skills. When I take aerial, I watch the folks do tricks on the trampoline – my favorite trick is watching them bounce on their backs as they run up the wall. (Like this)
7. Surfing – A couple of summers ago, I took surfing lessons in the Rockaways. It was amazingly fun, but the 45 minute train ride out the beach made it a little tough. I’m tempted to try a Surfset Fitness class (as seen by Grace on Shark Tank!)
8. Synchronized Swim Team – If you don’t have one in your town, you should start your own. (To get you inspired, here are the Brooklyn Peaches)
9. Barre Classes – Barre classes seem to be everywhere lately and if you loved dance class as a child, this might be for you. (Just do an online search for Barre Classes in your area)
10. Indoor Climbing – I’ve yet to try outdoor climbing, but I have great fun at Brooklyn Boulders. It can be a little nerve wracking to climb up, but once you become obsessed with finding the right path to the top, it’s addictive!

Back to College

It is almost time to go back to class and Texas Tech University!  Are you ready yet?  We have gathered some great tips on how to have a great start to your next year as a Raider.  Keep reading and check out College Countdown for more information.


1. Choose your courses carefully.

Some colleges have what’s known as a “shopping period,” in which students can add and drop courses to their hearts’ content. If you have this opportunity, being a smart shopper can set you up for success. In the first week of school, try sitting in on a number of classes that you’re interested in and qualified for. Getting a sense of the workload and the professor’s teaching style for each class will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to finalize your schedule. By choosing the courses that are best for you, you’ll maximize your GPA at the end of the term.

2. Treasure your syllabi.

When you get the syllabi for your classes, don’t just toss them into your backpack and never look at them again. Treat them as your guide to getting an A. As soon as you get them, make a master schedule with all the deadlines and assignments you’ll have for the rest of the term. You can do this by using a regular calendar or day planner, or a more high-tech tool such as Google Calendar or iStudiez Pro—whatever you’re most comfortable with. See when your crunch times are and set alerts for when you have to start key projects. You should also reread your syllabi often, as they may contain the teachers’ expectations, guidelines for writing papers, clues about exams, and other tips that will come in handy throughout the semester.

3. Start studying as soon as possible.

Lots of students view the beginning of the semester as an opportunity for slacking off. There isn’t much homework yet, the first test seems far away, and they’re still in a post-summer haze. But this is actually the perfect time to get a leg up on your studies. Keep up with all your assignments and, if possible, read ahead. The more you get done now, the easier it’ll be to keep your head above water when the work starts pouring in.

4. Make connections from day one.

The first day of class can be pretty nerve-wracking, but it’s also the best time to forge new relationships. Everyone is in the same boat, and students haven’t yet pigeonholed themselves into groups or cliques. It’s easy to make friends in the beginning of the year: just lean over and introduce yourself; the other person will probably be happy you’ve broken the ice. Having people you can depend on in class is important for a number of reasons. When you’re absent, you can get class assignments and notes that you missed. You can study for tests together—explaining a concept to somebody else is one of the best ways to learn. And of course, having a friend in the seat next to you makes going to class much more enjoyable!

5. Establish healthy habits.

This is the perfect time to develop smart strategies for sleep, diet, and exercise. If you forge these habits now, before you get distracted by tests and assignments, you’ll be more likely to stick with them in the long run. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and keep a regular bedtime even on the weekends. Set up a schedule for exercising at least three times a week. And get in the habit of eating well, not skipping meals, and packing healthy snacks to eat on campus. Remember: your brain can’t function at full capacity unless you treat your body right!

Make Your Morning Latte Better!

We love a good caffeinated drink to wake up in the morning! However, there are ways to make your normal iced latte even better! This blog will tell you how to make your own homemade iced lattes better than ever. You can learn more at The Kitchn.

Here are five things to try to make that homemade iced latte oh so worthy worthy of a warm summer afternoon.

Now of course, there are those who will tell you that putting milk and a sweetener in good coffee is practically sacrilegious. I agree.

Only 35% of Americans take their coffee black, which I think has more to do with the fact that we're used to bad coffee than it does that we love milk and sugar.

But really good coffee doesn't need to be diluted with milk and sweetener; it's good on its own; in fact, if it's made with quality beans, it's better on its own. Adding milk and sweetener is almost a must if you're drinking cafeteria style coffee that's been sitting on the warmer for too long, but when you're going for a pour over of craft roasted beans, you want the coffee all to itself.

That being said, I do have one exception: iced lattes. Because come on, an iced latte is a tasty thing, especially on warm summer days. It's sort of like if you're a wine lover. Inevitably when it's hot out, and you need a refreshing late afternoon drink, you'll take the sangria now won't you?

So, how to make the best iced latte? The standard milk and sugar route is boring and expected, you need something different.

1. Create homemade syrups

Forget sugar, make your own simple syrups. All you have to do for homemade syrups is to start with a basic simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) and then figure out a flavor that will pair well with your iced coffee or cold brew.

→ How to make simple syrup: Straight Up: DIY Simple Syrup

Here is where you can get creative. I am intrigued by the blackberry syrup fromHow Sweet it Is, made with fresh blackberries, sugar and water. Cardamom syrup perhaps?

→ Try a recipe: Recipe: Homemade Caramel Syrup for Your Coffee

2. Pair almond milk and a dash of almond extract

You can easily make your own almond-flavored creamer by adding in a few drops of pure almond extract. Pair it with almond for an extra dose of almond flavor.

3. Use coconut milk

Coconut milk is a popular iced latte ingredient in the non-dairy crowd. It works well because of its very creamy consistency. In fact there's even a recipe for making coconut cold brew by adding in toasted coconut with the coffee grounds before adding in the cold water.

4. Use your blender

If you want the ultimate in a summer drink then you're going to want your coffee blended. It's easy to make blended coffee drinks at home, which allows you to make them cheaper and healthier than they would be at a cafe. Try this recipe for a Mint and Choco Frappucino, made with dates instead of sugar and cocoa nibs as well.

5. Spike it!

It's summer after all, and if you want to add a little booze to your iced coffee then have at it. You can make your own coffee liqueur and mix that in with your iced drink, or take a tip from the bartenders making craft coffee cocktails and experiment with flavor combinations. Amaretto perhaps?