Summer is right around the corner, you what that means; more skin, less clothing! Exercising is an art in its own way, messy throughout the creation stage but a spectacle to look at upon completion. The University of Alabama student recreational center has a few group classes that are great for these last few months of attempting to get in shape. Smoothie King, located in the Student Recreational Center (SRC), has several smoothies to help smooth (see what I did there?) the transition stages toward your summertime bod goal that will make you want to get your workout on.
Whatever your poison, all the smoothies I’ve picked are no more than 300 calories. They're all infused with protein and fruit to rejuvenate your muscle-fatigued body.
Namely:
1. Slim Blends
If the beach is your destination this summer, try the HBG (hips, butts and guts) class offered at the SRC. More butt, less gut, that's the goal! This class is squat heavy and ABsolutely intense, so you’ll need to refuel what gut you may have lost. Try these vitamin-D elixirs that will give you the boost you need to walk back to your car when the class is done.
Slim-N-Trim
Orange-Vanilla
Calories: 208 (20 ounces)
Vanilla Protein Blend, Orange Juice
7 grams of Protein
If you’re not worried about your hips, the kickboxing class at the SRC will leave your butt on fire, not literally but close. The cardio in this class will get your heart rate soaring and into your fat-burning zone. Summertime can't come fast enough and with this class you'll get that look and physique you want. To keep shredding some unwanted flab, you’ll want to hit up this slurp. Notice the amount of protein in this one!
The Shredder Vanilla
Calories: 283 (20 ounces)
Vanilla Gladiator Protein, Protein Blend, Diet Down Enhancer, Vanilla and other natural flavors
36 grams of Protein
2. Wellness Blends
You may be one of those people who is namaste all the way and that’s cool too. This drink will allow you to relax from the day's end and be good to your body. This Japanese, powerful antioxidant is the treat you’ll want after you roll up your yoga mat. It not only helps calm your mind and relaxes your body, it also boosts your metabolism and burns calories! Let summertime come and feel the breeze of your efforts.
Green Tea Tango
Calories: 282 Make it Skinny Calorie: 182 (20 ounces)
Matcha Green Tea, Choice of One Fruit, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Protein Blend, Turbinado
8 grams of Protein reg/skinny
Calories may range from 5-30 more calories depending fruit choice
We all have that one friend who is a vegan… this one’s for you. Infused with fruits and juice blends, this smoothie is another alternative to your yoga or mat pilates day.
Vegan Mango Kale
Calories: 300 (20 ounces)
Sunwarrior Raw Plant-Based Protein, Kale, Mango Juice Blend, Bananas, Apple Juice, Almonds
10 grams of Protein
We also have that friend who never stops moving. They’ll ask you to go to HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with them and you’re scared you won’t make it out the door alive. No worries, there’s a drink that will recharge your system and make you work through those heavy, rasping breaths. In a few short months you'll unveil your hard work, so hit up the cardio!
Pure Recharge Strawberry
Calories: 250 (20 ounces)
2 Strawberries, Pure Recharge Concentrate, Electrolyte Mix, Nutrient Mix, Vanilla Protein Blend
3 grams of Protein
3. Fitness Blends
My relationship with indoor cycling is one I hate to love. I don’t hate the class itself but I do hate the line you have to wait on to get a pass at the SRC to take it. I don’t like to exercise my patience, just my quads. Without hesitation, it is my favorite class by far. If you push yourself, you'll burn some serious calories. With this class, you’ll need something to activate your legs after you get off the bike. Both of these are high in protein and low in calories!
The Activator Strawberry Banana
Calories: 270 (20 ounces)
Strawberry, Bananas, Coconut water, Gladiator
24 grams of Protein
Or:
The Activator Chocolate
Calories: 220 (20 ounces)
Bananas, Coconut Water, Gladiator, Protein Blend, 100% Cocoa
28 grams of Protein
4. Take A Break Blends
Hard cardio days call for rest days in between. TBS (total body sculpt) is great for toning your body without escalating your heart rate. Even though these days aren’t high-intensity cardio, they leave your muscles and core sore and this shake will give the punch your muscles need to recuperate!
Muscle Punch
Calories: 360 Make it Skinny Calorie: 264 (20 ounces)
Strawberries, Bananas, Turbinado, Nonfat Milk, Super Grains, Whey Protein
5 grams of Protein
It’s important to let lose a little and dance it out if you’re having a stressful week. The Daze class at the SRC is filled with people who want to exercise but also have fun with it. This class, though fun, will make you work a little with their salsa and Indian styled dance flair. If you like flavor, here's a drink that is low in calories and refreshing that will make your taste buds do the cha-cha slide.
Pineapple Pleasure
Calories: 280 Make it Skinny Calorie: 180 (20 ounces)
Pineapple, Bananas, Papaya Juice Blend, Turbinado
1 gram of Protein
I’ve never been coordinated but I have learned a thing or two about dancing; for the Hip Hop class, you’re either hip and know what you’re doing or you hop around and pretend that you’re on tempo… I’m the latter. Dance classes provide the exercise you need to get your steps in for the day and are vital “rest days” for your more rigorous exercise schedule. Since you don’t burn as many calories on these days, you’ll want to try a smoothie that is low on calorie and high on tastiness.
Yogurt D-Lite
Calories: 275 Make it Skinny Calorie: 175 (20 ounces)
Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Choice of One Fruit, Vanilla Protein Blend, Turbinado, Non-Fat Milk
13 grams of Protein
Calories may vary 5-30 calories depending on choice of fruit
Whatever you pick, you cannot go wrong with exercise and the right post-workout drink to rejuvenate your body. Love your body and show it off all summer long!