How to Add Exercise to College Life

Students’ lives are filled with tests, lectures, projects, work, and social events. It can seem like exercise is nearly impossible to fit into your schedule. But according to the Mayo Clinic, exercise has benefits that a student can benefit from, including weight control, energy boosts, and better sleep.

“When I don’t work out, I just feel off,” says Eric Rodriguez, sophomore theology major. “Exercise helps me to be more productive in all aspects of life. I feel more productive and way less lazy when I work out. It really gets the oxygen flowing to the brain.”

If you feel like exercise has been on the bottom of your priority list lately, here are a few tips to get in physical activity while still maintaining balance.

• Build in micro-workouts: Choose to take the stairs in the library instead of the elevator. Walk or bike to class instead of using a car. Moving your body will help relieve stress and help you concentrate better in a lecture or exam. Not to mention, every step counts in burning calories and making up for lost time at the gym. Benjamin Mondesir (BJ), junior communication major, recommends traveling by bicycle. “Going up the hill in front of Mabee and Scales… now that’s a workout for the thighs.”

• Use exercise videos: Videos are a great solution to confining your workout to a specific amount of time. It is also great for people who are nervous about using the weight room. There are plenty of fitness videos on YouTube that are easy to follow and varying in skill level. Check out channels like Blogilates and Tone It Up for fun, in-home workout routines that take less than 20 minutes.
• Make use of your time by multitasking: Head to the gym with textbook in hand. Prop it up in front of a stationary bike, elliptical, or treadmill. Another great way to multitask is combining your gym and social time.

“Working out with friends is a great motivator and an opportunity to hang out and get to know each other,” says Isai Ramirez, junior biology major. “I prefer working out with other people, because it pushes me to reach my goals. It’s a lot more fun than doing it alone. And I can celebrate my achievements and gains with my friends. We can celebrate together when we improve.”

Share this: