1. It can improve your sleep: Don’t be that person who is constantly lazy and unmotivated to do anything just because you’re tired. Working out will give you that boost of energy you need.
2. It can reduce stress: As college students, we are constantly overworked and stressed out. Take an hour out of your day to work off that stress by going to the gym. You will feel so much better after. Trust me.
3. You will feel better: Research shows that our bodies need an hour of exercise every day. Whether that be going on a hike or doing some laps in a pool, physical activity will keep your body feeling better and more capable of anything.
4. Improve your athletic ability: Did those couple flights of stairs really hit you on the way to class? By working out, you can increase your endurance and stamina. Those four flights of stairs will be nothing in no time.
5. Have a nice body: We all want that bikini body, but why do you only have to have it in the summer time? Work out every day and you can have that summer bod, all year round!
6. To live longer: It’s quite obvious, but living a long healthy life stems from being healthy. Don’t let the excuse, “I’ll start tomorrow,” be a reason why you don’t lengthen your life expectancy. Harsh, but that’s reality.
7. Feel better about yourself: Did you know that working out leads to an increasing amount of confidence? It might seem shallow, but if you look good then you’re going to feel better about yourself. Confidence can even be a real world benefit with jobs, relationships, etc.
8. It’s just healthy: They say to treat your body like a temple because you only have one and they’re right! I don’t know about you, but we only have one life so might as well look good doing it. Why poison your body with toxins like junk food. Keep your body fueled with healthy food and healthy habits.
9. Keeps you from getting sick: Those who work out more and eat better actually have a better immune system than the rest. Don’t let that guy in your Chemistry class get you sick before the midterm.
10. It can lighten your mood: Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health (can lower your risk of depression) and also to provide a mood boost as well. People who exercise daily are shown to have an increased amount of happiness because of the release of endorphins that happens while you work out.
11. Increases your metabolism: You can eat more food… enough said.
12. No flat butts: The stair master is your friend. Use the stair master. Be one with the stair master.
13. Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior 15 ain’t got nothing on you.

Don’t let your daily work/school routine get in the way of working out. Make that one hour at the gym, your time to relax, unwind and sweat out the anger, stress and frustration of the little things. I highly recommend using the gym as your own little therapy session.