Let's face it: college students are constantly on the move (even the self-proclaimed "lazy" ones). We're participating in a variety of extracurriculars while attempting to balance school, work, friends, family and time for ourselves. For many students, fitness would not rank very high on a to-do list--walking to class is enough, right? But you'll find that even just general fitness can make a big difference in your hectic, on-the-go lifestyle. Staying in shape does not have to be a chore, thankfully, even a minimal amount of work will contribute to a happier, less stressful lifestyle. Here are a few fitness tips for those of us that barely find enough time to get everything done as it is to help alleviate the all-encompassing fear of the "Freshman 15."
1. Use exercise as a break.
You're trying to study for an O-chem exam, you have a paper due the day after, and you still have not made time to do your calculus homework. When you find that you're overloaded, use exercise as your break. I find that taking just a quick break (around 30 minutes) is helpful. You are much less productive if you work for several hours at a time with no break. A quick walk around the neighborhood or campus can do a lot of good, even if it is just a short time. Not only will you feel better, but you will get in some extra exercise you may not have otherwise gotten by remaining glued to your desk chair.
2. Join an intramural sport or club team.
If you enjoy a particular sport, get some friends together and play recreationally or even competitively at your school. Playing a sport for some people becomes second nature, but when they get to college, they think because they are not on the official school team, they cannot play it anymore. Luckily, most schools offer students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of intramural sports. If you want something more intense (and somehow have the time) try out for a club team. Playing sports is an excellent form of stress relief, and students should take advantage of it while they're at school. Quidditch is a full-contact sport. You have been warned.
3. View working out as a positive experience.
While many of us dread spending time at the gym because it just reminds us how out-of-shape we are, we should be valuing the experience and enjoying it. Sure, you could be spending time on the couch catching up on your latest binge-watch, but spending time at the gym will make you feel productive and, well, good! A little sweat never hurt anybody and it will energize you, getting you ready for whatever task you need to accomplish next. As the great Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." Who doesn't want to be happy?
4. Take advantage of opportunities.
Live in an apartment? Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Have class on the other side of campus? Leave an extra 10 minutes early so you can take the long way. Even these simple actions can make a big impact, especially if you get into the habit now.
5. Get enough sleep.
Take it from someone who is perpetually sleep deprived (shout out to my roommate for always pretending to sleep through my 4 a.m. arrivals). If you want to get in shape, you need to start with the basics. If you don't get enough sleep, you won't feel well and you definitely won't feel like being active. Your health should come before everything, so please, do yourself a favor and sleep. You will thank yourself in the morning.
6. Embrace the "home gym."
Some people genuinely cannot make it to the gym--they have class all day, a club meeting, work, and by the time they get home, they do NOT want to leave the house again. If you're one of those people who likes working out inside but cannot find time to go to a real gym, make your own. A yoga mat, Youtube, some cheap dumbbells, and bam--you've got yourself a workout. (Bonus: you also do not have to worry about wearing "cute" gym clothes).
7. Cook for yourself.
I find that when I start eating out more, I feel pretty unhealthy and out of shape. Some people either don't like to cook or claim they don't have time, but this is similar to the sleep one--your health comes first. Eating out may be convenient, but a lot of those foods are not necessarily the healthiest option. Cooking for yourself makes your more conscious of your eating habits and forces you to make more choices about your diet. This will hopefully lead you to make more healthy choices and it will definitely improve your general fitness since you're giving your body the right vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep going.
