Fitting in Physical Fitness

With busy schedules and little time to fit things in between studying, working, classes, and many other activities, physical fitness can be pushed to the bottom of a long list of things to do. It can be very hard to find time to work out as a college student, and even harder to do it on a consistent schedule. So, why should exercise by something worth fitting into one's schedule and how can that happen?

According to Mayo Clinic there are at least 7 great benefits of regular physical activity:

Weight control
Combat health conditions and diseases
Improve mood
Boost energy
Better sleep
Better sex life
Social Engagement

There are many great things that come with working out regularly, and on top of that, there are many different ways to do it. A lot of people tend to see exercise as just running or extensive cardio, but contrary to popular belief, exercise can be pretty fun and can be done in hundreds of different ways.

Dancing

Although some people are on dance teams or dance professionally, anyone can take part in the activity of dance. This can be done at home, with friends, in extracurricular clubs - really anywhere and in any way. Dancing is one of the more "fun" forms of exercise and much less daunting than others.

Walking

While walking may not seem like a form of exercise, it has been proven to be extremely beneficial to overall health - and of course, walking is very easy and can be done quite literally anywhere. Even just walking to class everyday can be beneficial, so adding in a walk or two, whether that be solitary or with a friend, can be a great form of exercise.

Going to the Gym

This method is most common among people and of course, can come with some of the most benefits. Most gyms have tons of different machines and resources that can't be found anywhere else. Most colleges have gyms that are included in the price of tuition, meaning that students can use it freely. It can also be a good opportunity to bring a partner with and have a "gym buddy."

At-home videos

This method is not always on the forefront of people's mind but can be really great if taken advantage of. If working out in public places isn't a favorite, there are thousands of resources and the tips of people's fingers that have been untapped. It can be as easy as pulling up YouTube, searching for a desired form of exercise and following a guided work out in the comfort of one's home.

Although regular exercise can seem difficult to achieve for most college students, it can be turned into a fun activity that takes up just a small part of the day. In order to enjoy physical activity and stay motivated it is important to find methods that won't be dreaded and provide a bit of fun. Exercise is possible for everyone; it just comes down to how that looks for each individual person.

Article Citations:

Exercise: 7 benefits to regular physical activity

The Importance of Walking to Public Health - I-Min Lee, David M. Buchner

Image Citations: