A common complaint amongst college students today is that they no longer have the time or space to exercise. However, the U.S. surgeon general says that at least half an hour of exercise 3 times a week is a must for reducing the risk of disease; others recommend an hour a day. Think this is insane? Don't know where to fit it in? The great thing is that not all exercise has to be formal. There are many ways to stay fit without vastly altering your daily routine. The following are just a few creative examples:
- Walk to class if you live close enough. Calories burned: 150/30min
- Take the stairs. Calories burned: 206/30 min
- You don't need big exercise equipment to build up those muscles so do some good old fashioned sit ups, push ups and crunches.
- Take a jog while you're still on campus
- Eat well balanced meals (not consisting solely of ramen noodles!)
- Don't eat a large meal before going to bed
- Drink plenty of water
- If you need an upper body workout, you can buy a pull up bar reasonably cheaply that you can install in a doorway.
- Use workout videos ( you can even borrow them from your local library)
- If you need weights, fill up a liter soda bottle or a gallon milk container with water or sand. This is easily made and easily stored.
- Join a physical activity at school (most universities offer everything from dance to yoga)
Other helpful suggestions:
- If you're attempting to lose weight do NOT starve yourself. Starving yourself lowers your metabolism and thus actually makes it harder to lose weight. Instead, try eating small meals more frequently.
- Eat small meals before exercising. This may seem strange but food is what gives our bodies energy. So, if you're running on an empty stomach you're basically running without fuel.
- Hydrate! You can't do any workout without water in your system. If you do, you run the risk of heat stroke.
The great thing about these is that they're cheap and don't require a lot of room or time. Any college student living in a dorm or an apartment can do any of these and it's a great way to relieve anxiety and stress. Also remember that the more fit your body is, the more fit your mind will be.