If you have been keeping up with the Bearkat Bite, you know all about healthy eats. What I have not talked much about is exercising. For many college students, exercising is the last thing on our list of things to do. Between homework, class, organizational obligations, jobs, and sleep, there is just not enough time in the day to work out. Eating healthy is only part of a healthy lifestyle. You still need to work out those muscle to stay fit. Here are a few ways to get active on the go:
Take the road less traveled.
This is the easiest thing you can do to work your muscles. When walking to your destination on campus take the stairs and not the elevator. This also includes walking the big hills on campus. Instead of taking the easy, less enduring pathway to get to the middle of campus, walk the big hill or take the stairs. You can even challenge yourself to see how fast you can get to your destination. Even the smallest changes to your walking habits will increase the amount of calories you burn.
Make it a date
Eliminate the question of would you rather hang out with friends or exercise alone. Plan times when you and your friends can work out together. The gym isn’t the only place for a group workout session; Plan an outdoor activity! Make a date to go to the park, play Frisbee, walk a trail or even go hiking. If you don’t want to be outside, you and your friends can go to a dancing class or join an indoor intramural team. Get active with your friends and you won’t even notice the hard work you are putting in.
Get fit by fitting it in
Sometimes the best way to fit exercising in your busy schedule is to make it fit. Schedule times in your day to do a quick work out session. Do 20 sit ups when you wake up every more or 50 jumping jacks when you get back from class. While watching T.V., do sit-up, push-ups, or get up and walk around during commercial breaks. Even when studying, you can take a 30 second break to stretch. For those who walk to campus from home, you can try a more active alternative by riding your bike to class. Making the time to include these small changes in your daily routine can make a big impact on your overall health.
As you can see, exercising should not be a time consuming damper on your day, but a fun escape from stress. These simple changes will make you feel more energized throughout the day and possibly less tired. As college students, you cannot forget the importance of daily exercising. It may help you keep your sanity!