Image by Colonnade Boston on Flickr
Staying healthy on campus can be tough with so many ways for students to get lazy and ignore their health. Cafeteria food isn’t exactly known for its health benefits, and going to a grocery store to pick up food can be a pain, especially after a long day of classes. On top of that, who has time to go for a run or the money to spend on a set of weights? Luckily, most campuses offer a wide range of activities and groups that can help you stay in shape no matter your schedule. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned.
- Don’t give up the sports you played in high school. You played those sports in high school because you enjoyed them, so why give them up because you’re in university? Most universities have clubs or intramurals for different types of sports – and some even for sports played overseas.
- Don’t be afraid of the campus gym. Walking into the gym for the first time might be intimidating, but consistently going helps to break down those boundaries you might have initially had. Develop a schedule that includes time for the gym, and it will most certainly help with relieving stress and creating a healthy body.
- Get workout or sports buddies. Friends will keep you motivated when you find yourself not wanting to get out of bed. Having them there will help you have fun while getting a good workout.
- Take advantage of the campus. Most campuses have trails for running or biking that are easily accessible to students. During your spare time, take advantage of these resources. They’re close by, and nothing beats fresh air.
- Have long term goals. Create fitness goals that you would like to complete by the end of the semester or the end of the year. This will help you stay motivated to exercising, and you’ll be able to see how your body progresses as the year goes on.
It’s easy to ignore your health while at university, but the long term effects can be detrimental to your body. Whether it’s through eating healthy, staying in shape or both, make sure you find a routine to properly take care of yourself. While you may not notice it short term, your body will love you in the long run for taking good care of it!