As a college student, you have your work cut out for you. In between managing your classes and your part-time job, it can seem like you have very little time for yourself. Barely having any time to yourself can make it harder to do things that enrich you. Exercise is one of these activities. Everyone needs to exercise to remain healthy and active.
However, with your strict schedule eating up most of your time and energy, exerting physical activity can be the last thing you want to do. But does that mean you should just forego exercise altogether? Certainly not. All you need to do is find an activity that resonates with you and work into your schedule. In this article, we’ll be going over the best exercises to do while you’re still in college.
Benefits of Exercising
Before we get into the best types, we need to talk about why you need to exercise. As you know, college can be draining in just about every aspect. However, a little physical activity is a great way to prepare for the long day ahead. Below is a list of benefits that come with exercising:
- Reduces your stress levels
- Prevents weight gain
- Makes it easier to sleep
- Helps your immune system function better
- Prevent anxiety-like symptoms
- Promotes the creation of endorphins
- Helps you perform better in your academics
- Prolong your lifespan
This list goes on, but what we’ve covered are among the most important benefits. It’s honestly astounding how many college students become lethargic under all the stress and chaos. By exercising for only 30 minutes a day, you can easily clear your head and keep the cortisol at bay.
Jumping Jacks
Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to get into the various exercises you can perform. Jumping jacks is one of the simplest, yet incredibly effective full body exercises you can perform. All you need to do is be in an area with enough space and jump while spreading your arms and legs a part with each set. It’s considered to be one of the best ways to get your blood pumping, build up strength in your legs, improve your mobility and even increase your bone density.
You can perform a lot of jumping jacks within minutes. However, one tip we have for you is to take it slow. If you’re someone who hasn’t exercised a lot recently, going all in and straining yourself isn’t recommended. Start off with a few sets, like 10 to 15, and take a small break. Once you build up enough stamina, then you can start increasing the amount you do each set.
Running
Aside from walking, running is a high-intensity exercise that can help you burn a lot of calories. You don’t want to start by taking off at full speed. This can lead to strain and other potential complications, like hyperventilation and sprains. You’ll want to begin by slowly easing yourself into it by walking followed light jogging and then running. You might be thinking you don’t have time to run around the neighborhood, who said this was an outdoor-only activity?
You can get the same effect by running on a treadmill at home. Granted, treadmills are expensive gym equipment, and you may be on a tight budget now. However, you’re not completely out of options; you can use a credit card as a financing option. If this your first time getting a credit card, you may feel a little unsure about it. Your best course of action is to review a student’s guide that covers all you need to know about credit cards, how you can apply for them and potential alternatives.
Ride a Bicycle
Riding a bicycle isn’t only a great form of transportation, it’s also a fantastic way to exercise. A bicycle will cost you a bit, but you can use the credit card to pay for it. Cycling has been proven to improve your balance, build coordination and boost your brain functions.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-intensity exercise that can yield results far greater than vigorously running. This exercise is peaceful, helps improve your flexibility, boost your stamina, and gives you a full-body exercise. The best time to swim for a college student is in the early morning before eating breakfast.
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