Fitness and Schoolwork: Hand-in-Hand
Balancing Fitness in College: How difficult is it?
- February 20, 2023
The Importance of Exercise
Life is all about balance. College students know better than anyone how difficult that can be. Whether it comes to schoolwork or employment, social and familial obligations, exercise, or rest. Maintaining your health, mental or physical, is the most important thing that usually gets overlooked in college.
Colorado Technical University published an article proclaiming the benefits of making time to exercise in college. They said exercise can heighten focus, elevate mood, increase energy, and sharpen memory. With the right combination of exercise, diet, and rest, every college student can create a well-rounded lifestyle.
Find Your Schedule
On top of following your class schedule, find a schedule that will allow you to work on your personal goals. Block out times in your week when you have a break to work on your fitness goals. Use a planner on your phone, tablet, or computer. A physical planner works great as well. This way, you can jot down empty hours during your day to keep you accountable for your goals.
Workout Programs
Every college offers fitness and wellness programs to its active students. Open your student directory or campus website and search for classes to take and programs to join. Usually, these are free, which is always helpful for college students. If you do not mind spending a few extra dollars, research gym memberships or workout classes nearby your campus. Cycling and pilates are the two workouts that seem to be popping up everywhere now.
Healthy Eating
College students are known for a diet consisting of ramen noodles, coffee, and alcohol. It does not have to be this way though. Every college is different and their dining halls and meal plans vary, but that does not mean you have to rely on dorm food. Most dining halls offer a wide variety of foods to choose from.
1. ALWAYS eat breakfast, no matter what time you wake up. This starts your morning off right and fuels you for the rest of the day.
2. Eat around the same times every day. You can plan your meals in advance to make this work easier.
3. Drink lots of water. Hydrate throughout the day by carrying a water bottle with you everywhere.
4. Learn how to cook different meals if you have a stove or oven available to you.
5. Eat what is going to make you feel good. Listen to your body and fill it with the nutrients it needs.
What do you think?
How do you stay balanced in college? What is your favorite workout to do? Do you eat in your campus dining hall? What other tips do you have for college students aspiring to reach their fitness goals?
Hi, Paige! I really appreciate the tips on how to balance fitness and college, as it's one of the things I'm trying to work on. I can agree that taking time in your schedule for you to work on something other than work can be very beneficial. I have been working on using my daily planner and setting time aside for physical activity, and it has helped a lot. I usually take time just to go on a walk or a jog around campus, especially since it's been warmer outside. In regards to eating healthy, I usually eat at the Eatery, so I try my best to eat healthy options. This was all very helpful, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Paige! This is super informative. I often find myself having to pick between exercising or studying, so next time i'm in that predicament I will definitely use these tips. I agree with your point about breakfast I make it a priority in my daily schedule everyday. Also, I didn't know about the college welfare activities so thats next on my list to check out!
ReplyDeleteHi Paige, thank you for writing this, these are very helpful tips on how to stay active and healthy in college! I often find it difficult to put my planet fitness membership to use between work and classes. Enrolling in a workout class at Pitt is a great idea to force exercise into my schedule. Making time to eat foods that fuel you is so important, this was a great read!
ReplyDeleteHey Paige! This is really nice and informative on staying fit while in school! I always try to make the time to get a workout in during the school day and so far, I've felt a lot better during those days I've worked out. One thing I need to work on is healthy eating. I almost always skip breakfast since I don't have the time to sit down and eat so that's something I want to work on.
ReplyDeleteHi Paige, this is a very helpful and informative blog! Since I attended college, I always find it difficult to balance school and fitness, usually I just don't do any exercise throughout the entire semester. I like your advice on taking workout programs in school and also having a healthy diet, as I never had any breakfast since I attended college. I will try your advises to see if they fit me well.
ReplyDeleteDear Paige,
ReplyDeleteI really like your article because it is very difficult for me to balance my life. Every day I eat at different times, so I found this tip you mentioned helpful. I use a physical planner to track my schedule, and sometimes I eat at home because it is cheaper. You are correct when you say the college life consists of ramen because I eat it plenty of times. I need to carry a water bottle with me more often how you mentioned. I often find myself dehydrated so this was another thing I liked about your post!