Remember how hot you were in high school? From soccer practice to danceline, to spontaneous bike rides or runs with friends — not to mention more sensible bed times and snacking habits — teenagers manage to fit in a lot of workout time, whether they realize it or not. In college, your schedule is pretty much determined by you, and since gym or sports aren’t required anymore — for the curriculum or as extracurriculars to help get you into college — you actually have to make yourself work out. Unless you’re on a sports team or on a scholarship, then it’s easy to let sleep, classes, study groups, social time, clubs, and pure laziness interfere with exercise. Even though you probably have a state-of-the-art gym located across the parking lot, you’re just too exhausted and/or tired to put your tennis shoes on.
Exercise is a huge part of staying healthy for all individuals, as it helps you keep your weight down, your heart healthy and your circulation flowing properly, and your stress levels down. Regular exercise can also strengthen your immune system, and for anxious college students on not-so-healthy diets living in close quarters, exercise almost seems like the wonder drug for keeping you in good shape. Make yourself visit your gym — with your regular clothes on — with a friend just to take a tour and learn about all of the amenities there. Some people relate the term "gym" with running, elliptical machines and weights only, but campus recreational centers also usually have pools, racquetball courts, tennis courts, volleyball, indoor tracks, basketball hoops, and of course all the treadmills, bikes and typical equipment you’ll find elsewhere. If you still can’t find a room to get you excited about working out, look at the course schedule (yes, they still have gym class in college). Dance classes, aerobics, and possibly even intramural-like team sports may be offered, which will provide you with a little more structure and force you to work out.
Pack alongside your books your tennis shoes and workout clothes (or at least throw them in your car) so that it’s easier for you to quickly change and head to the gym. Once you’ve already changed clothes and are in your shorts and t-shirt, it’s hard to come up with an excuse that’s worth changing back again and lugging around your gear for nothing. Make room in your schedule each day or every other day for a workout, and try to do your exercises at the same time each day. It will make it easier for you to remember to exercise, and to accept it as part of your new healthy lifestyle.
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