A Guide to Exercising at University
University life can be exciting and liberating. But at the same time, it comes with many responsibilities. Many students spend most of their day studying and doing academic activities, so much so that they compromise their health. Lack of exercise, instant meals, poor sleep, and academic pressure can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
But remember that you must make your health your first priority because your health and academic performance are closely interlinked. Physical exercises offer many benefits not only for your physical health but also for your mental health.
Most university campuses offer a variety of resources to help students stay fit and healthy. So, before you waste your limited finances on an expensive gym membership, let us introduce you to some readily available on-campus resources that are either free or more affordable and convenient.
On-Campus Resources
On-campus resources generally come in the form of packages. For example, many different services and facilities are combined in packages to facilitate students in their fitness journey. But, you’re free to choose individual resources instead of a package.
Here are some on-campus resources you can use to stay fit:
1. Fitness and Recreation Centers
Most universities have recreation and fitness centers for students. Some are even equipped with the latest equipment and services to rival the most up-to-date gyms in the area. Aside from recreation and fitness centers, some universities also have gyms, swimming pools, and running tracks for students, all of which can help you achieve your daily exercise goal.
2. Health and Nutrition Centers
Health and nutrition centers are generally associated with a school’s medical and health services department. They offer services like nutrition counselling, physiotherapy, and more. While these are not directly associated with exercise, they do help students stay fit and ensure the overall wellbeing of everyone on campus.
3. Fitness Classes
Fitness classes are super helpful, and they are either free with your membership or come with a very small fee. Typical classes include yoga, Zumba, cardio, strength training, cycling, Pilates, and dance.
Exercising at Home
Suppose you are struggling to find the time to attend on-campus fitness centers or are simply feeling lazy. In that case, simple exercises at home can go a long way towards keeping you fit and healthy.
Exercise does not necessarily require a huge space. Working out at home is fairly easy considering the resources available on the internet.
Here are some resources that you can use for exercising from the comfort of your off-campus student residence facility – let’s say your 1-bedroom apartment near Carleton University.
1. YouTube
YouTube has immense resources for everyone. All of the exercise and fitness activities from leading fitness professionals are available on this online video platform. Simply pick your favourite ones, get started, follow the instructions, and you’ll find yourself on a healthy lifestyle journey. But make sure to watch and follow exercise videos by reputed fitness experts.
2. Instagram
Instagram is also an excellent platform if you are looking for short workout videos to squeeze in between your hectic routine. Easily accessible and simple; what more could one ask for? A simple search will return with thousands of exercise tips, activities, and techniques. All you have to do is watch the videos and follow through!
3. Fitness Subscriptions
Besides the free services, you can opt for subscribed services to get yourself in the exercising routine. There are many inexpensive subscriptions available online, including both long and short workouts.
Exercising on the Go
While fitness centers and at-home workouts are great, do you know that you can even exercise while on the go?
Here’s how you can go about it:
- Cycling or walking to and from campus
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Going for a hike once in a while
- Going out for a walk in the park
Final Thoughts
University students always have many responsibilities to juggle. Between course work, lectures, work, and deadlines, it can be tough to devise a workout routine to stay fit and healthy. But, it is crucial to prioritize your health above everything else.
Make sure to take out time every day to do some exercise. It doesn’t matter if you exercise at your student apartment near Carleton University or at the university recreation center; just keep those muscles moving.