I have established in several posts that students don’t have much in terms of free time, but university is a really important time to get into a fitness plan. In fact, there are a so many reasons I could write a book on it… but we will leave that book deal to the professionals and I (the professional student) will give you the top five reasons to commit to starting and sticking to a fitness plan while in college:
1. Get rid of stress
College is a stressful time for everyone. Financial worries, date rejections, academic pressure: it’s easy to be overwhelmed. So having a way to get rid of stress in a constructive manner is probably one of the most important things you can learn in college and in life (I think most adults would agree – college is only the start of many more years of stress to come…).
If you haven’t found your way to get rid of stress, give exercise try: the best options are probably endurance sports, but just about any kind of exercise should do the trick.
Pro tip: take a hot shower when you are done. Not only will this make you smell better, it will also provide a feeling of “washing away” any remaining stress, leaving you feeling truly relaxed.
2. Boost your self esteem
I’m not saying you have to be in tip-top shape, but even a little exercise here and there can make you look and feel younger, healthier and more energetic, and really boost your self esteem. Plus (for you beauty fanatics out there) exercise, unlike many/most of those creams, actually does keep your skin looking young and can slow/prevent hair loss.
3. Establish good lifelong habits
The earlier you start, the more likely it is that you will continue to keep fit in the long term. I have been jogging for years and rather than feeling like a set fitness plan, this has now become an integral part of my daily routine, just like brushing my teeth.
4. Meet new people
Yes, ladies, I know about those creepy guys at the gym, but all in all, the people who work out regularly are really nice people. I often find running partners (often for only a day) just because we kept jogging past each other. Exercise can be a great way to meet new people, both during your time at university and afterwards.
5. Take some time out
As well as being an opportunity for socializing, exercise can also be a way to just escape from it all for an hour or so. Put on those running shoes and some good music and hit the trails. Give yourself some fresh air and some time to think; trust me it’s infinitely cheaper and more effective than seeing a therapist.
Those are my top five reasons to start a fitness plan in college. If you have any more reasons, please share them below!
Felix von Wendorff studies econometrics as an international student at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. He grew up in California and moved to Germany to take advantage of the great (and free) education system. In his increasingly shrinking free time, he enjoys running, budget traveling and reading.
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5 Reasons to Start a Fitness Plan at University
By Felix von Wendorff
Updated March 22, 2021 Updated March 22, 2021I have established in several posts that students don’t have much in terms of free time, but university is a really important time to get into a fitness plan. In fact, there are a so many reasons I could write a book on it… but we will leave that book deal to the professionals and I (the professional student) will give you the top five reasons to commit to starting and sticking to a fitness plan while in college:
1. Get rid of stress
College is a stressful time for everyone. Financial worries, date rejections, academic pressure: it’s easy to be overwhelmed. So having a way to get rid of stress in a constructive manner is probably one of the most important things you can learn in college and in life (I think most adults would agree – college is only the start of many more years of stress to come…).
If you haven’t found your way to get rid of stress, give exercise try: the best options are probably endurance sports, but just about any kind of exercise should do the trick.
Pro tip: take a hot shower when you are done. Not only will this make you smell better, it will also provide a feeling of “washing away” any remaining stress, leaving you feeling truly relaxed.
2. Boost your self esteem
I’m not saying you have to be in tip-top shape, but even a little exercise here and there can make you look and feel younger, healthier and more energetic, and really boost your self esteem. Plus (for you beauty fanatics out there) exercise, unlike many/most of those creams, actually does keep your skin looking young and can slow/prevent hair loss.
3. Establish good lifelong habits
The earlier you start, the more likely it is that you will continue to keep fit in the long term. I have been jogging for years and rather than feeling like a set fitness plan, this has now become an integral part of my daily routine, just like brushing my teeth.
4. Meet new people
Yes, ladies, I know about those creepy guys at the gym, but all in all, the people who work out regularly are really nice people. I often find running partners (often for only a day) just because we kept jogging past each other. Exercise can be a great way to meet new people, both during your time at university and afterwards.
5. Take some time out
As well as being an opportunity for socializing, exercise can also be a way to just escape from it all for an hour or so. Put on those running shoes and some good music and hit the trails. Give yourself some fresh air and some time to think; trust me it’s infinitely cheaper and more effective than seeing a therapist.
Those are my top five reasons to start a fitness plan in college. If you have any more reasons, please share them below!
This article was originally published in November 2013 . It was last updated in March 2021
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Felix von Wendorff studies econometrics as an international student at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. He grew up in California and moved to Germany to take advantage of the great (and free) education system. In his increasingly shrinking free time, he enjoys running, budget traveling and reading.
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