Exercise Tips for College Students

College, for most people, is a time when they encounter many changes in routine. College students are notorious for keeping odd hours, eating cheap junk food, and gaining a freshman fifteen pounds--or more. Just because that's the stereotype doesn't mean that that has to be true for everyone. With a little effort, students can stay fit, stay healthy, and defy stereotypes.

Walking

• Walking is an easy way to stay fit

  Walking is the easiest way for college students to get exercise. Most college campuses are big, and students need to walk to class anyway, usually carrying a backpack. Instead of heading straight to class, take a more circuitous route and add on extra steps. Adding extra books to your backpack also increases the number of calories you burn. When possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator; and if you have downtime in between classes, go for a quick walk around the quad--all those little steps add up, and don't take much time out of an already hectic schedule.

Fitness Classes

• Your school may offer kickboxing class

  Most colleges and universities have a physical education requirement as a part of the liberal arts core curriculum, but there's no rule that says you have to take just one. These classes are the perfect opportunity to get some exercise, and meet new people. Depending on the school, you may be able to take the kind of fitness classes offered at a health club like pilates, kickboxing, or yoga. If that doesn't interest you, there's always ballroom dancing, volleyball, maybe even canoeing.

Intramurals

• Try intramural sports to be part of a team

  Most colleges have intramural sports teams that any enrolled student can join. Intramural sports are competitive, but also fun, and are usually played by people who may be talented, but are either not good enough for college sports, or are uninterested in competing at that level. Depending on the size of the school, different departments may have their own teams who compete against other departments, but anyone can play. If you don't see a sport you're interested in listed among the teams, try to start your own.