As college students, physical activity is not often seen as top priority. After all, we already have so many other responsibilities, such as studying, working, community service, or even just getting enough sleep. However, physical activity should be a key point in all our lives, especially because of all the benefits it gives us.
Physical activity guidelines
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has physical activity guidelines established in 2008 that are still in place today. There are guidelines not only for adults, but for children and adolescents as well as the elderly. The weekly guidelines for adults are as follows:
- 150 minutes (2 h 30 min) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity
- OR
- 75 minutes (1 h 15 min) of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity
- 2 or more days of strength training
WHY AND HOW YOU SHOULD FIT physical activity INTO YOUR SCHEDULE
While the physical benefits of exercise are well known, students may not realize how physical activity actually carries over into other aspects of life as well. Students everywhere can benefit from physical activity not only for their bodies, but for their minds and grades.
Universities across the country have researched the benefits of physical activity for their students. A study at Purdue University found a correlation between good grades and working out between their students. They found that "students who visit[ed their recreation center] at least 16 times a month earned a GPA of 3.10 or higher... [s]tudents who used the gym at least seven times a month had an average GPA of 3.06." They also claim that students who make fitness and wellness a priority are also better at managing their time. Physical activity should not be considered a distraction nor a hindrance. Rather, it is another part of life that should be balanced to reap all of its great benefits.
Meanwhile, at UC Davis, the Student Health and Counseling Services offered up a list of 5 strategies to easier incorporate physical activity into the life of a college student. These include:
- Scheduling
- Being social
- Do it anywhere
- Making it enjoyable
- Thinking differently