College is a transformative period in a person’s life. The better part of four years is dedicated to academic and professional growth, but what happens to your body during that time? Long periods of sitting, studying, and questionable food indulgences can all slow down your activity level. It can even affect your mood. Why not kick start a new chapter in life with your best foot forward? Here are some ways you can stay active while keeping your “gains” academic in nature:Scope Out Campus Perks
Most colleges offer free access to their fitness center and athletic resources. Some campus gyms offer group fitness classes like Kickboxing and Yoga. It doesn’t just stop at a gym— it may also include Olympic-sized pools, tennis courts, and even trampolines.
Meet Degree Requirements
Since electives are free game, make the most of them. Art courses like ballroom dancing or martial arts can make for a pretty action-packed semester. Anthropology class may have intense local excavation digs. In Marine Biology, you might do research on a boat or the beach. Nutrition or Cooking courses might not give you a workout, but it will give insight into your diet and healthy living.
Stay Active in the Community
Community service requirements for graduation are becoming commonplace in higher education. Habitat for Humanity has several local chapters in each state, many of which recruit college-based volunteers. You can even grab your hammer and go abroad with Habitat for Humanity! Ever try and move 100 cases of canned food and cook for up to 500 people? Food pantries and shelters are always looking for volunteers, particularly around holidays. Beautification projects around town can include gardening, mural painting, trash collection, and wildlife preservation.
Check Out Campus Clubs
New outdoor sports and activity clubs pop up on campus every year. My alma mater, Monmouth University, even had a paintball club when I was a student. You could go on discounted ski trips, play volleyball, and even parkour. Clubs are often started by students, so go ahead and start a club yourself!
Tour Parks & Recreation
Going off campus and acquainting yourself with the county park system is a must. My home state of New Jersey has fantastic resources and activities in its parks. Boat tours, 5K races, camping, rock climbing, hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, surfing, fitness clinics, and more are offered. Like golfing? You can play county courses if you become a member. Disc golf has also risen in popularity so if you want to try something new, check it out.
Train for an Extreme Event
Are you ready for a Tough Mudder, Spartan Death Race, or Triathlon? Committing to a training schedule for extreme events is fun and keeps you motivated. Often when you register for events, you can get a team discount, too. Maybe you can start a club!
So get off that chair and get involved. Balance that GPA with a healthy meal and some fresh activities, and you’ve got the recipe for academic and personal success. Go get ‘em!
About the Author
Sian Babish is a writer from New Jersey. Before tearing up the floor in Zumba classes, she was kicking sky-high as a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She also enjoys cooking, Jeopardy!, and stand-up comedy. Sian uses her skills to give back by volunteering as a career mentor and resume writer. She is also the author of Medical Authorizations Made Easy, published in May 2015 on Amazon.com. Follow @sianbabish on Twitter.
Christina Major is a Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, professional health and nutrition speaker and owner of Crystal Holistic Health Consulting. She is a published diabetes author and has created programs, virtual grocery store trips, home study programs, and is a host of a the Health Guardian Angels Weekly Support Group.
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