Between managing classes, extracurriculars, friends and other essential aspects of college life, it can be difficult for students to stay active. However, finding the time to stay active is extremely important for both your physical and mental health. Physical activity has many benefits for students, including improved cognitive abilities, decreased feelings of anxiety, increased energy and improved heart health. Here are a few tips on how to stay active in college:

  1. Prioritize sleep and time management – Without an effective sleep schedule, committing to staying active can be an impossible task. Quality rest is invaluable in keeping you energized and productive throughout your day. Focusing on improving time management skills can greatly boost your ability to commit to staying active.
  2. Find an activity you enjoy – Enjoying exercise can be supported by finding a specific workout, activity or group class that you like participating in. Figuring out what type of movement you enjoy can help positively change your relationship with exercise and improve your overall health. Campus Rec offers a variety of different ways to stay active through five recreational programming areas—Aquatics, Fitness & Wellness, Intramural Sports, Sports Clubs and Outdoor Adventure. “Through Campus Rec, students can create connections with peers who share similar interests and foster a sense of community. Remember, you belong here!” said Shaina Reins, fitness and wellness coordinator for the Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA).
  3. Seek guidance – Consistently struggling to be active can be aided by seeking help from health care professionals for both physical and mental afflictions. It can also be beneficial to explore the affordable personal training options provided by Campus Rec. Another option is to attend a wellness consultation offered by Student Wellness where you can learn about the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for physical activity and gather resources on improving your overall health.
  4. Incorporate small amounts of movement – Regular, thorough exercise can seem like a daunting task, but adding small doses of activity to your daily routine can also make changes to your health. “A little goes a long way,” said Kady Harris, a fitness graduate assistant. “Physical activities don't always have to be for a long duration of time. Being able to add a quick 15-minute walk or bodyweight workout into your weekly routine can help support an individual's overall health.”
  5. Get outside – ETSU was recently voted the 2024 Top Adventure College by readers of the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine for the second year in a row—and for good reason! Endless outdoor opportunities are available at ETSU and throughout the beautiful Appalachian mountains that surround the campus. Exploring nature can be a great way to stay active! Check out the Campus Rec Outdoor Adventure site to research the different ways to get moving. Looking to improve your mental well-being? 

 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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