Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen when coming to school is something everyone wants, but sometimes dieting just isn’t an option. The next best thing is working out, but can you exercise on campus when you’re absolutely crammed with work? Here are some creative ways you can stay fit while still dealing with the craziness of a college schedule.
- Go to the gym
I know this one seems obvious, but it is one of the simplest answers to this question. The Mount’s Kaplan Gym has something for everyone, whether you want to lift weights, run, bike, or even get in some yoga. You can even have some fun on the basketball court, if that’s your thing. Kaplan also isn’t the only gym on campus either; Sakac, Guzman, and the Dominican Center have their own small gyms too! - Join a sports team
Even if you don’t think you have enough time, joining a sports team will not only get you fit; it will also force you to do your work. As someone who is really good at procrastinating, if I wasn’t on the swim team, I would never get any work done. Having less time in the day makes you spend your time much more wisely than if you have huge chunks of time free. Plus you’ll get in an amazing workout! - Jog to class
I know it might seem like a strange idea at first, but you have to walk to class already, why not make it more of a workout? Jogging will get your heartrate up, and the extra added weight of those textbooks you have to carry will be more of an added challenge. There’s also the added bonus that you won’t have to get out of bed as early because it won’t take as long to get to class. - Walk or run around campus
You’ve most likely seen the track team running around campus for their practices, but you can do it too! Running, jogging, or even walking around campus is a good way to get a good workout in, and is also a good way to see all of the different parts of campus too! - Don't take the elevator
I know walking up three flights of stairs to get to the classes in Aquinas can be daunting, especially when trying to get to your 8am, but it can provide a pretty good workout, especially if you’re moving quickly. Taking the elevator is nice, but when trying to get in shape, it’s better to just deal with the stairs. Trust me, you won’t regret it when looking in the mirror a month later. - Take the long way to class
Our campus is so small that your longest walk is almost guaranteed to be less than ten minutes. When taking that short walk to class, why not take the scenic route? Sure, it might mean fewer minutes spent in your dorm room, but doing a little wandering around campus won’t just help with your physical health, but your mental health too. So take a couple extra minutes on your way to your next class and enjoy the sunshine. - Swim
We’re lucky to have a pool on campus with open swim hours! Even if you’re not the best at swimming, it is still an amazing workout. Swimming is also a really good way to stay in shape if you are recovering from an injury, because it doesn’t include the hard force of hitting the floor when running or the exertion used when lifting. - Exercise in your room
Going to the gym can be a little daunting, especially if you aren’t really that experienced and don’t know what you’re doing. But don’t worry, you can still try to get in shape without the awkwardness of surrounding yourself with pros! Just find workouts that you can do in your room. I’ve included a link below to a YouTube video to give some more creative ideas than just regular old planks and crunches. - Make a workout group
When exercising alone your motivation can sometimes fall short, that’s why working out in a group is such a good idea! Having a group of people to motivate each other will make sure you actually get a good workout in, and it is another way to have fun with your friends! With a group you can even do some kind of game, like ultimate frisbee or basketball! - Walk up to the DC
We have our own miniature mountain on campus, why not put it to good use? Walking up to the DC may seem like a challenge, but every day you do it, it will get easier and easier! Plus being in the library is a good motivator to actually sit down and do your work, so you get two good things for the price of one!