Balancing friends, schoolwork, and other responsibilities can make it feel like you barely have time to breathe! The thought of adding fitness to the mix might feel overwhelming. College life is busy, but physical activity is important for your overall health.
We spoke with OhioHealth physician Dr. Jane Balbo, who sees patients at OhioHealth Campus Care at Ohio University, to understand the importance of physical activity in college and find unique ways to fit it into your schedule.
Your brain has priorities
“When we look at neuroscience research, learning, and mental well-being, we know that the number one priority is healthy sleep,” explains Dr. Balbo. “Sleep is restoration, so getting an adequate amount should always be your first priority.”
“The second priority for students—believe it or not—isn’t studying. It’s movement,” she says. “Humans evolved to move. We know that people who get adequate sleep and move their body regularly learn more efficiently and retain information more easily.”
Dr. Balbo says that maintaining a nutritious diet is also a must-have for proper brain function.
Focus on how you feel
The way you want to move your body is up to you. “People have a lot of different thoughts and experiences when it comes to exercise,” says Dr. Balbo. “When people think of exercise as a task, chore, punishment, or just a way to burn calories, it can make it really unenjoyable.”
To reap the benefits of physical activity, Dr. Balbo encourages students to find movements that benefit them most—physically and mentally. “Physical movement of the whole body is helpful for the heart, lungs, and brain. A good exercise for you will depend on which movements bring you pleasure or joy.”
Movements to try
For some people, the gym isn’t a pleasurable place to move. Dr. Balbo assures us that movement doesn’t have to be a “workout”—it can be incorporated into your day! Here are some ideas to get you moving, in or outside of the gym:
- Walk to class – This one may sound simple, but it’s a great form of exercise! “Maybe take a longer, scenic route, and even incorporate some mindfulness and appreciation of nature,” adds Dr. Balbo.
- Dance – Put on your favorite music and dance around your dorm room or apartment, alone or with friends!
- Hike or walk – Catch up with a buddy while you walk one of Columbus’ many trails.
- Park farther away than you need to – Quick and easy extra steps.
- Yoga – This one’s easy to do in small spaces, like a dorm room.
- Stretch – Like yoga, this is great for on-the-go and small spaces.
- Run – Through your campus, neighborhood, or at the gym.
- Lift weights – You can do this at the gym, or with free weights in your own room.
- Biking or cycling – Take your bike for a ride or hit the stationary bike!
- Functional movements – Lift the milk jug a few extra times when you’re putting away groceries. Practice good form when squatting down and lifting heavy objects.
- Fitness classes – If you prefer a group setting, try a new class with friends. Cycling, pilates, kickboxing, and swimming are a few common ones. Check out some of OhioHealth’s Health and Wellness Classes or see what your college offers.
About the authors
College 101 is a collaborative series between OhioHealth Marketing and Communications Interns. This article was written by our 2022-2023 intern, The Ohio State University Graduate, Erica Wetzler.
