We all remember that scene from Legally Blonde where we can see Elle walking on a treadmill, changing channels, and having a big book opened right in front of her.
This scene, although a bit exaggerated, showed how hard it is for college students to keep up with workouts, study time, and entertainment. As we saw Elle doing everything at once, we are left wondering if that was something we could all do.
However, we believe that combining physical activity with study time can be productive but at the same time counter producing. It all depends on the type of student you are.
If you have a hard time concentrating while you study, then doing a workout routine at the same time might not be a good idea. However, if you have a good memory and you can focus easily, you can go over some flashcards while you do your workout routine.
Keep in mind that there are different options and if one doesn't help, you can find a movement or routine that helps. Below, you'll find information about the different types of exercises you can do as you're studying or working on preparing for an exam.
Activities that will allow you to study while you exercise
If you want to do some class and school homework as you go to the gym you probably won't be very successful because the gym has another function. It will be hard to study at a gym because you'd be changing from one machine to another and it'll be annoying to move around carrying books, a gym towel, a water bottle, and more.
However, if you like to exercise at home, studying during your workout might be more accessible. You can have your study flashcards laid out around your yoga mat, or have your class book opened right in front of you.
Learning to focus and having a good intensity workout is not easy but is also not impossible. If you practice and have a daily routine that includes exercise and studying, with patience you'll improve your skills. The important thing is not to get frustrated!
For instance, if you can't focus during your workouts now and decide to quit trying, then you won't get anywhere. However, if you persevere and accept that you'll improve eventually, then you'll be kind to yourself and your process. All you have to do at first is accept that you are not perfect and that things take patience.
Learning a new skill won't happen from one day to another. You have to take things one step and one day at a time. You'll start noticing what things work best, what helps, how you get better, how you have more energy, and more.
Some of the sports that you can practice while you study are anything you can do on your yoga mat. For instance, yoga, pilates, aerobic exercise, strength exercises, intensity cardio, or regular routines.
You can also download an audiobook for any class and listen to it while you are out running, cycling, walking, or roller skating. The key is to get creative and see how to optimize your schedule.
You can even look for resources you can use to work out in college and study all at once. We bet there are plenty of apps or online resources available for college students.
Find creative ways to include your studies in your workout
As we mentioned, some exercises and routines are adaptable and they'll allow you to carry on with your studies all at once. At times you'll have to get creative.
For instance, you can try to study for a test and do one of your workout routines with a book or notebook opened right in front of you. You can do one set, then, while you pause to rest, you can quickly glance at your book, read the next item, and work on memorizing it as you do another set.
Doing this can help you work on your memory skills and your fitness skills. Keep in mind that exercise can help you keep your brain sharp and this will directly impact your school life.
If you don't believe us, you can always read about why college students should work out and learn why it is important that you include physical activity in your life and you increase the minutes you spend exercising per day.
Another way to keep up with your studies and do workouts at the same time is to hold quizzes with your workout buddies. For instance, imagine you find a running buddy in your history class.
You can go out for a run every morning, quiz each other, and enjoy the benefits of studying, working out, and socializing all at once.
Many students believe that college is a synonym for loneliness, so we recommend you strive to find and build a support system that will allow you to reduce your stress and share experiences.
The key lies in learning that you're not alone and there are probably many other students with similar situations to yours. Keep in mind that exercise might be essential but so is sleep. So we recommend you don't sacrifice your sleep and exchange it for a workout.
Benefits of working out as a college student
You probably already know all the benefits of staying active and doing physical activity on a daily basis. However, we thought it might be helpful for you to be reminded of how beneficial workouts can be as a college student.
For instance, physical activity increases your body's strength. Having a strong body translates to having more energy, being able to carry your books without an issue, and overall feeling good inside your own body.
Another positive aspect of exercising on a regular basis is that it'll help you regularize your sleep. Some people tend to underestimate how important sleep is. However, while you're in college you'll notice that the better you sleep the better you perform the next day.
Being able to sleep is an important function of our bodies and many college students tend to sacrifice or ignore it first. They get so overwhelmed with everything else and they believe that the one thing they can spare a couple of minutes or hours is their sleeping routine.
If you feel like you can't catch a break and you need help managing your stress you can always find a yoga teacher right here on Superprof and they can teach you relaxation and meditation techniques to help you conceal rest. We can understand if working out as a college student is hard, but you can always find creative solutions.
Create a schedule that includes workout hours
People tend to stress over anything and everything, and college students are constantly frustrated with their "lack" of time. However, it's not like college students do not have time, what they lack is organization skills.
If you're a college freshman we recommend you start building a habit around organization and planning and include exercise in your daily routine (make sure to consider rest days).
Building a daily schedule can be challenging and at times we might feel a little restless about it. However, if you are organizing everything in your brain and you do not write things down, you are bound to forget things and even fall behind.
If you feel like you're swamped with chores and school projects and you feel like you don't even have a spare minute to exercise, you could first try learning how much should a college student workout.
You'll see that you do not need to spend three hours running and you can keep a healthy balance even if you just spend 15 or 20 minutes doing a quick routine.
While you're in college you need to make an effort to find a balance in your life. This means organizing yourself to go to class, do homework, and do projects, but also you need to focus on yourself, your health, your social life, your hobbies, and rest.
It seems like a lot, but if you schedule everything you won't have trouble adapting to college life!
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