Staying Active Throughout the Year

By: Sara Clancy, PhD. Student
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Fall semester is upon us! If you are stepping on a college campus for the first time, it can seem overwhelming. New school, loads of classes, paying rent. If you're a returning student, or staff preparing for the joys of the beginning of the academic year, you've got a lot on your mind. Free time? I don't think so. With so many important things that require our attention, when is there time to take care of our health? As many of us understand all too well, physical health can impact psychological health as well. Taking care of your body and your mind can take less time and be a lot easier than you might think. Here are some tips.

1. When weather permits, take a break and get outside, even if you only have time for a short excursion! Do something you enjoy. Bring a friend. Relieve stress and move your body in a way that feels good. A short walk or a light jog during a morning or afternoon break can do wonders for your heart and your energy. If you own a bike, take it out for a quick spin! Utilize the nature Pullman has to offer; there are certainly enough hills to get a workout!

2. Feeling like a little mini vacation that is fun, exciting, and affordable? Drop by the Outdoor Recreation Center and check out the various outings that are offered. From an evening of sunset disc golfing, to a day or two of river rafting down the Salmon River, the ORC has a number of ideas to help you stay active, have fun, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Northwest.

3. During those cold winter months, keep active indoors. Take a trip to the Palouse Mall. Challenge yourself to walk around more than you buy. The WSU Student Recreation Center has an indoor track, group fitness, martial arts, dance classes, and tons of cardiovascular equipment you can use to keep your heart in shape. Enjoy the snow? How about an afternoon of snowboarding or snow shoeing? Remember snowboarders, you have to drag that board all the way up the hill before you can slide down it!

4. Instead of taking the elevator to get to your class, office, or dorm on the fourth floor, take the stairs.

5. Are you a fan of the dance machines at Zeppos? They are a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun. Wii Tennis anyone?

6. If you are a fan of sports, consider joining an intramural league or start a sport club with your friends at the Student Recreation Center. It's a great way to have fun, stay active, and not break the bank.

7. Stay involved in the physical activities you've enjoyed in the past, or try something new. There's something out there for everyone.

It is a good idea to try to do at least twenty minutes of cardio three times a week and twenty minutes of resistance training twice a week to keep your heart in shape and increase muscle strength and endurance. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, even during the winter months. Remember, exercise doesn't have to happen on a treadmill; just make it happen.