The "freshman 15" stalks new college students across the country, causing them to gain weight as a result of poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and drinking. If you're a weight- and health-conscious college student, you know that exercise is one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. While some students spend their time playing video games, attending parties or hanging out with friends, taking time for physical activity helps you manage your weight and stay healthy as you begin your stint as a responsible, independent adult.
General Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day for optimum health. Even if you have a busy schedule of classes, social time and other activities, making exercise a priority on campus shouldn't be difficult. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day to make workouts a central part of your college experience.
Campus Health Club
Most colleges and universities offer health clubs and gyms on campus, with free or discounted memberships for students. Take advantage of the amenity by getting a membership and making trips to the gym part of your schedule. While at the health club, you'll have access to weights for strength training and cardio machines to increase your cardiovascular health, as well as classes for dance, aerobics and a number of other exercise methods so you never get bored. Set a goal to get to the gym three to five times per week, and make it a social event by enlisting your roommates and friends.
Campus Organizations
To supplement your exercise at the campus gym, join active clubs to keep your body moving, burning calories and building muscle -- and make friends, too. Clubs for Ultimate Frisbee, running, dancing and outdoor recreation are mainstays on many college campuses. If your favorite activity isn't offered, start a club by securing a space for play and practice and advertising in for players.
Student Athletics
Trying out for and making various sports teams on campus is an excellent way to add to your college exercise plan. Some sports are in high demand at certain colleges and universities, which heavily recruit for their teams. Smaller colleges often offer open tryouts for less popular sports such as volleyball, and track and field, and even for higher-profile sports such as basketball, football and baseball. Making the team gives you the opportunity to exercise through practices, games and working out with your teammates.
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