by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: September 08, 2009   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

If you're handling a full course load and your free time is tied up by a job or other activities, it's difficult to find time to stay in shape. College students might find themselves vegging out in front of a TV or computer to blow off steam when they should be getting off their duff and getting some much needed exercise.

It's a vicious cycle, a downward spiral, when you're not eating right or getting exercise. Don't get discouraged. Exercise is work that tires you, but will give you more energy in the long run.

It may seem difficult to get out of the dorm and into a gym. Usually, universities offer up much of their facilities to keep students fresh and prepared to tackle those books and learn. You can spin on a stationary bike or do crunches in the weight room. There might be a swimming pool where you can do a few laps from time to time.

There are many ways to take advantage of exercise as a college student. An old favorite, invented by Dr. James Naismith, is basketball. This sport was invented to keep people healthy throughout the dormant months of winter, so it's perfect for college life. If you search, it might not be hard to find pick-up games in a college gym. It's likely intramural sports are available. Or, you can just organize a bunch of students and take them to the nearest park.

If you're snowed in, there's always aerobics. You can rent or buy workout videos to inspire you to move those limbs. if that doesn't do it for you, try dancing. Lay off the liquor, but go clubbing on the weekends. Don't take no for an answer and get someone out on the dance floor, even if you tell them you need your exercise!

Walking is something everyone should do daily. Being on a college campus affords that opportunity. You can plan extra strolls on your campus vigils to get your heart and pulse rate up for longer periods of time. It may only take 20 minutes at a time, if you can spare. Another choice, where possible, is to ride a bike. When living on or off campus, you can find various areas of town that can be toured by cycling.

Whatever you do, don't find the easy way out. Take the stairs. In fact, find an out of the way stairwell and jog those steps a few times. Try not to sit around so much, try reading while you walk or stand.

You'll have fewer calories to burn if you eat right. Avoid vending machines and make healthy choices, like keeping nutritious snacks in your backpack. You need fuel to keep your motor running when it comes time to burn calories.

Cardio exercise is the thing. Don't be a vegetable and get off your behind. Think active and be active. Make the most out of the college experience by exercising and have fun doing it.

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