Ithaca College

As the cold, wet weather approaches, try to stay active and healthy by exercising! Before the snow touches, try to exercise outside, utilize the fitness center, and check out the new Athletics and Events Center. There are many benefits college students get from regular exercising, so grab a friend and attend one of these great Block II classes offered at the fitness center!

Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (brisk-walking) of physical activity every week and 2 or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities working all major muscle groups

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You can choose to do 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (jogging or running), along with 2 or more days of muscle-strengthening. For more exercise options, click here.

Benefits of Exercising:

• Maintains a healthy weight
• Boosts immune system (MUCH needed for college life)
• Can improve sleep quality
• Improves circulation, which increases academic performance
• Decreases stress levels
• Increases overall quality of life, may help with seasonal affective disorder
• Will be good for your health beyond college (we won't be young forever)

Here Are Some Ways to Increase Everyday Physical Activity:

• Bike or walk to class, the library, or store
• Park farther away than you normally would to increase daily steps
• Choose to eat at the dining hall farthest from you
• Try stretching, marching in place, or walking around during study breaks to stay focused and keep blood circulating
• Take the stairs, especially if you live in Towers!

*Remember, it's possible to get too much exercise. Overexercising subjects your body to strains and injury by weakening muscles and joints. So, pay attention to signals from your body when you work out — it will let you know if you're pushing yourself too hard or straining too much. Also, give your body time to recuperate after tough workouts so you don't wear your body down.

Check out these helpful links from the Center for Health Promotion to get more information on exercising.

Submitted by: Maria Behrens '12