Trying to find the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to balance school can be difficult, and many students slip out of shape. For the busy student, there are some quick and easy ways to begin getting healthy again.
Gail Wolcott, a former health counselor said, “A good starting point would be to see how much more you can walk [daily].”
Walking at a rate of just three miles per hour can burn five calories a minute.
Another suggestion is walking to talk to a friend next door or down the block instead of calling. Also, instead of trying to find the closest parking spot, park farther away and always use the stairs, she added. Taking the stairs at 35 steps per minute can burn 10 calories a minute.
“Ten calories here and there may not seem like much, but in the long run, it will pay off,” she said.
As far as eating habits go, Wolcott said, “I don’t think anyone can eat fast food and stay skinny.”
Other thing people don’t think about are how fattening the cream and flavoring is that they put in their coffee. Wolcott suggested using skim milk and sugar-free flavoring.
“Look at your diet and do anything to be active,” said Kari McDowell, a senior psychology student. “Once you start getting back into shape, you will have more energy.
“The way that I stay in shape is by eating healthy and having a balanced exercise routine of running, kickboxing and playing tennis,” she said.
McDowell said she also recommends working out with a partner.
“That way, even if you don’t feel like exercising, you will have somebody that keeps you doing it,” she said.
Of course, the basics must be remembered when starting any exercise routine.
Cari Leamy, a senior business major, stressed that stretching is very important.
“It is something people often forget about,” she said. “I would recommend that people start out by jogging a little bit each day and that they go to a group exercise class.”
Wolcott emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals and choosing enjoyable exercises because “you will be more likely to stick with it over time.”
When it comes to staying healthy, Leamy has some advice: “Don’t stop, or else you will lose it all and end up starting over again.”