The benefits of exercise have been proven time and time again.
Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and type-2
diabetes. It controls weight gain and improves the overall
structure of the body.

For college students, exercise is especially beneficial. Regular
exercise has been shown to decrease levels of stress, depression
and anxiety–feelings that are common for students who find
themselves overwhelmed by the new responsibilities and difficult
coursework associated with higher education.

Between academic and social commitments, the average student has
trouble fitting a workout into their schedule. When they do find
the time, most lack the expertise to know what or how much exercise
they should do.

One resource Saint Louis University offers students is the
Wellness Center, located in the Simon Recreation Center. The
Wellness Center targets all aspects of health, from physical to
spiritual and mental. It aids students wanting to get fit but
lacking knowledge.

“We focus on what we call the ‘fitness triad’–cardiovascular
exercise or aerobics, strength training, and stretching or
flexibility,” said Eric Anderson, assistant director of the
Wellness Center.

Cardiovascular exercise is designed to strengthen the heart
muscle and improve overall endurance. Common cardio exercises
include running, cycling and swimming.

“The American College of Sports Medicine recommends an
accumulated 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise, five to
six times a week,” said Anderson.

Strength training both builds and tones muscles, creating a body
that is more efficient at burning calories and fat. Strength
training is typically performed using either free weights or weight
machines.

“You should try to target each major muscle group two times a
week,” said Anderson.

It is important with strength-training exercises to pay
attention to form. It is also important to give each muscle group
at least a day of rest between workouts.

Since stretching exercises require less time than cardio or
strength training, they are often forgotten. These exercises are
critical, however, because they help to prevent injury and
soreness. The most common mistake inexperienced exercisers make
when stretching is not warming up first.

“You never want to stretch a cold muscle,” said Anderson.

Before any workout, it’s a good idea to give your body a five
minute warm-up, allowing the muscles to gear up for more intense
training and stress. Anderson suggested waiting until the end of
the workout to stretch, to ensure the muscles are sufficiently
warmed up and to avoid future stiffness.

On SLU’s main campus, the most accessible facility to exercise
in the Simon Recreation Center, which features an indoor track,
basketball courts, swimming pool and both cardio and strength
machine. Simon Rec also offers group exercise classes ranging from
salsa to Pilates to kickboxing.

For students who see working out as a time to get away from
school and social stresses, an off-campus alternative may be a
better choice. Forest Park is a popular destination, especially for
runners, boasting a scenic running trail thatattracts people of all
ages and experience.

The main obstacle for students who want to make exercise a
regular part of their life is finding the right motivation. In
order for it to gain some preference, working out has to be seen
more as playtime rather than work time.

“Consider activities you really enjoy doing, and have someone
who is knowledgeable show you the proper form and technique for the
exercise,” said Anderson.

Once a student finds a workout that can challenge and excite
them, it’s easier to make it fit into a tight schedule. Another
simple solution is to team up with a friend or roommate.

“Find an exercise buddy to keep you motivated,” said
Anderson.

Whatever the reason may be, students finding time to exercise
will reap its rewards–a better life in college and beyond.