Finding a Time and Place to Workout from the Start

The academic year may bring numerous challenges, but with a little bit of planning and preparation I’m sure you are capable of handling every situation thrown your way. 

A major challenge that will present itself is maintaining good health through regular exercise and proper nutrition despite a hectic schedule.  Even though you are busy acquainting yourself with new surroundings, meeting new people, and have a full class schedule it is imperative to learn how to “fit-in-fitness” into your life. 

The challenge may not lie in the workout itself, but rather in finding the place and time in your busy new schedule to workout.  As you are getting to know your whereabouts on campus be sure to take time to check out what your school offers in the way of athletic facilities.  Many colleges and universities offer a gym to all students with free weights, machines, and cardio equipment.  Some schools even allow use of pools, tennis courts, tracks, and fields as long as a sports team doesn’t have practice. 

Talk to someone who works at the athletic center to get all the information:  hours of operation, type of equipment, costs and fees, and if they offer group fitness programs and classes to students. 

Now that you answered the question of where, let’s move on to when.  The great thing about college versus high school is that you have the luxury of forming your own schedule, choosing the classes and time slots.   It may work out that you have mornings free most days of the week or you may have a large gap between classes in the middle of the day. 

When you print off your class schedule and settle into your routine determine when the best time of day would be to squeeze in a workout.  Make the workout part of your daily/weekly schedule.  By doing this you will be more likely to make fitness a habit.  You may have mornings free for workouts Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and afternoons available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Studies have shown that people who workout first thing in the morning are more likely to stick with it, but if you’re not a morning person don’t worry. It doesn’t matter when you workout as long as you’re doing something you’re body will thank you.