Why Does Our Body Needs Exercise?

December 20, 2008

The importance of exercise is nothing new. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that to be successful in academic studies, a person should “give about two of them [that's hours, people!], every day, to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong.”

It turns out Jefferson was on to something. A multi-year study by researchers at Tufts University found that students who said they exercised at least 3 days a week were more likely to report a better state of physical health and greater happiness than those who didn’t exercise. This (and other evidence) suggests that the real benefits of exercise may not come right after a workout but from a longer commitment to regular activity.

Most experts today do not demand 2 hours of daily exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.

Brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are easy ways to boost your heart rate and promote cardiovascular health. Exercise can also help lower blood pressure and counter stress. For women, exercise that makes the body and bones bear weight – like walking or running – may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

You’ll likely discover a subtler benefit of exercise as well: greater self-confidence. This may make it easier for you to participate in class and help you perform well in academic and social situations.

How Can I Get Moving?

Colleges offer lots of exercise options. Why not take advantage of the facilities and try something new? You may even be able to take physical education classes for credit – check with your advisor. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

• Work out at the gym. The gym can be a great place to work off stress from the pressures of school. And if time on the stationary bike or treadmill makes you feel like a hamster, you’ll probably find lots of other options at your college gym, such a pool or yoga classes. Exercise should be fun, because the more you enjoy it the more likely you are to do it regularly. So find activities you like and make them a part of your routine.

• Hit the road. All you really need for a workout are comfortable athletic shoes. Then head to the track or check out local trails for jogging – or biking and in-line skating. If your school has jogging or fitness trails around campus, you can probably pick up a map in the student activities office or the gym. (Avoid running alone in isolated areas or at night, even in places that feel safe, so take a friend on your road trip.)

• Head to the court – or the green. Most schools have tennis, racquetball, or squash facilities, and some colleges have golf courses. Many offer classes and lessons. And one of the great things about college is that if your friends don’t share your interests, you can usually meet other players easily.

• Join the club. Even if you’re not at the level of NCAA competition, there are opportunities to play team sports. Check out intramural and club sports like soccer, basketball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, and tons of others.

• Take a hike. Many schools have an outdoor recreation club that loans or rents equipment – everything from tents and backpacks to kayaks and snowshoes – to students for solo or group outings. They may also offer organized trips and lessons. If you’re experienced in the outdoors, consider volunteering to lead groups of other students on hikes or other outdoor trips.

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