Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential to your health and well-being, and it supports you in achieving your personal and academic goals.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

• Reduces stress
• Increases productivity
• Improves quality of sleep
• Improves self-esteem and body image

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also list the following benefits of physical activity:

• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Improves mental health and mood
• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduces risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Reduces risk for some cancers

Get Started

Being physically active means choosing programs and activities that work. The following links provide useful resources to consider when getting started.

• Seven Benefits of Regular Physical Activity (Mayo Clinic)
• Physical Activity Basics (CDC)
• Gymtimidation: Intimidated by Working Out at Health Clubs (Go Ask Alice!)
• Reaching Your Goals the SMART Way (American Council on Exercise)
• Three Things Every Exercise Program Should Have (American Council on Exercise)
• How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer (American Council on Exercise)

Stay Motivated

Finding the motivation to stick with a physical activity plan can be a challenge at times. While motivation is unique to each individual, the many rewards are universal and include benefits to academic performance, energy level, mood, and immune function. The following links provide some helpful resources for maintaining motivation:

• Battling Boredom (American Council on Exercise)
• Staying Motivated for Fitness (Mayo Clinic)
• Exercise Motivation...for Stress Reduction (Go Ask Alice!)
• Is Soreness a Good Indicator of a Good Workout? (Go Ask Alice!)