According to Thomas Jefferson, for a student to be successful in their academic studies, they need to devote time to exercise. They need to “give about two of them (hours), every day, to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes a strong mind.”
Back to School
It’s been about six weeks since college students headed back to their computer desks, lectures and libraries. Students get more sedentary as their workload increases. They are cramming for tests, spending a lot of hours researching papers, writing, rewriting and more. They don’t’ call them the freshman 15 for nothing. But there’s a real benefit that you can get from working out even while in college that will continue to benefit you for years to come.
Tufts University conducted a multi-year research project that found students who exercised at least 3 days a week were going to be in better physical health than students who didn’t. Those who exercise regularly are also more likely to be in better academic shape and that their major benefits are reaped following college as they maintained a healthier lifestyle going into their careers.
2 Hours a Day?
Modern experts don’t recommend 2 hours a day of exercise, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services does think you should get about 60 minutes of vigorous exercise as often as you can. So if you work out three days a week, 45 minute sessions might be a good idea. You can break those up into 3 vigorous 15 minute sessions or do it all together. If you work out 4 or more days a week, then 30 minutes of exercise per day is enough to help you meet your goals and to feel more physically fit.
Now, you may not be thinking about your 50s or 60s while you’re in college, chances are you’re not even thinking about your 30s. But long term studies have shown a remarkable advantage to regular exercise in the aging process, not only for maintaining your figure, but also your vigor.
Do you work out regularly?