How to work out with a busy college schedule

By ALYSSA DEMEMBER Published August 6, 2012 at 1:21am Updated August 6, 2012 at 1:46am

With a school schedule that seems to start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. every day, it’s easy to neglect your body. Students are busy and have pretty tight schedules, but there are simple ways to fit a few workouts into your routine. It’s not about having rock star abs, the beefiest biceps or the thinnest physique. It’s about doing what works for your body and keeps you healthy. Getting your heart rate up a few times a week is better than nothing, so whether it’s a brisk walk outside, a five-mile bike ride, or an intense weight-lifting session, just keep your body active. Here are a few tips for finding time to work out during your busy week.

Know the available resources

The Student Recreation Center on Sixth Street and Highland Avenue is open at almost all hours of the day. This place has a number of different resources to utilize, including a full-length pool, a large area with weights and cardio machines, racquetball and basketball courts, a rock wall and various other facilities. Go for a workout with your own individual routine, join an intramural sports team or take a fitness class. The options are widespread and the Rec Center has equipment to rent out if you don’t have your own racket or don’t feel like carrying your basketball all day.

There are also plenty of sports-related clubs to join on campus and 39 Campus Recreation Sports Clubs, according to ASUA Student Clubs and Organizations on Orgsync.com.

Go in between classes or during ‘off time’

If English 101 ends at 1 p.m. and Calculus I starts at 2 p.m., make a run to the Rec Center or take a jog around campus during your break. A few laps around the UA Mall is a great and easy way to stay active, especially as the temperatures start to drop in the fall months. Just go to class with your workout clothes on so you’ll be ready to go as soon as class ends. Of course, be sure not to go for an intense blood-sweat-and-tears sort of deal. You don’t want to arrive at your next class smelling like the New York Giants’ locker room.

Set a day or two aside every week to exercise and don’t deviate
This one sounds simple, and it can be, as long as some self-discipline is implemented. Set a goal at the beginning of the school year to work out a certain number of days a week and stick to it. For example, if you tell yourself that you are going to take a jog every Monday morning, go every single Monday morning. No excuses. As soon as excuses start creeping in, the entire semester will fly by and all of a sudden you’ll wonder what happened to your fitness plans. Before setting a goal like this, just be sure that it fits well with your schedule.

Make it an outing with friends

Fitness can also be a fun thing to do with a friend or a group. An early morning hike on the weekend, a midday bike ride or a pick-up game of basketball are all great ways to catch up with friends. You may not even realize it because you’re having fun, but you’re doing your body a lot of good.