Health & Fitness: Seasonal Gym Intermission

If you're like most people, you have mid-terms or the equivalent this time in the semester, and you're busy with school, extracurriculars, maybe volunteering and yes, papers, exams and other assignments are a priority! This is the season that gym attendance takes a serious dip as people prioritize their time and squeeze in group meetings and study time where exercise was once scheduled. Most, if not all, free time for a workout is often stolen to tend to academic pursuits. Please be careful and resist the urge to call a complete seasonal intermission to your exercise routine. Easier said than done? I would agree, but here are some pretty convincing thoughts to help you make the right decision at that moment in the week when you know it's time for a workout despite work that may be looming.

* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "The heights of great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night." Know that if you neglect your workout, your results or lack thereof will show. If you hope to improve your body and how you feel about yourself as spring break and summer approach, remember that you actually have to put in the work ahead of time to reap those benefits later. This physical transformation doesn't happen instantly. It requires commitment and effort.

* While you think not making time to work out is saving time for other things, it could be less efficient than you think. Remember that exercise helps relieve stress because of the endorphins (feel-good hormones) released after a workout. If you want to be calm, focused and energized, turn to some form of exercise. Even as little as 20 minutes can leave you feeling better and allow you to maximize your ability to study more effectively and efficiently because of your improved state of mind. Look better, feel better, perform better. Help prevent depression, raise your self-esteem and increase confidence. For these benefits, include exercise in your schedule, especially when you are busy or under high stress.

* Don't want to be stuck with a T-shirt on over your bathing suit or wearing long pants under the summer sun? Avoid the after-the-fact helpless feeling that may plague you if you neglect your mind and body now. Your body is important and how you feel is significant -- always give yourself some time every week to engage in exercise of some kind, particularly a form you enjoy and that also gives you the type of results you want. Ever made omelets without the egg? Not many of us have either. Fitness and weight loss are similar -- you rarely get the results you want without the whole recipe. If you want a summer body you approve of, then find and use the recipe that will bake the vision you have for yourself.

* Do you find yourself drained and tired from doing so much work, attending classes and meetings, and still having to do more before the night is out? Consider a short workout instead of a nap that will only leave you wanting more. Exercise boosts your energy levels, allowing you to do more work and be better at the work that you do. Increase your chances of doing the work well by exercising and getting your brain and body alert and ready.

* Exercise improves the quality of your sleep, so if you struggle to fall asleep or conversely to stay awake, turn to exercise. A good night's rest improves your attention, mood and efficiency and exercise improves the quality of your sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and giving you a deeper sleep. Use exercise as a tool to help you stay awake and feel great to do more work when you need to. Just be careful how close to bedtime you workout or it may be difficult to fall asleep.

Remember your goals and make time for them. You have to put in the time and energy to get the physical results you want and note that you should aim to strike a balance between academics and physical and mental health. The closer you come to a balance, the more you can maximize feeling and performing better. Exercise is your key for the rest of the semester to get you through the toughest and most challenging weeks -- Give it a try!