Written by Ella Lloyd
Finding the time to drag yourself to the gym can be really difficult, especially in the winter period. There are probably ten thousand different ways you would rather spend your spare time than get hot and sweaty in a room full of groaning bodybuilders.
After studying or working, do you really have time to exercise?
The answer should be yes. As tiring and boring as it may seem, exercise is one of the greatest ways to release some of your endorphins. For those of you who don’t know what endorphins are, they are your body’s natural ‘happy chemicals’. Releasing these chemicals can give you a natural boost in your mood.
Exercise is a great helping hand for those who struggle with depression and anxiety. Although the gym may be the last place on earth that you would want to be at, it is so worth it. Other chemicals such as adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine are also released during the course of exercise. These chemicals all work together as a natural therapy, for both the body and the brain.
If you struggle to find the time to make it to the gym or partake in a sports activity, there are always some fantastic exercises to be done at home. As students, it’s understandable that money can too be an issuing factor. Gym memberships are getting pricey after all. Purchasing some light gym equipment can be a great way to begin and even maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You may have heard of resistance bands or otherwise known as, ‘booty bands’. This piece of equipment is not only cheap to buy, but it is also really effective. The fact that they are portable is a huge advantage too. The resistance bands are excellent to exercise a variety of muscles groups. Exercising in this way may feel more comfortable for you personally. Like many other things, finding what works best for you is essential.
If all else fails, which sometimes it does, and that is OK; find yourself a friend to train with. Arranging plans with somebody else makes cancelling a lot harder. Forcing yourself to physically get to the gym is the hardest part. However, once you’re there and in the flow, you will feel the motivation rush in. When your session is finished, you can’t help but plan out your next workout.
If you are considering joining a sports group, it may seem daunting. The key thing to remember is that everyone else is either in the same boat or has been once. Meeting new people is scary for many but these groups are great opportunities to make new friends with similar interests. When you are a part of a team it is a responsibility to show up and take part, to avoid letting everybody else down. This can be an enormous motivation for you to stick to your routines.
The main thing to remember is that some days will be harder than others. You should not punish yourself for giving your mind and body a break. Some days you really won’t feel like exercising and that is OK, but also remember the possibility of the positive outcomes that await.
