Popularly known as the “Freshman Fifteen,” studies show that the average college student gains about 2.5 lbs. during their first semester, according to the Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. For many, the college weight gain often results from major lifestyle habits that can wreak havoc on the body, such as fast food delivery, skipping meals, unhealthy snacks, poor sleep schedules, and for some, excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, the university lifestyle might alter a student’s value of regular exercise. Though UWM offers a variety of intramural sports, campus gym facilities, and other fitness activities, many students find themselves overloaded on units. As a result, they choose to skip their daily fitness and focus on studies instead.
However, there are plenty of reasons to stay physically active – especially in college. Maintaining regular exercise can reduce the odds of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Maybe you want to lose weight, prevent depression or just look better. Exercise can provide a whole range of benefits that change more than the way you look and even the way you study. Here’s why you should get your body moving for better grades and a healthy lifestyle.  
Exercise the brain
Regular aerobic routines that get your heart and sweat glands pumping can also boost verbal memory and learning. In fact, exercise helps thinking and memory through direct and indirect means. The benefits come from its ability to reduce inflammation, insulin resistance, and even the growth of new blood vessels in the brain.

Fitness on a student budget
College students have a lot on their minds, and sometimes, a healthy diet is the least of their problems. Over a matter of time, they may fall into unhealthy habits, gain the essential weight, and stop exercising as much as they used to. For some students, they rely on high-fat snacks throughout the day versus quality meals. Staying fit on a budget can be easy when it comes to tracking the calories you consume.
In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calorie than you eat. For example: if you consume 1,500 calories but burn 2,000 calories per day, the deficit of 500 calories per day will help you lose at least one pound in a week.
Don’t know where to start? Try any or all of these tips:

 

  • Join a class or work out with dorm mates
  • Use a fitness tracker and walk to class
  • Sign up at the university’s gym
  • Schedule your workout like a class
  • Opt for 30 minutes of HIIT instead of 60 minutes on the Treadmill
  • Take a Physical Education class for credit

 

Whatever type of exercise you choose, commit to establishing a healthy diet and fitness routine as a lifestyle habit. After all, exercise will help you relieve stress from studies, boost your immune system, and keep your body looking great all year long.