How do I find time to exercise at university?

Embarking on the exciting journey of university life often means navigating a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and social activities. Amidst the chaos, it's easy to let healthy habits, like regular exercise, take a back seat. However, maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle is crucial for both academic success and overall well-being. In this article, we'll explore practical rules and creative strategies to help you carve out time for exercise in your busy university schedule!

Rule Number 1: Discover Your Passion!

To seamlessly integrate exercise into your daily routine, it's imperative to engage in activities that truly bring you joy. My personal journey taught me a valuable lesson: attempting to stick to a weekly running routine was futile because I didn't derive any pleasure from it. An enlightening moment occurred during a failed attempt to run in London with friends, leading me to the realization that running wasn't my cup of tea. It was then that I stumbled upon fitness influencers on YouTube who passionately expressed their love for exercise. Initially perplexed, I eventually uncovered my own fitness passion: dancing. When I dance, the focus shifts from calorie counting and rep tracking to simply having a great time. Exercising becomes an immersive experience, allowing me to incorporate it effortlessly into my lifestyle. I am confident that, just like me, anyone can identify an activity they genuinely love.

Rule Number 2: Get a gym buddy!

Through motivating one another you find that even on the days you feel lazy to hit the gym, you end up going because of your friend. Over time, you realise that with the right people as your “Gym Buddies” you end up having a lot of fun and have a good social circle where you help each other achieve your goals. 

Rule Number 3: When in doubt, walk it!

Personally, I've made it a habit to opt for walking whenever possible. Even when convenient alternatives like trains or buses are available, I firmly advocate for choosing the scenic route on foot. While it might take a bit longer, the payoff is twofold: not only do you get to explore the city firsthand, but you also incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Of course, it's crucial to prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring that your walking adventures contribute positively to your overall health and enjoyment of this vibrant city!

Rule Number 4: Make use of everything around you!

1. The LSE Dance society offers dance classes (check their SU page) https://www.lsesu.com/ 
2. Dance Works Website https://danceworks.com/ 
3. BollyRed (if you are interested in Bollywood Dancing)  https://www.bollyred.com/
4. There are free dance lessons on eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/

Written by Sanjana Ramesh