Many college students struggle to strike a balance between maintaining their studies and making time to keep up with their own health.
A World Health Organization study found one in four people are at high risk due to lack of exercising. The study also found not receiving the proper amount of physical activity can cause major health issues such as heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
University of Memphis School of Health Studies professor Lawrence Weiss said staying fit has a positive influence on the body.
“You can exercise for maintaining good body composition, you can do it for general health purposes, you can do it for high level of performance in athletics, and many occupations require it,” Weiss said.
Many people stay fit because of their jobs. Some jobs, like becoming a police officer, require their applicants to train by running under a certain time limit. Exercising supports someone’s capability to not only perform well athletically but also mentally.
According to Weiss, part of the problem is people tend to lead relatively inactive lifestyles.
“With society as it today, we have a lot individuals stay inside as opposed to getting out and doing things,” Weiss said.
U of M research associate Matt Butaman said having a healthy eating habit controls the body’s energy.
“Exercising can increase the amount daily energy temperature and allow you to offset the negative consequences of overeating,” Butaman said.
Some U of M students, like chemistry major Kayla Jones, try to make time for exercise outside of classes by walking and jogging in her spare time between classes.
“[I exercise] basically to stay in shape, get fit and live a healthy lifestyle,” Jones said.
Other students, like accounting major Patrick Porter, said being active not only helps the body but also gets him through difficult days.
Porter endures an extremely fast-paced workout not only to maintain and build up his body, but also to relieve stress from both on and off campus.
