Hitting the books or hitting the gym? How college students struggle to exercise
- aerhoderick
- Apr 27, 2022
- 2 min read
Many college students don’t exercise enough, citing time management struggles and lack of motivation. However, schools like Chapman University may offer fun, structured solutions.
Music blares and neon lights flash during Tess Martinelli’s Thursday HIIT class. At the front of the room, Martinelli jogs in place, smiling and doling out workout instructions. The Chapman students in her class eagerly break a sweat.
A full-time Chapman student and fitness instructor, Martinelli loves her job.
“Overall, I just feel as though my mental and physical wellbeing are just incredibly increased when I’m staying active,” she says.
However, many of her fellow students don’t share her drive to exercise- and many suffer the consequences.
Martinelli demonstrates proper “side crunch” form during her Thursday afternoon HITT class.
Exercise: a chore
College students are busy, often juggling assignments, social activities, and work. Many struggle to do so while maintaining (or failing to maintain) their health.
One study found that only 40-45% of college students engaged in exercise activities regularly. These findings are alarming, as many students struggle with weight gain and mental health concerns, partially from lack of exercise.
Students often cite issues with time management and lack of motivation when it comes to lack of activity. However, schools like Chapman that provide structured and enjoyable exercise outlets for students may offer a solution.
Club sports: structured fun
Club sports are one of Chapman’s many physical activity resources. Madee Sabatier, a full-time student and member of the Women’s Club Soccer Team, says that it has been a good way for her to stay active.
“I’m constantly running,” she says, “I usually play the entire game, so like a ninety-minute game- that’s a really big workout.”
“I think going to the gym every day and then being able to play soccer is a great balance,” says Sabatier, shown above readying to kick the ball. Photo: courtesy of Madee Sabatier
One of Sabatier’s teammates, Becca Leberman, thinks that club soccer provides structured exercise.
“It’s two or three times a week so it’s not a huge time commitment,” she says. “Having organized things to do is a lot better, than just saying ‘Oh I’m going to work out today,’ because a lot of the times, I won’t.”
It’s not just sports
Sabatier and Leberman agree that club sports provide scheduled, fun blocks of time to exercise. However, what if students aren’t keen on sports?
Fitness classes on campus (referred to as GroupX classes) taught by students like Martinelli present yet another solution.
GroupX classes provide services such as:
Free and easy-to-join fitness classes such as Pilates, weight training, or yoga.
Exercise and social-based fitness events.
Classes that don’t exceed forty-five-minute blocks- a manageable time commitment.
Whether it be one of the GroupX classes that she teaches, club sports, or just working out with friends, Martinelli thinks that any student can use campus resources to stay active.
“Even small ways of staying active are so, so important,” she says. “I think it’s doable for students even with a busy schedule… whether that’s going on a hike with a friend…or taking classes. What I would recommend most is to find fun ways to stay active.”
Leberman (front row, fourth from the left) and Sabatier (directly above Leberman) pose with the rest of their soccer team.
·
Comments