For many people, particularly college students, the pandemic has hindered their ability to stay physically active. Concerns with visiting indoor recreation facilities have made it difficult to find exercise alternatives. It is also easy to neglect exercise in the face of online and hybrid learning. However, regular physical activity is important for physical and mental health, and there are ways one can maintain activity levels in spite of these challenges.
Steps to Leaps learning pillars such as grit, and the recent Well-Being Tip of the Week focused on growth mindset and online learning, can play an important role in helping students achieve their activity goals. Try combining these Steps to Leaps strategies with the activity tips below:
Choosing to move in a way you enjoy. Exercise does not have to be a chore, and any added movement to your day is beneficial. There are many ways to add activity throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking to class instead of taking the bus. Additionally, playing an active video game, such as Just Dance, is a fun way to move, and even learning a new TikTok dance can promote the benefits of physical activity.
Walking and running outside. This can be done while maintaining social distance guidelines. For example, a friend living in California recently told me how she and her neighbor go on walks together. They walk on opposite sides of the street and talk to each other using their hands-free devices instead of talking loudly.
Breaking up sitting time. Remember that even a few minutes of physical activity each day can be beneficial. A colleague on a recent Zoom meeting described their goal of taking 150-steps every hour, which they accomplished by walking in their living room while staying engaged during the meeting. I take a short 5- to 10-minute walk outside between my virtual meetings.
Jorge Banda, Christina DaSilva, and Megan Roffers
Megan is earning a BS in Kinesiology
Christina is earning a BS in Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health
Dr. Jorge Banda’s research merges the fields of exercise science, public health, and social psychology to develop creative solutions to improve child health.
