Exercise for health rather than for appearance, losing weight, or burning calories

Exercise for fun, stress reduction, the challenge, and longterm health

Fuel up with carbs and protein after exercise

Eat every 3-4 hours to fuel for any activity

If you feel guilty for missing exercise, talk to a counselor in UCS

Aim to move intuitively 3-5 days a week for at least 30 minutes

Mix up the type of exercise you do, integrating strength, flexibility, and cardio

Set goals based on performance, not body shape or weight

Listen to your body and go what feels good, paying attention to when you need rest

Find exercise you enjoy. Try BCRec Group Fitness Classes, small group training, or personal training

Recovery days are important for your body to replenish glycogen stores and rebuild protein. If you feel anxious taking a rest day, it is even more important to do so! Exercise should be fun, and not a stress in your life. If you work out every day of the week or when you're tired or don't feel like it, give yourself a break and take a day to do something else. Struggling with body image, sign up for the Body Project, offered to female-identified students. Check out our exercise tips and recommendations.

Try movement, a game, or exercise that is different for your body once this week. If you normally lift weights, get on the yoga mat. If you run, get in the pool. If you swim, try a HIIT workout. Your body likes to be challenged, and that is where gains in strength, speed, and flexibility happen! Check out BC Recreation's group fitness classes to add variety into your routine.  

Exercising alone can be isolating and not so fun. And, we know relationships benefit from activities done together. Ask a friend to do an activity with you this week, like going for a jog, rock climbing, or taking a class. You'll have fun, camaraderie, and find that it isn't so boring or painful when you've got company.

Boston has a lot to offer, and you can get around it on foot, walking or running, or on a bike. In fact, Blue Bikes offers bikes throughout the city from Brookline for a small fee. Take one down to the Charles River, and along the Esplanade. Or, take the T downtown and walk into the North End. Getting out can also help bring nature into your life, which we know is essential for health and a stable mood. You'll be combining fun movement with an adventure! You could even sign up for an outdoor adventure! 

Nutrition plays an important role in physical activity and sports. Athletes and individuals who exercise regularly require fuel to meet their body's energy demands. By consuming adequate amounts of fuel, you can create positive and lasting effects on physical performance, strength, endurance, and recovery. Check out the pre-post snacks to fuel yourself for your next workout. 

Remember, the healthiest exercise:

Is intuitive. Listen to your body!

Makes you feel good

Is not a punishment

Is enjoyable

Has nothing to do with your appearance

Isn't used to earn food or burn calories