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NAHRWORDS: During Finals Week, don't let exercise fall by the wayside

Coffee. Energy drinks. Sugar-filled food. Total lack of sleep.

These are some of the characteristics that will be part of many students' lives these last few weeks as they prepare for the last days of classes as well as Finals Week.

Between classes, studying and group projects, students might find it difficult to find the time to workout. But it is possible to make it a priority. Freshman Erika Hess makes working out one of her top priorities.

"It is super, super important to me. It helps me de-stress," she said.

Hess began working out at the beginning of the school year. She said during the Fall Semester she usually worked out three to five times a week, but since Spring Break, it's been varied.

Most students are like Hess: They start by working out multiple times a week and, by the end of the semester, they fall to few if any workouts. There just isn't enough time.

Spring Break seems to be one of the major motivators for students to get in shape. Dayna Serbon, senior exercise science major and graduate assistant at Recreation Services, said around Spring Break the gyms were busy. Recreation Services is busy this time of year as well because of the Beach Body Challenge.

The Beach Body Challenge is a three-week program offered through Recreation Services from April 12 to 30. You purchase a pass for $30 ($10 if you already have a recreation pass). You attend four different classes, one from each genre (cardio, mind/body, toning and choice). Prizes for completing each week and the overall challenge vary from an iTunes gift card to fitness equipment, Serbon said.

"Increase your activity level, go out and walk with your dogs, go to the park with friends, jog, eat a healthy, balanced diet — just get out and play," she said.

Most students don't diet but try to eat as healthy as they can. Hess said she does her best.

"It doesn't really go over well," she said. "I don't pay a lot of attention to nutrition facts, but I try to eat as healthy as I can."

Besides eating healthy, Hess runs, lifts weights and plays volleyball.
With the weather getting nicer, Serbon recommends getting outside with friends.

"Find an interesting place to go hiking, rock climbing or roller blading," she said. "As long as you're moving, that's the best way."

There are many ways to just keep moving. Instead of taking the bus, walk. Instead of going to your dorm room between classes, take a walk around campus. Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs.

One of the obstacles to overcome is finding the motivation to workout instead of staying in bed in the morning. Thinking of the results could help.

Hess said it's the after-effects that motivate her.

"The way it makes me feel after — I feel more relieved, more healthy and I have a lot more energy," she said. "I don't want to get fat."

Hess is motivated to continue working out through the summer by running at home and going to the gym with her dad.

If you're not motivated enough to even leave your room for a workout, there are workouts you can do in your dorm.

Serbon said to use a workout DVD either by yourself or invite friends over to workout with you. Or you can check online for workouts or find exercises in fitness magazines. Many of them have workouts to do when you're crunched for time.

Even short workouts are better than no workouts.

Make sure you get your studying in for these last few weeks and your finals, but when you need a break, go workout.

You will feel better and more energized, which makes it much easier to focus on the tasks at hand. But shower first before you get back to your studying. The other people in the lounge or library will thank you for it.


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