What is a good way for a busy grad student to get exercise?!
Question: I just started grad school last August. I haven't put on a lot of weight but I have some weight to lose that I gained a while back and I have lost my tone. The problem is I spend 12-13 hours a day in class, teaching class, or working my office. By the time I get home I am too pooped to even think about exercising.
Has anyone had to deal with this situation? How did you find the time and energy to get the exercise you needed?
Answers: I just started grad school last August. I haven't put on a lot of weight but I have some weight to lose that I gained a while back and I have lost my tone. The problem is I spend 12-13 hours a day in class, teaching class, or working my office. By the time I get home I am too pooped to even think about exercising.
Has anyone had to deal with this situation? How did you find the time and energy to get the exercise you needed?
You need to find exercising as a stress release activity rather than a chore or task. In other words, your typical day will involve a lot of work with little time to spare, but if you allow a mere 30 minutes a day to keep your body healthy, mentally and physically, you'll stay fit.
If I were you, I would try some simple cardio with my friends. Just slap on some shorts and take a brisk walk to the campus market and back. Up to you what you want. But try to find something that doesn't add stress to your life. Try relieving some of the stress through your exercise.
Good luck and good job for going to grad school!
Can you find 10 minutes of extra time a day?
If so, then you can exercise even if it's just a little bit. Because I have asthma I found doing more than 10 minutes a day I would get winded. I purchased a DVD (10 minute solution rapid results pilates) and exercise daily.
I started on September 30, 2007 and I've lost over 8" and 26#. It's not quantity, it's quality.
I am also a graduate student. I've learned to exercise at home, while watching TV. I live in a small apartment, so I don't have the money or room for fancy exercise equipment. I still have a respectible home gym, and it all can be hidden away.
My home gym consists of:
3 sets of weights: 2 lb, 5 lb, and 8 lb.
A yoga mat
2 resistance bands: one heavy, one light
A mini-stair stepper
A step (for aerobics)
A stability ball
Some exercise DVD's
None of the above are expensive, and they all are able to be hiddden away. Yet combined, one can get into overall descent shape without visiting a gym. I have the ability to do yoga/pilates, cardio, and strength training in my apartment. Most of the above equipment can be obtained inexpensively at rummage or garage sales, or thrift stores.
Graduate students are busy 20 hours out of 24 hours. I don't have time to go to the gym consistently. I find that I have more overall energy when I exercise. Also, it's a great way to relieve stress (a common problem for grad students).