Workout For The Busy Student

by Maria Stefanova

You've been working very hard on your education and as a result your body has suffered. Every time you look in the mirror, you see your lack of physical activity and you cannot fit into your pre-college clothes. You keep promising yourself that you will work out more often, and you keep your guilt feeling at bay with random and rare bursts of physical activity that feel like they are killing you.

Don't be hard on yourself. You cannot squeeze five one-hour workouts into your busy schedule. Instead of trying to compress twenty hours of workouts into a one-hour workout, follow this advice that will allow you to stay fit while still doing your best in college.

The Basics
Although you will probably not be able to visit the gym regularly, you can fit some physical activity even into the tightest schedule. Study your daily routine. When do you get up? When do you study and for how long? And when do you go to bed? Note the times when you can fit in 5, 15 or 30 minutes of physical activity. If you shower in the morning, try to squeeze 15-30 minutes of vigorous activities right before getting your shower (even if it means getting up 15 minutes earlier). If you shower before going to bed, then you should consider doing your most strenuous workout in the evening.

Consider the time you spend studying. If some of your study sessions (this includes time spent in front of the computer) are longer than an hour, then consider making a 5-10 minute workout after every 50-55 minutes of studying. Not only will you help your body, but you will also help your mind concentrate better.

Your Workout Schedule
Ideally, you should be able to squeeze one 15-30 minutes aerobic workout and several shorter, stretching exercises everyday. You can easily make up for the time you would have spent in the gym if you had a schedule that was less busy.

Suggested Basic Exercises

• Dancing
  Yep, that is a workout, too, and it is quite easy to implement. Start the music and start moving around dancing or jumping.
• Jumping
  This is for people with a tighter schedule that would like to pay special attention to their legs.
• Rainbow jumping
  Crouch on the floor with your hands close to your feet. Jump up and try to stretch your hands and legs as far back as possible. When you land try to assume your initial position as smoothly as possible.
• Kangaroo jumping
  Jump in one place and try to bring your knees as close to your chest as possible.
• Playground jumping
  Remember the time you spent on the playground? Alternate spreading your legs forwards and backwards, and sideways while jumping.
• One leg jumping
  Set a destination point and try to reach it jumping on one leg. Then use your other leg to get back.
• Staircase jumping
  Try to climb up and down a flight using one or both legs. If you are using one leg, remember to alternate your legs halfway to the top/bottom.

Stretches

Basic arm stretches

1. Fold your arms in front of your chest and then stretch them back horizontally as far as possible.
2. Place your arms alongside your body. Stretch one arm above your shoulder and the other below as far back as possible. Alternate your arms.

• Windmill
  Stretch one arm up and one down and rotate them forwards and then backwards.
• Neck stretch
  This is especially beneficial for students and people working in front of the computer. Stand up and tilt your head back as far as possible. Then tilt your head forward and try to relax all your muscles. Then, try to look behind your left shoulder. Resume your initial position with head tilted forwards and all muscles relaxed. Try to look over your right shoulder.

Basic leg stretches

1. Spread your legs forwards and backwards. Lean on your front leg and bend it several times in the knee. Alternate your legs and repeat the exercise.
2. Spread your legs sideways and start bending your knees. Keep your torso straight.

Let's Take It Further
You probably already know about the exercises that I've mentioned above. Although they seem simple and easy, they have a tremendous effect on your muscle tone. Still, the time will come when you will want to take it further and you will begin your search for exercises that fit your busy schedule. I already have an answer for you-callanetics. The exercises that this program offers are easy, well balanced and, what is more important, are suitable for even the busiest lifestyle. Callanetics Fit Forever is a wonderful book that will show you an extremely efficient way to tone your body with low-impact exercises.

© Maria Stefanova. Reprinted with permission

About the author: Maria Stefanova is the owner of LG Software, a company which aims to make SAT, GRE and GMAT preparation more easy, funny and effective, of course!