President's Message
Exercise good for both mind and body
Dr. Bettsey Barhost
Issue date: 2/24/10 Section: News
As I was wiping the sweat from my face after a recent Zumba class at the Truax campus, I realized just how important exercise is in our daily lives. I walked into the dance workout feeling stressed and exhausted and came out feeling
re-energized!
A little bit helps
We all know exercise is important to help keep us healthy and trim (we won't even mention the dreaded "freshman 15"), but it's also great for your mind. I'll be the first to admit exercise isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be boring or painful.
Do something you enjoy. Go for a walk, dance, or ice skate. Experts say you'll see results even if you exercise just a few minutes a day.
Chances are, once you start you won't be able to stop. You'll soon notice an increase in your energy level and ability to concentrate in the classroom.
The great stress reducer
Let's face it…college can be very stressful. There are deadlines, reports, projects, quizzes and tests. Add in a lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, social pressures and money worries - and you're on the road to "Stress City".
This is where exercise can help. Experts say exercise not only improves your health and reduces stress, it also relaxes tense muscles and helps you to sleep. Here's another positive side effect…exercise causes the release of chemicals called endorphins into your bloodstream, making you feel relaxed and happy. It's a helpful tool in fighting depression and anxiety.
Working exercise into your schedule
Did you ever wonder how student-athletes are able to study for their classes and still put all that time into their sport? They have become experts in time management.
Experts say busy athletes learn how to use time efficiently and avoid procrastination. You can do this too. Block out a time in the day for exercise and stick to your plan.
Of mice and men…and women
Can exercising really make you smarter? A recent study showed regular physical activity spurred the production of neurons in the memory region of a mouse's brain. One result was that mice who exercised on a running wheel learned new tasks better than mice who remained sedentary. The study also showed that older mice that exercised grew new brain cells!
Keep moving
The key is to find an exercise (or two) that you love and keep moving. Right now, my favorites are Zumba, yoga and kickboxing!
Your body and mind will thank you for it. And who knows…it could help you get an "A"!
re-energized!
A little bit helps
We all know exercise is important to help keep us healthy and trim (we won't even mention the dreaded "freshman 15"), but it's also great for your mind. I'll be the first to admit exercise isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be boring or painful.
Do something you enjoy. Go for a walk, dance, or ice skate. Experts say you'll see results even if you exercise just a few minutes a day.
Chances are, once you start you won't be able to stop. You'll soon notice an increase in your energy level and ability to concentrate in the classroom.
The great stress reducer
Let's face it…college can be very stressful. There are deadlines, reports, projects, quizzes and tests. Add in a lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, social pressures and money worries - and you're on the road to "Stress City".
This is where exercise can help. Experts say exercise not only improves your health and reduces stress, it also relaxes tense muscles and helps you to sleep. Here's another positive side effect…exercise causes the release of chemicals called endorphins into your bloodstream, making you feel relaxed and happy. It's a helpful tool in fighting depression and anxiety.
Working exercise into your schedule
Did you ever wonder how student-athletes are able to study for their classes and still put all that time into their sport? They have become experts in time management.
Experts say busy athletes learn how to use time efficiently and avoid procrastination. You can do this too. Block out a time in the day for exercise and stick to your plan.
Of mice and men…and women
Can exercising really make you smarter? A recent study showed regular physical activity spurred the production of neurons in the memory region of a mouse's brain. One result was that mice who exercised on a running wheel learned new tasks better than mice who remained sedentary. The study also showed that older mice that exercised grew new brain cells!
Keep moving
The key is to find an exercise (or two) that you love and keep moving. Right now, my favorites are Zumba, yoga and kickboxing!
Your body and mind will thank you for it. And who knows…it could help you get an "A"!
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