By Laurin Rupp, Year 12
Unfortunately, as the school year draws to a close the sports season is almost over, meaning that no tournaments take place anymore. People now have to find new ways to spend the time rather than reading or participating in exciting matches, and look for different methods to get the adrenaline pumping. In addition, exam time is fast approaching, and it seems that the two favorite hobbies of every student have become procrastinating (I’m doing it right now) and eating. Soon we will see eating as a new sport in the Olympics, and I’m sure one of us will take home the gold medal. Now I’m not crazy and wouldn’t dare to suggest stopping eating fatty foods as stress relief, but rather here are 4 ways how you can stay fit while eating exactly the same thing:
- Stay positive and have fun: A good mental attitude is important. Find an activity that you think is fun. You are more likely to keep with it if you choose something you like, but I’m sure no one is thinking of quitting anyway (probably because you don’t intend to start). A lot of people find it’s more fun to exercise with someone else, so see if you can find a friend or family member to be active with you.
- Take it one step at a time: Small changes can add up to better fitness. For example, walk or ride your bike to school or to a friend’s house instead of getting a ride. Get on or off the bus several blocks away and walk the rest of the way. Use the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator.
- Get your heart pumping: Whatever you choose, make sure it includes aerobic activity that makes you breathe harder and increases your heart rate. This is the best type of exercise because it increases your fitness level and makes your heart and lungs work better. It also burns off body fat. Examples of aerobic activities are basketball, running, or swimming.
- Don’t forget to warm upwith some easy exercises or mild stretching before you do any physical activity. This warms your muscles up and may help protect against injury. Stretching makes your muscles and joints more flexible too. It is also important to stretch out after you exercise to cool down your muscles.
- Of course it also helps if you don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or do drugs, but no one is going to listen to me anyway. If you just follow these simple steps you will have an amazing summer body in no time – and it’ll keep your mood up before the time all students fear (exam season, and the consequential end of the year report card…)
- Stop procrastinating and start exercising.
