Ways to stay active on a college campus
As some of the snow and sludge of winter start to fade away, it starts to feel enticing for the first time in months to leave the dorm to breathe in some fresh air, get your body moving, and, as my dad used to say to my siblings and I when we had spent the entire day playing Wii sports inside, “get the stink off ya.” That being said, it can sometimes be difficult to engage in this sort of movement, especially for people who have not experienced Geneseo pre-pandemic and aren’t sure of the resources that Geneseo has to offer. If any of these statements resonate with you, here are some tips and tricks for how to get out and get moving to ring in spring!
For me, the best and easiest way to get moving is to put on some good shoes that you can move in and just get outside. I get it—going for a run, or even a walk, can feel really intimidating, especially on a college campus. However, I would argue that if you put on some comfortable clothes, step outside, and put on some jams or an enticing podcast, you just might surprise yourself. Remember—you don’t need to run or walk for miles in order to get a good workout in! The point is to get your body moving, whether that means walking to the parking lot and back or going for a long-distance run—whatever makes you and your body feel good, accomplished, and refreshed.
If you need a little more enticement for getting some movement in, try varying the environment that you’re moving in. If you have transportation on campus that allows you to visit parks like Letchworth frequently, there are tons of trails that can spice up your movement. If transportation is less accessible for you, hiking it up to Main Street can offer up some incentive for making it up the hill—make sure to get yourself a little something from your favorite shop as a reward! The neighborhoods beyond Main Street, too, can be a lovely scenic route for a walk or jog.
Other ways to encourage some movement might be making plans to work out with a friend, picking a day where the weather looks particularly lovely to be outside and moving, and/or finding a playlist or podcast that you think could be motivating!
While walking and running are my favorite ways to get a workout in outdoors, there are many other ways to get moving. Biking, roller skating, and jumping rope are all fun ways to get your heart rate up, though they may require some equipment that not everyone has access to. Some more accessible options for movement, both financially and physically, might include outdoor yoga or a mini dance party (make sure to grab friends, tunes, and bubbles to maximize the endorphins that you get out of this workout).
Regardless of your lifestyle, there are many easy, fun, and accessible ways to get out and get moving. Exercise and movement are an important component of both physical and mental health, so it is especially important to make time to move as the stresses of finals season and the end of the semester creep in. Remember to take care of yourself and enjoy the beautiful weather as much as you can!