Health is wealth, yet maintaining it often falls too low on our priority lists. It’s easy to push our well-being aside and take it for granted until it demands attention, forcing itself to the top of the list.
We all know that making health a priority isn’t easy — it takes discipline and time to find out what works for you. Like many, I struggled with consistency when starting out with my physical activity journey. It takes time to find what is right for you, and that is different for each person. There are many challenges to getting active, but waiting for the “right time” isn’t the answer — there will never be one. Indoor facilities or even your living room can be great starting points. With countless online resources as well, it’s easier than ever to find a guided workout to suit your needs.
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain health, yet it’s often overlooked. The benefits are endless, and the ways to incorporate it into your life are countless. Despite barriers like time, energy, or motivation, the risks of inactivity are too grave to ignore.
The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, accompanied by other prevalent health crises include strokes, diabetes, obesity, and depression. According to World Health Organization, despite these alarming statistics, there is a powerful prevention strategy among all of them: exercise.
You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend many hours at the gym to reap the benefits. It can be as simple as parking further from the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or standing and stretching breaks. I truly enjoy walking, and it is an amazing place to start. It is low impact, can be done anywhere, and stress-relieving. It is easy to do with a friend, a dog, or when listening to your favorite music or podcast.
I had played sports all my life, including golf, volleyball, and basketball, but after graduating high school, these all came to a close. This is when I began contemplating physical activity. Knowing where to start can be challenging when you have never done it before. The most important part for me was just showing up. I tried all sorts of different work out styles, from buying a one-month gym membership to taking my dog for hikes on my local trails, and I eventually found my rhythm with walking and yoga. This newfound habit not only brought consistency and accountability to my life but also opened my eyes to the incredible benefits of physical activity.
For starters, exercise is the best medicine. It protects and prevents countless diseases, chronic illnesses, and health impairments. Exercising is the most consistent and effective way to protect yourself against aging, sickness, disease, and premature death. Physical activity helps to regulate appetite, increases energy levels, enhances flexibility, and promotes better posture. Unlike prescription medications, there are no side effects or adverse effects. It can be completely free, and can be done anywhere, at any time. Although there are possibilities for potential injuries from working out, such as strains, pulls, blisters, or overuse, with proper education, form, and technique, these injuries can be avoided. Start by listening to your body and resting when needed.
As good as exercise is for your physical health, the benefits are just as profound for your mental health. Physical activity boosts endorphins in your body, which aids in reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression .Regular exercise boosts memory and mood, as well as greatly improves sleep quality and cognitive function.
Indiana University offers many opportunities for exercise as well. IU is home to two remarkable recreational and fitness facilities. The Student Recreational Sports Center offers indoor pools, basketball courts, tracks, cardio and strength training equipment and group fitness studios. The Bill Garrett Fieldhouse provides basketball courts, as well as volleyball courts, strength and conditioning areas and multipurpose workout rooms. IU also presents options for intramural sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball and more. Additionally, there are over 40 options for club sports, from recreational to competitive.
Although it is not a quick fix or pill you take, physical activity is the most effective answer. It is the most important and rewarding thing you can do for your body. While there were plenty of days when it might have been the last thing I wanted to do, over time I noticed the countless ways it improved my life. I slept better at night, I felt happier and less stressed, and I had more energy for the things I cared about. These small changes, along with the major preventative measures I know exercise provides, helped me realize that exercise became something I wanted to do for myself, rather than just something I should do for myself.
Halle Knies is a freshman majoring in fitness and wellness.
