Although regular exercise benefits everyone, many female students find it difficult to commit to an exercise routine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 25 percent of Americans get enough exercise.
“I work out everyday and it helps me in every facet of my life,” said Samantha Porter, 21, a junior international relations student at Temple University.
The Journal of the American Medical Association also explained that regular exercise could reduce high blood pressure and the risk of developing diabetes.
“I sleep better, learn more and feel better about myself when I workout,” said Shemiya Crudup, 20, a junior business administration student from Raleigh, N.C.
Aerobic exercise is defined as any activity that uses large muscle groups and can be done continuously. Running, swimming and jumping rope are all good examples of aerobic exercise.
Many students do not exercise because of time constraints.
“With my heavy course load, it is hard for me to find time to exercise,” said Asiya Muhammad, 19, a junior marketing student from Washington, D.C.
There are many on-campus opportunities for students to start an exercise routine.
The Fitness Center offers aerobic classes Monday through Thursday. The classes include kickboxing, Yoga and Kempo karate style self-defense, among others.
“I attend classes in the Fitness Center on a regular basis and I get a good workout every time,” said Brittany Gadsden, 19, a freshman political science student from Columbia, S.C.
The Fitness Center also designates two nights a week for women only. It holds Ladies Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
According to Joe Major, a licensed personal trainer at Simmons YMCA in Charlotte, N.C., getting in shape is not as hard as it may seem. Major said that exercise takes discipline and beginners should start with aerobic exercise.
Moreover, regular exercise offers many benefits.
In addition to helping a person look good, exercise can help reduce the risk for several cancers.
It is known that exercise can help maintain weight, increase energy, flexibility and strength, as well as contribute to the overall mental well beingof a person.
Jabari Bodrick can be reached at jbodrick@yahoo.com.