For adults, the recommended amount of physical activity each day includes at least 30 minutes of exercise. There isn’t one right or wrong way to work out- there are so many different options out there, ranging from yoga to strength training.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity offers both physical and mental health benefits.
“Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better,” the CDC states on its offical website.
Stan State offers a fitness center for students. Classes are offered to help students get into the groove of working out if they don’t have much experience or fear attending a gym area. There are also one-on-one sessions offered for students who are looking for a more personal approach.
Joshua Levesque, who earned a degree in kinesiology and now works at the campus recreational center as a Fitness Coordinator, expressed that the center is a welcoming, all-inclusive environment.
He started a program called Fitness Friends, an event to help students find a fitness buddy on campus to keep them motivated and disciplined.
“The program has been completed, so signups are done now,” Levesque said. “However, it is a program I developed after last year’s data collection, and many people mentioned failing to stick to the gym and dropping out within two weeks because they didn’t have a friend or friends to go with.”
He explained that students’ feedback inspired him to start the program.
“Once I discovered this was one of the issues contributing to our high attrition rate, I set up a survey for students to report their interests and hobbies, both inside and outside the gym, to match people up and meet at a social event to find gym partners,” he said.
For students beginning their fitness journeys, Levesque encourages experimentation.
“Try everything! If you try every machine, every class, every weight equipment or style of training, you will discover what you like. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle,” he said.
Reese Monte (Liberal Studies, Junior) shared how working out has positively affected his daily life.
“Working out benefits me because it is a set time in my day that I get to focus on myself,” Monete said. “I prioritize working out because it helps me feel healthy and productive. Whenever I work out I feel more accomplished with my day, which makes classes seem easier as a full-time student.”
Daisy Barajas (Geology, Senior) works out at the Planet Fitness gym in Turlock and says the environment is what keeps her going back.
“What I like about Planet Fitness is the overall environment,” Barajas said. “Everyone just does their own thing and the staff is always friendly. Plus, it’s also pretty cheap in comparison to other gyms. I would recommend it.”
Creating healthy habits can help students better manage stress, balance school and work obligations, and work toward personal goals. Even committing to exercising a few times each week can be a meaningful step toward long-term wellness.
“There are numerous health benefits regarding regular physical activity,” Levesque said. “Just a few include increased mobility and strength, which reduce the risk of joint injury. Stronger bones! And improvements in body composition reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases,”
Whether through campus recreation programs, local gyms or simple daily movement, students are finding ways to prioritize their health and well-being.
