In high school, I was always on a team of some sort: cross-country, winter track, spring track. Not only did my involvement in sports provide me with a structured, consistent exercise regimen, but I also found a second family in my teammates. However, upon arriving at Princeton, I was without both: motivation and support. Running can be a lonely sport, and for the first few weeks, I struggled to stay active simply because there no longer seemed to be a reason to.
As the weeks passed, I got used to running my own each morning. I found that I enjoyed the time alone each day to blow off stress and get lost in my own thoughts. The transition from high school to college was rough, but when I was running, I could simply forget about reading assignments, problem sets, and internship applications and just put one foot in front of the other. Moreover, I used my runs as a chance to explore Princeton. Without them, I’d never have found the Whole Earth Center or seen the Roman-like Revolutionary War monument on Mercer Street.
That’s not to say I haven’t taken advantage of my new surroundings to try some new forms of exercise. There’s a reason why I run: because I lack coordination necessary for anything else. However, I realized that sometimes it’s about having fun rather than avoiding embarrassment! Since then, I’ve found some other ways to stay active on campus:
1. IMs and club sports: Ever heard of wallyball or broomball? I hadn’t before forming IM teams with my zee group. Sure, I was spiked in the head by a volleyball, but it was all in good fun! And I got to bond with my hallmates in a competitive setting as well.
2. Free USG sponsored classes: I didn’t have access to a gym at home, and was surprised to hear about so many different classes one can take! Confession: I hate the treadmill, so I knew I’d have to find some other apparatus if I intended on working out inside. A friend and I tried spin for the first time last semester, and I intend to venture to a BodyPump class once they resume. Plus, working out with a class at the same time every day provides some much-needed incentive and structure.
3. Campus 5k’s: Although there’s a dead period in the winter, these races always bring out my competitive side and let me know where I am fitness-wise. They are usually for a good cause as well!
4. The OA climbing wall: If I ever need a good upper body workout, this is the place to go.
5. Walking to class: This in itself is a workout!