We did it! We made it through one more treacherous winter in Michigan! Now that the blizzards are gone and we can now ditch our hat and mittens, it’s time to pause your current Netflix episode, get off the couch, and dive into a summer of classes, jobs, internships, late nights, sunny days, fun with friends, and of course, exercise. Although exercise is a burden to some of us (and only a shortcut to a bikini body for others), there are plenty of other reasons you should try fun, new exercises this summer.
1. Exercising boosts your mood.
As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands. What? They just don’t.” Now, I’m sure most of you aren’t feeling the need to harm your significant other, but Elle is right. Exercising will help you shake that tired, sad, lazy feeling that still may be lingering from finals, and help you boost yourself into a happier, peppier, more positive mood. Going for a run in the sun, swimming laps at your local pool, or even doing yoga in the Diag are all ways to take advantage of the nice weather as well as become a happier you.
2. Exercising will make you feel more confident.
We all know the saying. ‘You look good, you feel good.’ Now, I’m not saying that you should be counting how many calories you are burning at the gym to lose weight. Even just one workout can improve your posture, help you stand up better, and help you sweat out toxins and bacteria that can cause acne breakouts. All of these things together will help you feel better about how you look and feel, and in return, you can wear your cute summer sun dresses with just a little bit more confidence than before.
3. Exercising can help you make friends!
Who doesn’t love meeting new people? Ann Arbor is a diverse city with all kinds of people who love being social. Joining a new exercise class, taking a zumba session, or simply chatting with the person on the bike next to you at the gym may spark a new friendship. Working out isn’t just easier when you have someone by your side; it makes it a lot more fun!
4. Exercising can help you sleep better.
For many college students, summer is a time to boost resumes. This means waking up at early hours to be ae work on time. However, many studies show that exercising will make it easier for you to fall asleep, as well as deepen your sleep at night. This will help you rise and shine the next morning for your long day ahead. Who needs coffee and caffeine when you can simply just move your body?
5. Exercising will keep you healthy.
This one may seem obvious, but it is so incredibly important. We have busy lives that we try to balance, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to take care of ourselves. However, with a busy schedule also comes a suppressed immune system. Exercising keeps your body healthy, which is turn will make it easier for your body to fight off disease and infection.
Bottom line, exercising can be fun! And it should be! Life is too short to go to the gym feeling like you don’t want to be there. Sign up for a dance class, go kayaking, ride your bike. All of these things are considered exercise, and all of them have the benefits listed above. Remember that working out is all about being fit and healthy, not about being skinny. Stay hydrated, stretch your muscles before you do any activity, and always eat before and after a workout. Now all you need to do is get up and go!