As doctor’s often recommend, exercise is a key ingredient for a healthy life. It can help maintain blood pressure, lower the risk of osteoporosis, increase flexibility, keep obesity at bay and assist in warding off depression, just to name a few benefits. While coping with the stress of an international transition and new classes, it’s beneficial to start exercising while being an international student! Here are just a few ways that you can easily make exercise a pleasant part of your life.
Find a Workout Buddy:
A great way to start exercising while being an international student is to begin with a partner. Without someone else counting on you to meet them at the gym, it makes skipping a training session much easier. Having a workout buddy will help keep you on track. Plus, being able to socialize takes some of the “work” out of a workout.
Sign up for a 5k:
Not only does participation in a 5k or marathon benefit a cause, it’s a great personal motivator. Races are the perfect time to create goals and actually meet them. Nobody wants to be unprepared and suffer the embarrassing consequences of not being able to finish a race. More than likely you will be able to push yourself harder than if you don’t have a certain distance or time goal lined out. This is also a great way to get involved with the community and learn more about your new environment.
Pace Yourself…Beyond the Treadmill:
Working out will require you to pace yourself with your overall routine. If you are not used to working out, don’t max out the bench press on your first day. It can be tempting to try and push yourself to the max in the beginning to speed up results, but it could only result in an injury. The trick to making working out a part of your life routine is to take things slow and find a lasting approach. It’s OK to take a day off to rest. To help avoid injury it’s also suggested that you don’t increase your training routine more than 10 percent each week.
Join a Team:
Even if your sports skills won’t land you a spot on your school’s intercollegiate team, you can still participate in intermural sports. Many schools have intramural sports teams set up for students to enjoy on a less competitive and more social level. This is the perfect opportunity to establish new friendships and start exercising while being an international student. Just make sure you have the necessary protection before you get on the court or field, such as knee pads, mouth guards, and international health insurance that includes sports coverage.
*Individuals should always check with their doctor before beginning any workout routine.
Category: Health & Safety Abroad
Tags: international student insurance, Start Exercising while being an International Student
