Why is exercise important?
The important components of exercise include cardiorespiratory fitness, resistance training, flexibility, and neuromotor training. Each of these presents different health benefits when you incorporate them into your everyday life.
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness – decreases risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer
- Resistance Training – increases muscle mass, improves body composition (body fat % compared to muscle/lean tissue mass %), and increases bone density or slows bone density loss
- Flexibility – decreases the risk of some muscle and tendon injuries and improves joint range of motion
- Neuromotor Training – increases in balance, improves coordination and increases strength in the connection between your brain and muscles
On-campus exercise options.
Facility hours for Skoglund/Tostrud, including ice rink and pool hours.
Intramural information for on-campus teams organizing.
On-campus yoga and fitness classes
Looking for home workout options?
Home Fitness Page on St. Olaf Recreation website.
Fitness Blender – On Demand Workout Videos
Yoga On Demand (CorePower Yoga)
How should I prioritize exercising as a college student?
It is often difficult for people with busy schedules, like college students, to find time in their day or week for a consistent exercise program. However, the benefits of exercise come with even short bouts of exercise, such as boosting your mood, improving cognitive function, promoting a more regular sleep schedule, and helping to stabilize weight. It is important to realize that finding time to exercise is important for physical and mental wellness, which will benefit your other activities greatly over time.