Do you want to add more movement to your day, but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone! There is a lot of information about physical activity/exercise/movement, whatever you prefer to call it, and it gets hard determine fact from fiction. But, movement doesn’t have to be complicated! To get started, ask yourself these three questions:

How do I enjoy moving my body?

  • Forcing yourself to move your body in a way you don’t enjoy will feel more like an assignment that you dread instead of something that excites you. Find movement that makes you happy and you look forward to doing, because you are more likely to continue it long term. Not sure what you would enjoy? Here are some campus resources to help you find movement that works for you:

How much time do I have to be active?

  • It’s helpful to schedule time to move your body, just like you schedule your classes and work. You are making a commitment to yourself to dedicate a specific  part of your day to improving your health and well-being. You can schedule a 30-60 minute chunk of time or break up your movement into smaller bouts throughout the day.
  • If scheduling a time to be active doesn’t work for you, then think of ways you can stay active throughout the day by adding in small, frequent movement breaks. Ask yourself, how can I move more throughout the day? Here are some tips to move more throughout your day:
    • Stand or stretch every hour during a long study session. Set alarms on your phone to remind you take movement breaks.

    • Use breaks in between and during classes to take walks

    • Take your coffee and go for a walk with a friend instead of sitting at a cafe

    • Take the stairs instead of an elevator, if you’re able

    • Bike or walk to class

    • Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way

    • Go for a walk to call a friend or family member

    • Do a quick workout video while you wait for dinner to cook

What level of movement am I comfortable with?

  • Movement ranges from a leisurely walk to competing in an athletic event. Your comfort level is unique to your experiences and goals. If you haven’t been very active before, it’s best to start slow. Small changes can make a big impact. Moving more can reduce health issues and stress, increase productivity, and contribute to your overall well-being. By starting small and setting reasonable goals, you can ensure that movement becomes part of your daily routine.