Exercise tips

Being active is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your body and mind healthy. To read more about the benefits, click here.

Whether you are learning, living, researching or teaching in Trinity, the chances are you find it hard to put aside time for exercise. Remember, all kinds of exercise count. You don't have to be the sporty type, or spend hours sweating it out in the gym to be healthy. Here are a few easy ways to fit in some exercise, even for the busiest people:

• Get moving. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk short journeys that you have to make, Get off the bus a stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Only 10 minutes. Stuck for time? Just 10 minutes of exercise twice a day can make a difference.
• Double-up the stairs. Every time you take the stairs, simply take a double step or every other stair. Great for the legs and bum!
• Desk exercises. While seated, perform some exercises to help strengthen and tighten your muscles. Contract your abdominals (tummy muscles) for 30 seconds while breathing naturally. Perform this a number of times throughout the day.
• Do things you enjoy. Don't feel you need to do exercises that you don't enjoy. Pick something that you find fun e.g. swimming, rollerblading, skipping, rock climbing, cycling. Everyone is different so pick something that you enjoy.

Staying motivated

• Make the commitment. Think of exercise as part of your everyday activities, and plan accordingly. It's just like any other commitment.
• Reward yourself. Set yourself weekly exercise goals and reward yourself at the end of the week if you have achieved these. Rewards could include, a new book or magazine, a luxurious bubble bath, new clothes, a facial or massage.
• A great way to stay focused is to keep reminding yourself of the reasons that motivated you to start exercising in the first place e.g. to lose weight, improve your health, or test yourself in a competition.
• Find a partner. People who exercise with a partner or group are more likely to stay on track. Involve family members and friends. You will be less likely to skip your workout if you know somebody else is counting on you.
• Write it down. An exercise log can help you chart your progress and provide motivation on those days that you just don't feel like getting off the couch. Log what you did, how long you did it, and how you felt afterwards.
• Play those funky tunes. People who exercise to music report exercising longer and more vigorously than those who don't. Exercise to your favourite songs and see if this approach helps to motivate you.
• Have fun! Even though you might not believe it until you try it, exercise can be enjoyable. Try different activities to find out what tickles your fancy.