Introduction
Auburn University takes great pride in the physical activity of its students, boasting one of the nation's most expensive recreation centers, which hosts a variety of intramural, club, and other competitive sports. The university also competes in the one of the most competitive conferences of the NCAA, and therefore team sports are integral to an Auburn student's pride in their university. Along with this, Auburn consistently ranks top among other university in the category of happiest students. Is this high level of happiness due to the high focus on physical throughout the university, or is this just coincidence?
PROBLEM
As it turns out, physical health has been found to directly affect mental wellbeing. In a study published by Sports Medicine, researchers found that increased aerobic exercise or exercise training has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms significantly. It was also determined that anxiety symptoms and panic disorder also improve with regular exercise, and beneficial effects appear to equal meditation or relaxation.
Though these observed benefits, a different study performed by the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found strong evidence that mental health is a determining factor for physical health. Therefore a rather problematic cycle emerges. In order to improve mental health, one could turn to exercise as a viable option. However, starting a new routine in exercise requires a level head to start and therefore some with a lack of mental health struggle to begin the new program. How can exercise improve mental health when mental health is a necessity of exercise
Though these observed benefits, a different study performed by the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found strong evidence that mental health is a determining factor for physical health. Therefore a rather problematic cycle emerges. In order to improve mental health, one could turn to exercise as a viable option. However, starting a new routine in exercise requires a level head to start and therefore some with a lack of mental health struggle to begin the new program. How can exercise improve mental health when mental health is a necessity of exercise
Solution
One of the most effective ways to prevent this cycle is to slowly ease into physical activity. By starting off slowly, you are able to control your own pace and set realistic expectations for yourself. Many beginning athletes set unrealistic goals at the start of their training, and face great disappointment whenever they are not able to meet the goals not due to lack of effort, but rather failure to set an achievable goal. It is also important to note that if you set big goals initially, you could fall victim to overtraining, which could result in initial injuries and hinder further physical progress.
Resources
Nike Run Club
The Nike Run Club App is a running app designed for runners at various skill levels, from beginner to ultra-marathoner. It not only tracks the distances and times of your runs, but contains hundreds of free, guided runs with varying purposes. If you are looking for an easy way to get into running, this app would be perfect to begin your journey.
|
Power 20
A typical inhibiting factor for student exercise patterns is simply the time required to work out. The Power 20 App offers a solution to this, by providing simple 20 minute workouts that are physically challenging yet easily comprehensible. Workouts require no equipment whatsoever, so this app is perfect for those with no previous exercise experience.
|