Recreational Sports

Physical activity has an endless array of benefits to not only physical, but also mental health. It can also be a great way to have fun and build social connections! Despite this, finding the time or motivation to stay fit can be a challenge. However, at Beaver Nation there’s always a helping hand! If anyone knows a thing or two about being fit, it’s Benny the Beaver! So, here are Benny’s tips for staying healthy and maintaining balance in college and beyond:

1.) Use the Buddy System

Whether it’s on the field, court, or gym, Benny knows that teamwork is crucial. Not only does working out with a friend allow you to socialize and bond, it also allows you to challenge yourself. Getting fit with friends can encourage you to try new things. Even signing up for group personal training together allows you to improve your technique while bonding with friends. Fit Pass classes or Intramural teams can provide the chance to meet new people and stay active.  If you’re not sure how to get started a course such as Dam Fit, a small group exercise program, can help you.

2.) Embrace Variety

Never one to resist shaking things up, Benny believes in variety. There are so many great ways to be fit. You can take up something entirely new like weight lifting or yoga. Or you can simply mix-up some of your favorite activities. Love going to Fit Pass classes? Try something new like the Hawaiian Cruise class coming this spring or Hatha Flow to add some variety to your yoga repertoire.  Maybe it’s as simple as a change of scenery, such as running on the outdoor track or treadmill instead of the indoor track! By trying something new, you may just fall in love with a new activity, method, or find a new favorite place!

3.) Crave Adventure          

Benny is beaver bold and seeks adventure throughout his life, whether through the excitement of a baseball game at Goss Stadium or discovering Mammoth’s. There are so many ways to challenge yourself. Sometimes, even when seems like the smallest step out of your comfort zone can lead to a tremendous amount of personal growth. Perhaps it’s taking a backpacking course or going on a kayak outing through the Adventure Leadership Institute. Maybe, it’s simply trying a harder route on the climbing wall. Finding healthy ways to challenge yourself can give you not only a sense of accomplishment and thrill, it can help you grow physically, mentally, and beyond

4.) Seek Positivity

Even the best mascot can have a rough day. Even when things aren’t going as planned; the best way to stay motivated is to stay positive! Perhaps exercising has begun to feel like a chore, try listening to a playlist of your favorite songs or doing an activity you love to boost your mood. Lighten things and take advantage of the spring weather by taking a walk with friends, playing a pick-up game of ultimate Frisbee or sand Volleyball. You can check out all the awesome leagues and events at Intramural Sports too.  This way you get the chance to move while having fun!  Keeping track of your progress and finding healthy ways to reward yourself is another way to stay on track while motivating you!  If you’re struggling to stay positive, try winding down with a yoga class or participating in mindfulness meditation through CAPS.

5.) Maintain Balance

Although he’s a busy Beaver, Benny knows that it’s important to maintain balance. Staying active is important. Finding time to exercise can be difficult while juggling school, work, and social commitments. Balancing all these elements is key to being both happy and healthy. Try blocking out specific times for fitness and social commitments, along with your school and work schedule. Whether you record this in a planner, your phone, or with an app, having a dedicated time planned can help you stay prepared. Another way to reduce stress and maintain balance is to combine fitness and socializing or academics. This can be done by taking a physical activity course, joining a sport club, or getting active with friends.

6.) Consult a Professional

Benny knows that the best athletes have a great support network behind them. Consulting a professional can help you improve your fitness. This can be through body composition, athletic training, meeting with a personal trainer, or asking a fitness instructor about something you’re unsure of. Knowing your body means knowing when to get assistance. If you’re feeling extra sore or think you have an injury, an athletic trainer can offer recommendations to improve your current issue and even help to prevent it in the future.

Keeping these tips in mind helps Benny stay on track with his fitness goals, while still having fun and staying balanced. However, there are many more ways to stay fit! Just get up, get moving, and discover your own fitness strategy!