Purpose Statement
This article aims to inspire its readers to view physical activity as a preventative and curative medicine. Regular exercise is essential because it serves as preventative care and treatment for various ailments. Saeed et al. (2019) assert that college students engage in studies instead of spending their free time working out. Moderate to vigorous exercise considerably reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other causes. Consistent physical activity has been shown to improve mental health and extend lifespan.
Problem
College students’ health and mental well-being suffer from a rise in sedentary behavior due to a lack of physical activity at home and school. Saeed et al. (2019) affirm that inactivity has substantial health and financial implications. It has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Cordina and d’Udekem (2019) state that annual healthcare expenses are increased by $120 billion due to insufficient physical activity. Inadequate exercise is linked to mental health disorders, including an increase in serious depression.
Causes of the Problem
Most colleges typically do not provide the required number of hours for physical education. When the goals of physical education are not met, students develop a sedentary lifestyle because they lack the information, habits, and mindset for a lifetime of exercise. Blum (2022) establishes that most college students do not exercise because they lack self-motivation, have little free time, or find the practice unpleasant. Shortage of parks, sidewalks, walkways, or bicycle trails; low self-management skills; and inadequate support from friends and family are contributing factors. Lack of physical literacy, insufficient sleep, the rising popularity of video games, and uninvolved parents contribute to students rarely engaging in exercise.
Solutions
Although some people believe that exercise is always demanding, making significant adjustments to your schedule is unnecessary. Walking around or cycling while visiting friends and relatives instead of sitting for long hours or always using a vehicle are examples of how making even little changes may provide a long-term solution. Franklin et al. (2022) avow that there is a wealth of no-cost resources at your disposal, including watching YouTube videos on how to get involved in healthy exercise in school and at home. Parents should encourage their children to be physically active by allowing them to participate in various sports.
Policy Proposition
The education system should take the lead in ensuring that learners of all ages have access to safe and enjoyable physical activity. Pinto and van Praag (2022) assert that colleges can encourage students to lead healthier lifestyles by investing in resources like exercise centers with help from the government, the Department of Education, and other interested parties. Ludyga et al. (2020) state that physical education courses, personal trainers, and mandatory gym time should be standard fare at colleges. Creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environments and instituting policies promoting walking and riding are two ways institutions can engage their students in physical activities.
Conclusion
College students should not let the lack of easy access to a gym prevent them from reaping the health benefits of exercise. The therapeutic effects of exercise in reducing illness symptoms are widely established. Physical activity has been linked to decreased mortality, minimal chance of developing a wide range of diseases, and treatment for type 2 diabetes. Stakeholders in the education sector should work together to create programs that encourage students to exercise regularly. Students should take responsibility for their health and consider how exercise might help them avoid and treat illness.
References
Blum, D. (2022). Carry your groceries, and take the stairs: Short, intense movement can improve your health. The New York Times. Web.
Cordina, R., & d’Udekem, Y. (2019). Long-lasting benefits of exercise for those living with a Fontan circulation. Current Opinion in Cardiology, 34(1), 79-86. Web.
Franklin, B. A., Arena, R., Kaminsky, L. A., Peterman, J. E., Kokkinos, P., & Myers, J. (2022). Maximizing the cardioprotective benefits of exercise with age-, sex-, and fitness-adjusted target intensities for training. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 29(1), e1-e3. Web.
Ludyga, S., Gerber, M., Pühse, U., Looser, V. N., & Kamijo, K. (2020). Systematic review and meta-analysis investigating moderators of long-term effects of exercise on cognition in healthy individuals. Nature Human Behavior, 4(6), 603-612. Web.
Pinto, A., & van Praag, H. (2022). An exercise infusion benefits brain function. Cell Research, 32(3), 223-224. Web.
Saeed, S. A., Cunningham, K., & Bloch, R. M. (2019). Depression and anxiety disorders: Benefits of exercise, yoga, and meditation. American Family Physician, 99(10), 620-627. Web.
Thyfault, J. P., & Bergouignan, A. (2020). Exercise and metabolic health: Beyond skeletal muscle.Diabetologia, 63, 1464-1474. Web.