Get fit while studying
University life is busy. It comes with the hustling and bustling to classes, assignments, group discussions and a whole lot of other activities. This also means less time to workout and stay in shape.
Fret not! There is a way to get work done while also ensuring your muscles stay toned. Give these five 'deskercises' a try, and hopefully it gives you a boost in energy and and help lower the stress of everyday student life.
1. Tricep dips
Easily done with a chair, this exercise will help tone the back of your upper arms, starting from your elbows to your shoulders.
- Sit on a chair. Slide your bottom off the chair, keeping your palms on the edge of the seat.
- Positioning your legs in a 90-degree angle, support the weight of your body with your hands and bend your elbows.
- As you lower your body to the floor, keep your elbows tucked in.
- Repeat this move eight to 10 times.
2. Water bottle bicep curls
Water bottles are just one example. You can use any available weight which you can grip with each hand. This exercise will help tone your biceps, forearms and wrists.
- Hold the bottle, or any other weight, horizontally in either hand parallel to your thigh.
- With your feet flat on the ground and your back flat against the back of your seat, raise the water bottle up to your shoulder and then return your arm to its starting position.
- Continue this movement for 30 seconds and then switch arms.
- Repeat the exercise eight to 10 times.
3. Abdominal lifts
Again, all you need is a chair and you are good to go. Switch up your study time while strengthening and toning your core with this exercise.
- Place your hands on the seat of your chair, or on the arms of the chair.
- Keep your knees bent, press your weight into your palms and lift your body off the seat while keeping your arms straight.
- Stay above the seat for, at most, 10 seconds and then slowly sit back down.
- Repeat two to four times.
4. Chair squats
These squats works all the major muscle groups in the lower body and raises your heart rate helping you give major calories gained during those all-nighter study sessions, the boot.
- Stand in front of your desk with your feet flat on the floor.
- Keeping your back as straight as possible, press your weight into your heels and squat down until your bottom hovers just above the seat of your chair.
- Hold for five to 10 seconds then stand back up.
- Repeat 10 to 20 times.
5. Step ups
Work your glutes, quads and hamstrings in between assignments with this simple chair exercise. Make sure the chair is sturdy before proceeding.
- Step up onto the chair with your right foot and followed by your left foot. Complete the same pattern when stepping down from the chair.
- Repeat the same pattern 10 to 12 times. Switch to your left foot and repeat the same routine.
Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve memory and increase brain function. The above deskercises can also help increase your metabolism, leading to an overall healthier body. So, in both ways, you win!