Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Many UT students have been trained to answer with their career plans. Today, I invite you to imagine your future self in terms of your physical and mental health. A decade from now, the habits you keep today will be appreciable.
Exercising is one of the best habits we can build — offering a multitude of physical and mental health benefits, like improved blood circulation and reduced anxiety levels.
“(Exercising is) working toward your future … in a positive way,” public health junior Lana Tran said. “I recommend it. It might not be your favorite activity of the day, but it’s something that makes you feel good about yourself.”
For me, exercise wasn’t a top priority for many years. I kept postponing it, telling myself that it wasn’t important, but my mom recently sparked my interest in fitness.
She has been going to the gym for many years, and she helped me discover the importance of movement. Her discipline and commitment to exercise are admirable, keeping her fit and healthy. She has always tried to motivate me to go to the gym.
This past summer, I decided to take her up on the challenge and give the gym a shot. I went for around two months and experienced the benefits firsthand. I felt more energetic, productive and relaxed. The gym became part of my daily routine, which taught me a lot about discipline and mental strength. The practice of consistent movement can help you learn to stay persistent, even when you don’t feel like it.
At UT, a convenient way to exercise is to go to the gym at the Recreational Sports Center. After spending many sedentary hours seated in lectures or at your desk studying, a few hours at the gym adds some movement to your schedule.
Tran, despite her busy schedule, echoes the importance of exercising.
“It’s busy now, but once you get to the future, you’re gonna get more busy,” said Tran. “I want to start the habit (of going to the gym every day) now, so even when it’s more busy, I will be able to go so that I can keep my strength and my health because I think it’s really important.”
Hirofumi Tanaka, professor in the department of kinesiology and health education at UT, discusses the mental and physical benefits of exercise.
“One of the things exercise can do is to actually maintain the physical functions and as well as protect independent living,” Tanaka said. “If you try to improve when you’re getting old and frail, it’s too late. So you really need to develop an exercise habit when you’re young.”
While exercising requires a lot of discipline and effort, the key is to find a physical activity that you enjoy.
Andy Lemons, director of programs at the Recreational Sports Center, emphasized the importance of finding a physical activity that you enjoy.
“There are 1,000 different ways to get involved with different types of experiences,” Lemons said. “If students are curious about what those are, I would encourage them to either come talk to us if they’re comfortable or (look) through the website.”
If you choose to build the habit of exercising now, your future self will thank you. All it takes is the initiative and discipline to start a new habit that will serve you well in the long run.
Maximo Mendoza is a philosophy senior from El Paso, Texas.
