LibGuides: Law Student Wellness: Fitness

Benefits of Exercise

The connection between happiness and fitness here.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity has many health benefits. These benefits apply to people of all ages and races and both sexes.

Strong evidence

Lower risk of early death
Lower risk of coronary heart disease
Lower risk of stroke
Lower risk of high blood pressure
Lower risk of adverse blood lipid profile
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
Lower risk of metabolic syndrome
Lower risk of colon cancer
Lower risk of breast cancer
Prevention of weight gain
Weight loss, particularly when combined with reduced calorie intake
Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
Prevention of falls
Reduced depression
Better cognitive function (for older adults)

Moderate to strong evidence

Better functional health (for older adults)
Reduced abdominal obesity

Moderate evidence

Lower risk of hip fracture
Lower risk of lung cancer
Lower risk of endometrial cancer
Weight maintenance after weight loss
Increased bone density
Improved sleep quality

2008 U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines https://health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter2.aspx

Take a study break

Step aside from the desk for a few minutes to complete these short routines.

6 minute yoga stretch

7 to 30 Minute Desk or Cubicle Routines

7 minute workout

New York Times "The Scientific 7 Minute Workout" by Gretchen Reynolds. See website for options. Advanced Workout here.

Beginning with CARDIO, choose ONE exercise, exercise intensely for 30 seconds, rest 5 seconds, exercise LOWER BODY intensely 30 seconds, rest 5 seconds, exercise UPPER BODY intensely 30 seconds, rest 5 seconds, exercise CORE intensely 30 seconds, rest 5 seconds. REPEAT for a total of 3 times. Extend or shorten the rest period as needed. Select "Begin Workout" for online timer