Are you too stressed out to exercise at all?  Are you frustrated but willing to try something that actually works?  If you are, then you’re in luck.  Recent studies have shown that you don’t need to spend hours exercising.  According to researchers at Cornell University, you only need to exercise for five minutes a day. “Our study results demonstrate that even as little as five minutes of exercise each day is enough to improve one physiologically and, more importantly, psychologically.”   

            Their case study involved two groups. One group did nothing during a 12 week period, and the other group exercised for five minutes a day doing such activities that target the legs and abdominals such as forms of sit ups and back exercises.  At the end of the period, the findings were that all of the individuals that exercised daily increased their flexibility and abdominal strength dramatically.  While there were no changes in the weight of the people, the results are encouraging because they prove that anyone that works out for five minutes is more than likely to see results than if they don’t do anything.  This test had virtually a one-hundred percent success rate.   These individuals also showed higher self esteem as it relates to their physical appearance.  The abdominals are your body’s core.  It is where all of your organs are, and much of the energy that you burn comes from this area.  Toning this area will undoubtedly change how one feels psychically.  The researchers state, “This often indicates that one is satisfied with his or her values and behavior and feels good about the body’s physical functioning condition.”   This means that only minimal amounts of exercise could improve one’s outlook on life.  When one feels better psychically the results show that they feel better mentally.  The research generally states that only working out for minimal amounts can have a positive impact on the human psyche.

            Think about how many other things that you can benefit from in five minutes.  I can’t think of much!  Imagine a campus filled with toned people.  Think about what your friends and family back home will think.  It could be possible with only a short amount of exercise daily.  So, take advantage of your free gym services, after all, it can only help.

            In order to promote a happier and healthier student body, Duke students should encourage each other to get off the couch and away from studying for a mere five minutes.  The results could be astonishing.  Students will be more positive and have a better outlook on life, especially during stressful times such as midterms and exams. 

 

Reference:

 

            McBride, T. et al. Take 5: How you can benefit from just five minutes of daily exercise and start a life-long wellness program (Fitness Two Publications, 1995 - Cornell University).