4 Low-Intensity Sports You Should Try to Relax After Studies

Everyone knows how important sports are for our mental and physical health.

But as studies get progressively more intense, you may not have the energy for sports at the end of the day. Coming home from a day packed with lectures, note-taking, and tests, you think, ‘I still have to write my essay!’ and that leaves no time for the gym. For many people, strength training may seem intimidating, especially when you feel so tired and even weak.

In reality, working out will help your body release endorphins and give you a boost of energy. In the long run, your body will get used to being more active, producing more and more energy. After a few weeks of stable training, you may notice increased productivity, improved focus, and an easier time falling asleep. But if you start with lifting weights or boxing, having never done that before, your body may protest. So, we recommend you go for something less intense. Check out these 4 low-intensity sports to get you started.

Swimming

If your school has a swimming pool, you should take full advantage of it. Swimming can be intense and competitive, but the best part is that you are the one who decides how fast and how long you want to swim. If you don’t know how to swim, it’s best to hire a coach or join a group. Otherwise, you might be putting yourself and others in danger. A coach will help you learn all the basic techniques and styles while also giving you engaging exercises.

If you have some experience in the water, go solo. Swimming for 30 minutes will help you focus on your body, relax your back muscles after a day of studying at your desk, regulate your breathing, and train your heart. Generally, swimming is great for cardiovascular health, and it affects all muscle groups.

Another great benefit is that most pools are built inside spa complexes, which means that if you have enough time, you can go to the sauna or just chill in a jacuzzi.

Yoga

Again, just like any other sport, yoga can be intense and used for strength training. Yet, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of variations of yoga, which means you can choose the one that fits your strength level and desired result.

• Ashtanga

• Kundalini

• Hatha

• Vinyasa

• Iyengar

• Restorative

• Yin

Every teacher has their own preferred methods and ways of looking at the practice. In essence, yoga is more of a spiritual practice than a physical one, yet most of what is accessible to us is a westernized, modern version.

You can practice in your local yoga studio or just on the mat in your dorm room. A teacher will guide you on how to better position your body, while a solo practice is great if you feel anxious when surrounded by people. Follow a YouTube tutorial or get an app like DownDog for a more immersive experience. You can choose how intense you want to go and focus on your needs on that exact day.

Yin or restorative yoga are a great meditative experience more suitable for winding down before sleep. Ashtanga or Vinyasa flows are more energetic for those days when you want to greet the sun. Try out different techniques and see what works best for you.

Walking

Walking is easy, accessible, and has plenty of benefits. Incorporating more walks into your daily routine can help you reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, increase your energy levels, and, of course, discover new places! If you live near the campus, you can save money on your daily commute by leaving the house a little bit earlier. Sure, it might not seem realistic in the winter cold, but in the warmer months, you may actually enjoy it.

One thing to note, though, is not all walking is good walking. Try to make sure you don’t have a bag weighing one of your shoulders down. It’s best to always carry a backpack. A bag would inhibit proper vertebrae movement, which is key to good posture and back health.

Some comfy sneakers and your usual clothes will do. Make it a habit to use your car less, for example, when going for groceries. If you live alone, there’s no way you need so much food you can’t carry it on foot. This way, you will also save gas money and decrease your carbon footprint.

Cycling

Another great alternative to driving is cycling. Most of us have learned to ride a bike as kids, and once you learn it, you can’t forget this skill. So why not put it to practice? Cycling uses all major muscle groups and is a great way of preventing heart disease, increasing your stamina and breathing. It’s also a low-impact workout, which means that injuries are less common than in other sports. You just have to be careful if you share a road with cars.

Riding your bike to and from college can give you time to think about your day, notice your surroundings, and practice mindfulness. It’s a great breathing exercise, which means it will help you relax, focus on yourself, and get grounded.

Just like with other sports on the list, it is as intense as you want it to be. If you have the time and the road to college is straight, you can go as slow as you like, noticing every bird on the way. Once you get the hang of it and want some more physical exercise, you can increase the speed or take a longer road. It’s completely up to you.

Wrapping Up

Practicing sports in college is essential for having a healthy, balanced life. Working out regularly can help you reduce stress, improve your stamina and decrease the risk of diseases further down the line. 

Many students feel discouraged when they think about working out because they barely have any energy left at the end of the day. Yet, not all sports have to be draining and exhausting. Some might be useful for reflection, introspection, and mindfulness. Try the ones on our list and see how your body reacts.