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Posted March 12, 2014

Postgrad Tips for Working Out While You Work

We all need regular exercise to keep both body and mind satisfied and working at their best, and it's recommended we spent at least 30 minutes a day doing some kind of physical activity. Fitting these essential workouts into a busy schedule is difficult, however, and this something that postgrad students are all too familiar with. It's an endless dilemma, and you know that working out will actually help your studies, reduce your stress levels and keep you focused, but forfeiting any precious paper writing or exam revision time is out of the question. What better, then, to have a few crafty ways to get some exercise in while you study, and studying in while you exercise? Here are some tips on how to become a master of multitasking and work out while you work.

Take your books to the gym You might feel slightly crazy to begin with, but this is actually one of the best ways to be productive study wise and get some exercise in, though things like intensive cardio or swimming are out of the question. Naturally. Take one of your course books or a copy of your notes to the gym and read them whilst on a treadmill or stationary bike. You will not only forget that you are engaging in otherwise tedious physical exercise, but you will also benefit from focused, uninterrupted reading time.

Listen to study materials on a run Running and jogging are two of the most effective exercises out there, and doing a 45 minute run a few times a week will do wonders for your body and mind alike. Make that time even more productive by replacing the club playlist on your iPod with an audiobook, a recording of you reading important notes, or an educational podcast or lecture relating to your subject of study. Sure, none of these things are going to be quite as motivational as the latest Disclosure record, but at least you can feel smug about it when results day comes around.

Do weights at your desk Get some hand weights and do some reps while you're sat at your desk. You could read and even write while you do them. If you don't have hand weights to hand, improvise. Scan your room or library for similarly heavy objects, and if all else fails, use a full water bottle. Ensure you sit up straight and maintain good posture so you don't cause yourself injuries before any important exams.

Stand up while you read Yes, this sounds silly, and may make you look and feel silly, but you would be surprised just how beneficial this is compared to sitting down. Try it!

Source documentaries and TV shows on your topic Find some documentaries, TV shows or lectures on Youtube that will help you out with researching and revising your topic. You can do all kinds of workouts while you watch them, including sit ups, push ups, squats and so on. Download them onto your phone or tablet, take it to the gym and you can even watch while you sweat out the stress doing super intense cardio.

Don't let your health or fitness levels suffer just because you have a hectic study schedule. Incorporating little things like this will benefit you in all manner of ways and those precious endorphins will keep you feeling upbeat during the hard times.

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