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When you think of exercise, what comes to mind? Lifting weights? Riding a bike? Going for a jog? Now that summer is in full swing, I think exercise is a great way to spend time with your friends and family while bettering oneself in both mind and body.

There is a statistic out there that says 10,000 steps per day is good for your health. From walking a college campus to working in the restaurant side of a country club, I definitely know easy ways to walk over 10,000 steps per day. However, I have always thought of more ways to exercise than just walking and have engaged multiple forms of physical activity. From lifting weights to a form of cardiovascular exercise, I have made myself better in mind and body. It isn’t always easy and there is definitely a form of motivation that will help you as much as it helped me: Friends.

For a few months, some friends and I would get up at the crack of dawn to exercise. Now there is both a novelty to waking up early and sleeping in. Having experienced both, we were surprised to take a shine to waking up early – for exercise. We would either lift weights and then run outside or do an early yoga or fitness class all before having breakfast! Our reward would always be a nice breakfast afterward (chocolate milk, omelet, and fruit) and a nice warm shower!

The exercise not only bettered us in mind and body but it also strengthened all of the relationships we had with one another. Sharing our successes and failures athletically allowed us to share our successes and failures academically, musically, or in any other aspects of our lives since we spent most mornings together. Exercise was so beneficial building these relationships (not to mention relying on one another to get up at 5:00am) and is a memory that we really will never forget for a long time!

Now that the weather is pleasant, definitely take advantage of exercise if you have not during winter months. Even if exercise is not your thing, just take a quick walk ‘round the block and gradually increase your level of activity. Those 10,000 steps will be there in no time! Plus, your body and mind will feel better – and they will thank you!

About the author: Josh Wooster

I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where I attended Millard West High School. I chose Hastings College because it gave students personal attention, extracurricular options, and music ensembles better than those of other colleges in the state. I am currently the leader of 1-2-5, the men’s a-cappella singing ensemble, while also being a part of the Hastings College Choir and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men’s music fraternity. Other commitments include being an intern for the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and membership in the Student Environmental Action Coalition and Society for Collegiate Journalists. “Free time” for me involves arranging music for 1-2-5, working at the Lochland Country Club, and searching for a job. I am a jovial spirit with a diligent attitude towards work, and a keen eye for detail. I hope to stick around Hastings after college to work and give back to the city and college that have offered me so much.