In high school, everything is laid out for you. Your schedule is set, classes are standardized for each
grade, and lunch options are carefully selected to offer nutritious choices. Physical education is
mandatory for students to stay active throughout the day.

But once senior year ends and you enter college, you’re hit with a new challenge. Suddenly, you’re
responsible for everything. Transitioning from high school to college can be discomfiting, requiring
time to adjust and balance academics and personal life.

One aspect that often adds to the stress of this transition is maintaining physical health and fitness.
Stepping into the gym may initially seem intimidating, especially with newfound independence and
busy schedules.

To make this transition smoother, consider following these steps provided at Central Connecticut
State University to seamlessly transition from high school PE classes to navigating the gym in college.

Join clubs and organizations

CCSU’s website “Club Central” contains information about diverse clubs and organizations. These
groups serve as more than just places for meeting new people; they also offer opportunities to stay
active and engaged within the campus community.

Joining certain dance clubs are a fun way to keep you active while keeping you comfortable. It still gives
the nostalgic feeling of a PE class when working out with other students your age while also having a
dance instructor to supervise you.

Organizing or joining walking, jogging or biking groups

Everything is more enjoyable with friends, whether going for a jog, experimenting with new hobbies,
or exploring new places. Consider hitting the gym together, setting up for yoga or cycling groups, and
establishing comfortable spaces to stay active with peers.

Form study groups that incorporate physical activity breaks

Studying can be tedious and boring. Utilize new study methods by doing a 15 minute exercise every 30
minutes of studying. Certain students may use the method of leaving sweet treats on pages that need
revision so they feel engaged when studying. As a student, stimulating your brain and body can occur
simultaneously.

Get involved at your college’s recreation center

At Central Connecticut State University, the recreation center has many intramural games, fitness
programs, and special events that first-year students can use and enjoy.

Markita James, the graduate assistant for the campus recreation center at CCSU, said the REC center
offers diverse opportunities for first-year students to connect with others and find comfort in being
active.

“Coming to the REC center, there’s so many walks of life or finding someone you may be dorming up
with, will be helpful as a freshman so you can have someone to be comfortable with.”

There are intramural games and sports clubs, including basketball, tennis, lacrosse, and other sports,
where students can form a team with their friends and play competitively. The fitness programs that
are offered are Zumba, “Ladies Who Lift,” “Abs and Core,” and “Bodyweight and Core,” where
different students meet with an instructor to learn how to use equipment or work out with peers.

If intramural games and fitness programs don’t interest you, try special events provided at CCSU. The
REC dedicates events to provide community and emotional stability to students. The special events
organized also include souvenirs and giveaways students can win. They’ve done holiday-related events
like the “Turkey Trot” in 2021, where students ran or walked a mile with a bike giveaway.

“Just staying active and knowing that life is what you make it,” James said.

Become independent

As you familiarize yourself with your school’s community, your responsibilities on campus will feel
more manageable and less of a burden. These practices are to lead to your own self discovery. Markita
James said stepping into this new stage of life will be challenging where knowing how to maintain your
health will make the transition easier.

“So much is happening, your mind is changing, you’re becoming a young adult, you’re becoming more
responsible, you are really about to see what it feels like to be on your own,” James said. “Being on your
own will require you to find activities that will keep you motivated and active, not only in your
personal life but in the community.”

By valuing your health and way of life you’ll be able to get through the most stressful parts of college.
Prioritize familiarizing yourself with your college community, professionals on campus, and campus
activities. As you continue to explore and embrace new experiences, you’ll find it easier to maintain a
routine that inspires a healthy lifestyle catered to your needs.