When you're spending hours seated at a desk learning everything you possibly can about the human body, taking care of your own body can easily fall by the wayside. Research shows that exercise actually improves memory, reasoning skills, the quality of your sleep, and other things that boost your study game (more info here x), yet it's one of the first things to fall to the bottom of the to do list when times get busy! I'm certainly guilty of it! There's no one way to go about it and you don’t have to be a gym rat, a cross-fit pro or a professional yogi to reap the benefits. You just have to find ways to move your body!


Oftentimes, the hardest part of getting active is getting started. I think it's pretty safe to say that no one ever regrets a workout once it's done. Need some tips on getting over that hurdle?  I got your back!

①Start small & get active with your everyday activities: Studying for hours on end in a chair at a desk? Try a standing desk! Working in a hospital or clinic? Take the stairs instead of waiting for that elevator! These are small changes, but they're definitely a step in the right direction! 

②Make it a priority: Whether you decide to get active at home or at the gym, make sure that it remains on your to do list instead of being on of the first things that gets knocked off when you run short on time. Instead of thinking of it as something that is taking time away from your studies, think of the many ways it enhances the time you spend studying! Not only does your brain need a break, getting that blood flowing makes you sharper! 

③Accountability is key: & it can come in many forms! You could try working out with a friend, tracking your progress/goals using a fitbit or an app, or signing up for local classes. When I was trying to get back into yoga during my STEP 1 dedicated study period, joining a studio instead of practicing at home really helped because honestly, I didn't want to waste the money! That was enough to get me away from my desk and to make the workout a part of my routine. 

④Do YOU: You don't have to be a marathon runner, cross-fit pro, or a pilates guru. Do whatever feels good to YOU and do it often :)

 How do you stay active in medical school?