Boost Your Learning: How Exercise Enhances Academic Success

Working out can be a challenge for busy students, especially during the fall and winter months when chilly temperatures and shorter days make it tempting to cozy up at home. But did you know that engaging in physical activity can significantly enhance your focus and performance as a student?

Exercise is crucial for student wellness and is a powerful tool for managing assignments, exams and daily responsibilities during your time at Niagara College – Toronto (NCT). In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of staying active, tips for maintaining your physical health during fall and winter, and useful exercises to help you stay fit and energized throughout the school year.

Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise regimen or engaging in high-intensity workouts.

How does exercise benefit you as an NCT student?

Staying physically active brings tremendous benefits to students, impacting both academic performance and overall health and wellness. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that students who exercise regularly experience notable improvements in their grades and mood. Exercise stimulates brain cell growth, enhances memory and improves focus and concentration, helping you stay sharp and engaged in your studies.

As temperatures drop, staying active may seem more challenging—but with the right approach, you can keep moving and enjoy all the advantages exercise brings throughout the fall and winter.

Breaking a sweat at gyms and fitness centers

There are plenty of ways to stay active during the colder months as an NCT student.

If you are studying at our Mirvish Building, Central Tech Stadium (725 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5S 2R5) is just a five-minute walk away. You can reserve the turf fields to play soccer with classmates or take a run around the track for free during community hours. In fall and winter, the stadium is covered with a dome, so you can exercise comfortably, rain or shine.

Getting a gym membership is also a great way to take a step back from your studies, engage in physical activity and break a sweat. Vive Fitness 24/7 (807 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G2) is just a three-minute walk from our Mirvish Building and is ideal for weightlifting or a quick cardio session.

If you are studying at our 22 College Street Building, you will find several gyms nearby, including:

• Planet Fitness (444 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4)
• Central YMCA (20 Grosvenor St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2V5)
• GoodLife Fitness Toronto Bell Trinity Centre (483 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C9)

Furthermore, NCT’s Health Wellness and Community Services (HWCS) organizes on-campus events like fitness boot camps and Zumba sessions throughout the term, giving you even more ways to stay active. Be sure to check our Events calendar for these opportunities.

What exercises can I do at the gym?

At the gym, you have a variety of options, whether you want to lift weights or focus on cardio. Available equipment may vary at each facility, but most gyms typically offer machines and free weights, allowing you to perform exercises, such as:

• Shoulder press
• Chest press
• Bicep curls
• Tricep extensions
• Lat pulldowns
• Cable rows 
• Goblet squats
• Weighted lunges
• Running (treadmill)
• Biking (stationary bike)

Visit A Beginner’s Guide to Weight Training for more guidance on getting started.

What exercises can I do at home?

If you prefer to stay active at home, there are plenty of effective exercises that require no equipment, including:

• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Bridges
• Planks
• Lunges
• Squats
• Calf raises

Working out and engaging in rigorous physical activity can be incredibly beneficial to you as an NCT student. Incorporating exercise into your routine can positively impact both your academic performance and personal well-being. No matter where or how you choose to stay active, maintaining a healthy routine will help you thrive throughout the school year, fostering a balanced, energized approach to your studies and daily life.

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