Michelle Obama has made fitness and health a national issue. Nonetheless, many teens struggle to sustain academic success while also keeping fit.  While some students homeschool specifically to accommodate their athletic schedules, others find themselves rarely leaving their computer, much less their home. Fortunately,even without time or access to a gym, there are many ways to get your body moving, even while staying at your desk.

     The pressures of demanding assignments and deadlines limit free time, and when they have it, exercise is rarely a priority for tired students. However, daily physical activity is essential for well-being, even if you are not trying to lose weight. Experts recommend that one should strive for a minimum of  30 minutes of active physical exertion three times a week. Not only does exercise decrease the chances of cancer or heart disease, but it also helps one maintain a healthy weight and relieve stress. Exercise can also help improve your concentration, as well as lower the likelihood of depression and insomnia.

     When you only have a moment, and not enough time to leave your workspace, you can still work up a sweat with only a chair and a dumbbell. First, to ease the strain from your muscles, try slowly rolling your neck, your ankles and your wrists. To straighten your back after hunching over your book or laptop, sit up straight,and reach your arms out on either side. Sitting firmly in your chair, stretch your arms above your head. Stretch your hands, by extending your arms out and then pulling your fingers back toward you. Next, while being sure to keep good posture, twist your torso slowly from the waist. To get your lower body moving, attempt leg lifts and squats,using your chair for support with the latter. Finally, hold the dumbbell over your head with both hands and slowly bend to either side as far as you can, tentimes. It also helps to take brief break every hour and walk about a bit. This will clear your mind, and keep your muscles moving.  When a file is loading for a long time, or your internet connection is stalling, take the moment to get up, do some sit-ups, or even just stand and stretch. There are many exercises that are easilyd one right from your office chair, and both your body and mind will thank you for the brief break from studying.

       If you have a little more time to work out, but still wish to exercise at home, there are high intensity exercises that you can perform with only a little space and a yoga mat. Try squats, jumping jacks, planks push-ups, and sit-ups. Jumping quickly on a mini trampoline for five minutes will not only evoke childhood memories, but it is also an easy way to get your heart-rate up. If you have a treadmill at home, try walking on it briefly or even studying while using it.

     Sometimes, getting out of the house can seem impossible, but it can make all the difference. Just going for a five minute walk will increase your level of fitness and leave you feeling refreshed. Simply walk away from your house for two and a half minutes, and then turn and come back. It may seem as if such a small amount of physical activity can hardly make a difference, but remember than any exercise you get is better than none.

      It can be difficult to prioritize physical healthy over schoolwork, but it is important to remember that high school will come and go, but you will have your body forever.