To some, working out sounds like the worst thing in the entire world. Going for a run? Why would anyone want to put themselves through that pain? Especially in college, who has time for that? However, I find working out to be a great escape for me in my college years. Working out can be rewarding whether you've had a good day, bad, stressful, long, boring, etc. There are so many thoughts and worries that flow through the brain of a college student and there is no better way to shut these thoughts out by blasting some music and blowing off some steam at the gym. The gym might not be for everyone, but here are some reasons why the gym could help improve the mind and body of the typical college student.

1. Don't let the stress build up.

Between going to class, doing homework and projects and possibly having a job or an internship, there is a lot of stress that comes with being a college student. Sure, getting drunk might be an easy way out of these stressful times but there is still stress built up no matter what. Going for a run or lifting weights is a great way to physically get the stress out of your body. Once you get your blood pumping in the gym, you will feel a lot less stressed afterwards.

2. Look good, feel good.

Working out is great for physical appearance as well as boosting one's confidence. College is a time for finding ourselves and there's no better way of making yourself look and feel good than going to the gym regularly, even if it's just for 30 minutes!

3. Keep up your inner high school athlete.

When I first got to college, I was so excited to have free time after classes since I was so used to going to track practice every day after school. This made me be rather lazy my freshman year, thinking there was no need to work out anymore. Then I quickly gained the love for working out back, just in a different way. It was my escape from classes and homework rather than something I was forced into attending and told to do. Maybe not all of us were athletes in high school, but there was probably a higher level of physical activity done in high school by most of us. Just because you're in college and no longer play organized sports, don't let that athlete escape you.

4. Take a study break.

Studying and doing mass amounts of homework requires a lot of sitting down for long periods of time. Get your muscles moving and take a study break by going to the gym and clearing your mind of school for an hour. It is important to exercise both the mind and the body.

5. Lose the Freshman 15.

Clearly, it is a little difficult to get used to eating cafeteria and fast food as opposed to your mom's homemade dinners once you get to college. An easy way to ensure you don't gain that weight in college is to exercise whenever you get the chance. We can't all escape the quick and easy chicken fingers and fries for dinner. Take advantage of the "free" gym membership you get by being a college student!

6. Boost your energy.

While taking a nap always sounds so tempting in between classes or after a long day in the library, keep your body going by working out instead. This will help you stay active and increase your energy throughout the day rather than causing you to wake up grumpy and even more tired after a two hour nap.