With all the stress of balancing schoolwork, co-curriculars, jobs, and social events, it can be difficult for university students to find time to exercise.

Right now, it’s harder than ever to get moving as most athletic facilities are still closed, and outdoor workouts aren’t always an option due to the weather. However, that doesn’t mean we should be neglecting our health. Regular exercise is extremely important for mental and physical well-being — even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Here are some quick, simple, and quiet exercises you can do right now in your room — all you need is yourself and a bit of space! 

Do each exercise for a minute for a 10-minute workout, or mix and match to your heart’s desire.

Lower body exercises

For squats, start with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees to a 90-degree angle. Then, come back up. Change it up by trying a plié, side, or pistol squat.

To do lunges, start from a standing position, take a step forward with one foot, and bend the front knee to a 90-degree angle. Repeat with both legs. Keep it interesting with hip twists, stretches, and side lunges. 

Core exercises

Crunches begin with you lying down with your hands behind your head, knees bent, and feet flat. Engaging your core, lift your shoulders off the floor, and lower back down slowly. Spice things up with bicycle or V crunches.

A plank is achieved by balancing on your forearms and toes, keeping your legs straight and back flat. Make it interesting with hip rotations and arm or leg lifts, or try a side plank if you’re so inclined.

Arm exercises

To do arm circles, simply stretch your arms out on either side and circle them forward or backward while engaging your shoulders. Switch up the size of the circles and rotation speed as you like.

Pushups begin from a high plank position on your hands and toes — or start in a kneeling position for modified pushups. Bend your elbows to lower your body toward the ground, then come back up. Try different variations like the triangle or one-handed pushup if you’re feeling up to it. 

Total body exercises

For wood chops, start with your feet shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands together, and turn and reach up to one side. Then, turn and squat as you rotate down to the other side.

To perform a single leg Romanian deadlift, begin from a standing position and reach down while lifting one leg in line with your body behind you, making sure to engage your whole body. Repeat while alternating sides.

Skater jumps involve starting from a standing position before swinging one leg behind you to the opposite side and reaching down with the same arm while bending both knees. Alternate and repeat.

Burpees are a gym class classic. Start from a standing position and reach upward. Then, place your hands on the ground and stretch out into a high plank. Modify in whatever way strikes your fancy.

And that’s all — happy working out, everybody!