The Benefits of Walking for UMD Students
By Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly
March 17, 2023
Image Credit: Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly for The Campus Trainer
When students generally think of exercise, some examples that might come to mind include lifting dumbbells at Epply’s Recreation Center, taking a run along Greenbelt drive or going for a swim at the Natatorium. While working out at the gym and going for a run are beneficial types of exercise, they often overshadow one of the most basic forms of physical activity that almost all students undertake each day: walking.
“It [walking] is beneficial for so many, so many things,” said Kiersten Janjigian, a sport psychologist and Ph.D. student specializing in sport cognitive motor neuroscience.
“Walking has impact on mental and physical health,” said Janjigian.
Janjigan said that walking can help boost creativity, reduce stress and relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
“There is a lot of research that has shown walking to be as effective or almost as effective as antidepressant medication.”
Many students at UMD find walking to be therapeutic.
“I greatly enjoy walking because it allows me a chance to be with my own thoughts and observe nature,” said senior Arabic major Maryam Abd-Allah. “I always like to try and see if I can spot something interesting like a new flower in bloom, or chubby squirrels squabbling or birds chirping.”
The University of Maryland is known for its vast campus. With over 1,300 acres of land, there is plenty of ground to take a brisk walk in order for UMD students to get their daily steps in. It is important to try and make walks intentional in order to be present and mindful of the moment like Abd-Allah. The university’s elevation, however, is not popular with all students.
“UMD is kind of like San Francisco because there are so many hills,” said Salmeron. “I hate walking up hills.”
Sophomore journalism major Evony Salmeron said, “It [walking] is also kind of calming,” said Salmeron. “I’m just walking and not really thinking about where I am going.”
Janjigian explained that just the simple act of going outside can affect your overall mood, and when you go for a walk, that mood is improved even more.
“Increasing your heart rate, increasing your breathing rate can have an effect on the brain in terms of mood and how your feeling and your ability to cope with stressors,” said Janjigian.
Janjigian recommends that students incorporate some movement into their daily schedules.
“A good walking pace would be something that gets your heart rate going to a moderate level,” said Janjigian. “Not something that you are completely exhausted by–not super rigorous.”
The University of Maryland is known for its vast campus. With over 1,300 acres of land, there is plenty of ground to take a brisk walk in order for UMD students to get their daily steps in. The university’s elevation, however, is not popular with all students.
“UMD is kind of like San Francisco because there are so many hills,” said Salmeron. “I hate walking up hills.”
In order for students to increase their amount of walking, Janjigiansaid, “Don't aim for some huge goal you can’t meet. Just get a little better everyday.”
She also advised students to be “productive” on walks by listening to podcasts.
“You're learning something while your brain is at a really great point to learn, and you're getting your steps in at the same time,” Janjigiansaid. “Figure out how to walk a little bit longer every week.”
Despite college students' chaotic days, it's important for everyone to dedicate some time to reflect and work out and walking is a great way to do so.
“It [walking] is beneficial for so many, so many things,” said Kiersten Janjigian, a sport psychologist and Ph.D. student specializing in sport cognitive motor neuroscience.
“Walking has impact on mental and physical health,” said Janjigian.
Janjigan said that walking can help boost creativity, reduce stress and relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
“There is a lot of research that has shown walking to be as effective or almost as effective as antidepressant medication.”
Many students at UMD find walking to be therapeutic.
“I greatly enjoy walking because it allows me a chance to be with my own thoughts and observe nature,” said senior Arabic major Maryam Abd-Allah. “I always like to try and see if I can spot something interesting like a new flower in bloom, or chubby squirrels squabbling or birds chirping.”
The University of Maryland is known for its vast campus. With over 1,300 acres of land, there is plenty of ground to take a brisk walk in order for UMD students to get their daily steps in. It is important to try and make walks intentional in order to be present and mindful of the moment like Abd-Allah. The university’s elevation, however, is not popular with all students.
“UMD is kind of like San Francisco because there are so many hills,” said Salmeron. “I hate walking up hills.”
Sophomore journalism major Evony Salmeron said, “It [walking] is also kind of calming,” said Salmeron. “I’m just walking and not really thinking about where I am going.”
Janjigian explained that just the simple act of going outside can affect your overall mood, and when you go for a walk, that mood is improved even more.
“Increasing your heart rate, increasing your breathing rate can have an effect on the brain in terms of mood and how your feeling and your ability to cope with stressors,” said Janjigian.
Janjigian recommends that students incorporate some movement into their daily schedules.
“A good walking pace would be something that gets your heart rate going to a moderate level,” said Janjigian. “Not something that you are completely exhausted by–not super rigorous.”
The University of Maryland is known for its vast campus. With over 1,300 acres of land, there is plenty of ground to take a brisk walk in order for UMD students to get their daily steps in. The university’s elevation, however, is not popular with all students.
“UMD is kind of like San Francisco because there are so many hills,” said Salmeron. “I hate walking up hills.”
In order for students to increase their amount of walking, Janjigiansaid, “Don't aim for some huge goal you can’t meet. Just get a little better everyday.”
She also advised students to be “productive” on walks by listening to podcasts.
“You're learning something while your brain is at a really great point to learn, and you're getting your steps in at the same time,” Janjigiansaid. “Figure out how to walk a little bit longer every week.”
Despite college students' chaotic days, it's important for everyone to dedicate some time to reflect and work out and walking is a great way to do so.