Ten Healthy College Classes to Take This Semester at College

You're about to register for your classes at college. You will attend full time to make sure you graduate in four years, so you can go on to work or graduate school. You also want to make sure you stay healthy. Here is an idea: combine the two for the best of both worlds. Take college classes that help you stay healthy.

What is meant by this is to take fitness oriented college courses. You could take an aerobics class, a skiing class, a swimming class, or whatever your college offers. The class gives you credit, so you'll be working towards the credits needed for your degree. And, it's usually easier to get an A in fitness courses than something like Physics, so you can help to boost your college GPA as well.

There's no need to spend money joining a gym when you can take a college fitness course essentially for free. Most colleges charge you a set admission price for being a full time student. Any number of credits you take over 12 credits doesn't cost you any extra. So, take 12 credits or 15 credits of scholastic courses and then sign up for one or two fitness oriented courses at one credit each. You're making your college dollar go further as well.

I was lucky enough to go a school that had a large number of fitness classes offered each semester. I attended Shepherd University in West Virginia. You could take tennis, skiing, swimming, aerobics-like courses, and many more. I would try and take one each semester, to help force me to stay in shape. I almost forgot to mention this added benefit. If you know you have to attend class and exert effort, it will help motivate you to stay in shape.

Here are ten fitness oriented college courses to consider. Check your college to see what they offer.

1. Skiing. Most colleges don't have ski slopes on campus, but they'll partner up with a nearby ski resort to offer the classes. It's a joint effort that brings in extra revenue for the ski resort while enhancing the college programs. It generally costs you much less money to ski through the college than to pay for lessons and ski lift passes on your own.

2. Tennis. This is a great way to learn how to play tennis, because you'll be taught the game as well as getting a chance to play. You're also going to exert alot of effort and burn some serious calories with this sport.

3. Dance. Hey, maybe you can learn to swing dance or salsa like they do on Dancing With the Stars. Better yet, maybe you can get a body like Edyta Slovenska's.

4. Swimming. If your college has a pool, you can take swimming lessons. This could save a good deal over getting a gym membership at the YMCA. And, often you'll pay extra to take swimming lessons as well. You can brush up on your side stroke and learn how to hold your breath longer under water.

5. Weight training. The benefit of taking weight training at college is that you'll get to work together with other students. Often, setting goals with classmates and working out together can help inspire you to work harder during your workout. The healthy competition may spur you to lift more.

6. Gymnastics. Some colleges offer gymnastic courses where you can work on the balance beams or parallel bars. Start your training for the Olympics here!

7. Pilates or yoga. The trend for these classes has increased over the past few years. These type of courses give you more mental discipline while working your body.

8. Horseback riding. Yes, a few colleges offer horseback riding courses. You learn how to ride the horse properly, and how to handle the reigns to steer the horse.

9. Hiking. Find a college near somewhere with hiking, and you're in. Maybe you'll find a college near the Grand Canyon that lets you hike the trails there!

10. Jogging. This course will help you increase your stamina and help you run faster. If you want to be the next qualifier for the Marine Corps marathon, your training begins here.