Health and Wellness: Staying Fit on Campus

July 17, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Student Resources 

Staying healthy in college does not have to mean spending hours at the gym or following a perfect routine. Between classes, work, studying, family responsibilities and everything else on your schedule, it can be hard to find time for exercise, meals, sleep and stress relief.

The good news is that small choices can still make a difference. Taking a walk between classes, using a campus fitness center, joining a wellness class or reaching out for mental health support can help you feel better and manage stress.

STLCC students have access to fitness centers, wellness classes, walking areas, counseling services and athletic opportunities that can support both physical and mental well-being.

Use STLCC Fitness Centers

If you want a place to work out between classes or before heading home, STLCC has fitness centers at Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec. The fitness centers are free for students to use after completing a quick safety and orientation course.

Students can use the fitness centers for cardio, strength training or general exercise. You do not need to be an expert. You can start with what feels comfortable and build from there.

Take a Walk on Campus

Walking is one of the easiest ways to add movement to your day. You can walk before class, after class or during a break. It can also help clear your mind after sitting through lectures, studying or working on a screen.

Florissant Valley and Meramec each have quarter-mile outdoor tracks students can use for walking, jogging or running. Wildwood has an outdoor basketball hoop for students who want to shoot around or play a casual game. All four main campuses also offer space for walking workouts, with green areas and outdoor spaces where students can get fresh air.

At Meramec, students can also find gardens and walking paths that offer a quieter place to reset between classes.

Explore Nearby Trails and Outdoor Spaces

If you like being outside, there are trails and parks near STLCC campuses where you can walk, hike or spend time in nature.

• Florissant Valley: Little Creek Nature Area offers nearby trails in North St. Louis County.
• Forest Park: Forest Park is located near STLCC-Forest Park and offers trails, open space, museums and the Saint Louis Zoo.
• Meramec: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has paved walking paths and nature areas.
• Wildwood: Turkey Ridge Trail is a nearby hiking option for students who want a more challenging outdoor walk.

You do not have to plan a full hike to benefit from being outside. Even a short walk can give you a break from school stress.

Try a Health and Wellness Class

If working out on your own does not sound appealing, a class may help you stay motivated. STLCC offers health and wellness classes where students can earn credit while learning skills that support physical and mental well-being.

Course options may include activities such as yoga, archery, backpacking, swimming, basic fitness, weightlifting, stress management and sport and exercise psychology.

Taking a class can be helpful if you want structure, instructor support or a reason to keep movement on your schedule.

Find Movement That Fits Your Life

Not every student wants to use a gym, join a team or take a fitness class. That's okay. Movement can look different for different people.

You might stretch before bed, follow a short workout video at home, walk during a lunch break, take the stairs, park farther away or do a few minutes of movement between study sessions. If you commute to campus, walking or biking may also be an option depending on your distance, schedule and safety.

Take Care of Your Mental Health Too

Health is not only about exercise. Sleep, food, stress, relationships and mental health all affect how you feel and how well you can focus in class.

Try to keep the basics simple. Drink water, get rest when you can, eat meals that help you feel steady and take breaks before you feel completely burned out. You do not have to do everything perfectly to take better care of yourself.

STLCC’s counseling services support students’ mental and emotional well-being at no cost to currently enrolled students. Counseling can help with stress, anxiety, motivation, grief, relationships and other personal challenges that may affect your college experience.

Consider Athletics or Recreational Activities

If you enjoy team sports, STLCC’s Archer Athletics offers opportunities for student-athletes. STLCC competes in baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, esports, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball and volleyball.

Student-athletes can take classes at any campus, which helps with balancing academics and sports. Students interested in joining a team can complete an athletics recruiting questionnaire.

If competitive sports are not your thing, you can still look for low-pressure ways to move with other people. Walking with a classmate, joining a campus activity or trying a group class can make movement feel more social and less like another chore.

Build a Routine You Can Actually Keep

The best wellness routine is one that fits your real life. If your schedule is full, start small. If you do not like gyms, try walking. If you need structure, take a class. If you feel stressed, reach out for support.

Healthy habits do not have to be perfect to be helpful. A few small choices each week can support your energy, mood and confidence as a student.

At STLCC, you have options. Use the resources that fit your goals, your schedule and your comfort level.