Stay Healthy: Physically and Mentally

It should not come as a shock to hear that law school is a huge time commitment.  Students face a lot of pressure each day.  They are expected to read numerous cases per week, complete legal writing assignments with an extreme attention to detail, and consistently update their outlines.  How in the world, then, do law students find the time to stay healthy and active?  It is not easy, but, it is very important.  It takes discipline and organization.  Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet increases a student's energy level and mental acuity.  Staying healthy just might give you that extra edge you need to succeed.

When it comes to physical fitness, all law students have access to the Cap Center located on the Capital University main campus in Bexley.  But, for those that are interested in alternative options, Capital offers discounted membership rates at three different fitness centers.  The Grant Fitness Center (located in Grant Hospital) is just a couple of minutes away from the law school.  Students can purchase a semester-long membership pass for $60.  Urban Active Fitness Center offers membership passes for $29.95 per month.  This membership grants students access to all Urban Active locations.  Seven locations exist in the Columbus area alone.  Finally, The Athletic Club of Columbus offers student memberships for $75 per month.  While this is more expensive than the others, the student fee is drastically lower than the normal rate.  Also, because a lot of practicing attorneys are ACC members, students can take advantage of networking opportunities here as well.

For runners, bikers, and walkers, Columbus has a fantastic trail system.  The Scioto trail is my personal favorite because it showcases a beautiful view of the city, especially at sunset.  Columbus is also home to the largest marathon in Ohio.  The Columbus Marathon is held in the fall, and this past October, 14,000 people, including a handful of Capital Law students, participated in either the half or full marathon.  Cycling enthusiasts will not want to miss out on Pelotonia, a two-day ride to Athens and back that raises money for cancer research.  The new and exciting Capital Law Cycling Club organizes a team for this event each year.  Last summer, six students along with Professor Jack Guttenberg and Dean Richard Simpson participated and raised almost $13,000 for cancer research!

Mental health is also very important.  Stress levels are always high throughout the year, but they tend to skyrocket when finals roll around at the end semester.  Ward off that stress by taking advantage of Capital's health and wellness program.  This year, Capital started a program called Wellness Wednesdays.  During the semester, the Achieve Balance group sponsors multiple wellness workshops including:  Tips to Healthy Living, Building Healthy Relationships, Wellness Assessments, Performance Enhancement, and Tackling Stress.  On top of that, students also benefit from FREE massages during finals week.

Law school is a stressful undertaking, but students at Capital are lucky to benefit from discounted fitness center rates, and school-sponsored wellness programs.  Living in Columbus, a city committed to fitness, fosters a desire to lead a healthy lifestyle.  By staying healthy, physically, and mentally, students maximize their potential to focus and succeed in law school.