Exercising in Law School, Yes it is Possible

Make a Plan That is Easy to Follow

As it is with anything in law school, you have to make everything as simple as possible.  That includes your exercise routine.  Generally, if you focus on one part of the body for each workout, then it creates a goal that is easy to reach.  And it avoids you from getting discouraged.  It takes a person an average of 66 days to create a habit so, that just means you need to stay on top of it for a month and one week.  That doesn't sound so impossible, now does it?

Get Guidance if Needed

Most people have no clue what they are doing (and that still includes me) when they try to create workouts.  The best part is that there are many options here to learn more about how to move your body.  Some people prefer to use a face-to-face personal trainer that can guide them through the movements and teach them how to use machines.  Some people prefer to participate in group classes, which are available at almost every single gym.  Some people even prefer to use a workout app to guide them along the way at their own pace.  No matter what works for you, there is a multitude of options.

The one grave mistake that must be avoided is signing up for a membership to something like Pure Barre or Soul Cycle if you know that you will not keep up your commitment.  These memberships can be quite expensive and create a black hole in your wallet if a location is just a little bit too far to be convenient, or if you only have time in the early morning or late evening.

But before you pay for any membership, check with your school! Some schools offer free admission to their fitness centers if you are enrolled as either a part-time or full-time student. This could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run!

My Personal Favorite

(This is not a sponsorship or encouragement to use this service; I just find that it works best for me and my schedule.)

I use Sweat: Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Fitness Workouts.  It is super convenient, and it comes on a multitude of platforms.  You can log on using your computer, or you can download the app.  I like to do the workouts in the middle of my living room with a workout playlist pumping through my Bluetooth speaker.  The workouts are 30 minutes long with 30 minutes of cool-down stretches.  Minimal equipment is required because most of the moves are body-weight focused.  To me, this means no travel time to the gym, little to no clean up, and I can get back to my assignments right away.

Accountability Buddies

I love having a workout buddy.  This year, I had a fellow friend that would always remind me the days that we promised to work out together during the week, and we would challenge each other to either make or find the best workout playlist of the week.  She lived within walking distance of my apartment, so we would go to my place after class and walk home.  Sometimes we even rinsed off real quick and studied together.  It made the workouts super fun, we could socially chat and take our minds off of school, and then get back to the grind.  Both of also appreciated the fact that we got some blood flowing before we sat back down.  We did it Elle Woods style.

Gym Fear

If you do choose to enroll in a gym program or some type of membership, just remember--no one is actually watching you.  Okay, the guy that keeps peeking over might be checking you out, but what's the harm if he ends up asking for your number?  A free coffee?  A nice meal?

Most of the other people at the gym are there for the exact same reason that you are--to have a fantastic workout before they have to face life again.  Do not be afraid of the "gym bros" or the people who like to watch themselves do reps in the mirror.  They are wrapped up in their own world anyway, and they are not paying you any attention.  The gym is actually a judgment free zone, so do not be afraid to step off of the treadmill and lift some weights.

You can do it!

Law School Is Not a Backup Plan

Everywhere you look, and a lot of people that you talk to will try to tell you that law school is suitable to have as a backup plan.  This could not be further from the truth.  Law school takes an extreme amount of dedication and effort--for you to make it, you have to love it.  Do not take someone else's seat unless you are going to take it seriously.

Attending Lectures Are a Must

Some people could glide through undergrad without actually going to class.  This will not fly in law school.  The American Bar Association actually requests that law professors take attendance in their lectures because there has to be a record of "regular and punctual attendance".  If you do not fulfill this requirement, then the ABA can restrict you from sitting for the Bar Exam.

There would be nothing more frustrating than to put a ton of work into your education and not be able to receive your certification.  Law school tuition is not a laughable matter, either.  Students who decide to sleep in or skip are taking quite the expensive break--if you thought undergrad hours were expensive, multiply that three-fold.

Career Numbers Are Important

Every law school reports their numbers on the percentage of their graduates that are gainfully employed in a law-related career.  These statistics are used to rank the schools, as well as an advertising point for future students.  Career services offices do not take kindly to lazy students.  If any of the administrators at the institution do not believe that you are taking your legal education seriously, they can choose to expel you at their discretion.

This does not mean that you are "stuck" being a lawyer if that is not what you desire for your future.  The administration is willing to help you find a career in the place that will make you happy.  People can only help people that are willing to help themselves.

Law School and Stress are "Going Steady"

Law school has a notorious reputation for being very difficult.  This is not an untrue or invalid reputation.  You need to keep your thoughts in order to create outlines, you need to reach out to professors as soon as you are having difficulty, and you have to be disciplined enough to stay on top of your reading.  In the majority of law classes, grades are determined by one thing--a final exam.

One final determines your grade.  This means that the culmination of knowledge for an entire semester must be prepared and ready to go when the exam is handed to you.  Time-efficiency is key, so wasted time is detrimental.  Law schools do offer assistance in teaching coping mechanisms, but you still need to reach out for this help.

Lack of Motivation Means Lack of Degree Value

If a legal education does not mean much to you as a person, then you weigh down on the value of your degree.  Law school teaches you how to read, write, and argue in a way that you have never done before.  These skills are important in the legal profession, but if you roll your eyes at this, then you are doing your classmates a disservice.  As they are putting their pedals to the metal, you with the backup plan just take the easy way out.   This does not provide a strong learning environment

With people weakening the learning environment, the professors have difficulty finding participants in the class, on law review, and other programs in the school.  This does not reflect well when employers are looking at applicants from your institution.  The program suffers, the ranking suffers, and your degree suffers.

Law School is a Three Year Marriage

While you are in law school, it is your life.  It requires 100% of your attention.  You have to fulfill all of its requests and demands.  You have to put things aside in order to perform well.  If you do not take promises lightly, then you should not take your seat in a law school class lightly.  You have to be dedicated and faithful to school while you are there.  And you have to do that for a full three years.

xoxo,