Fitness
Ecological Risk, Exercise Atmosphere, and Student Fitness
A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shed new light on the intricate relationships connecting cumulative ecological risk and physical activity patterns among college students. This research, contributed by a team led by scholars including Chen, T., Gao, Y., and Bu, Z., explores how factors such as exercise atmosphere and self-control mediate these connections. In today’s fast-paced academic environment, understanding the dynamics of mental and physical well-being is crucial, especially as students navigate significant stressors and lifestyle changes during their foundational college years.
The backdrop of this research highlights a growing concern regarding the health and ecological awareness of young adults. College students face numerous risks associated with their physical health and engagement with the environment, both of which are influenced by the socio-ecological context. Cumulative ecological risk reflects the various environmental stressors students encounter, ranging from urban pollution to limited access to green spaces. As these risks accumulate, they could potentially lead to a reduction in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health.
Central to the research is the concept of exercise atmosphere, which encompasses the motivational environment surrounding physical activity. This atmosphere can be heavily influenced by various factors including the presence of supportive peers, access to recreational facilities, and overall community engagement. The study suggests that a positive exercise atmosphere can encourage students to adopt healthier physical activity patterns, effectively counteracting the adverse effects of cumulative ecological risk. By creating an environment that fosters regular exercise, institutions can not only promote physical wellbeing but also enhance social and emotional support networks among students.
Self-control emerges as another vital factor within the operational framework of this study. It is posited that self-control plays a mediating role between ecological risks and physical activity patterns. Students with higher levels of self-control tend to be better equipped to navigate the stress associated with their environment, allowing them to prioritize their health and fitness effectively. This raises an interesting dynamic: while external ecological factors can detrimentally impact one’s health behaviors, individual traits such as self-control may serve as a buffer, promoting resilience and encouraging proactive behaviors.
In examining the interplay among these variables, the researchers utilized a variety of statistical methods to establish the strength of these relationships. Through regression analyses and structural equation modeling, they were able to illustrate how exercise atmosphere and self-control not only impact physical activity levels but also interact with ecological stressors. Such rigorous methodological approaches provide robust evidence for the findings, making them reliable and significant for further discourse in the fields of health psychology and environmental studies.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the academic sphere. Colleges and universities can harness this knowledge to design interventions aimed at improving student well-being. By cultivating an encouraging exercise environment and fostering self-regulation among students, institutions can not only mitigate the deleterious effects of ecological risks but can also promote a deeper engagement with sustainable practices. This dual approach emphasizes the importance of personal agency while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.
Moreover, the research contributes to the existing body of literature by highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping health behaviors. As awareness of ecological issues grows, the need to integrate such concerns into educational programs becomes apparent. Universities hold a pivotal role in molding not only the intellect but also the values of future generations. The cultivation of a health-conscious and environmentally aware mindset among students could lead to long-term societal benefits.
As society grapples with escalating concerns over climate change and its implications for individual well-being, the findings of this study reinforce the urgency for holistic educational frameworks. By recognizing the interconnectedness of personal health and environmental stewardship, educators can contribute to a more sustainable future. Future research should continue to explore these relationships in diverse populations and contexts, as understanding these dynamics is fundamental for developing effective health interventions.
In summary, the research by Chen et al. serves as an essential resource for those interested in the nexus of ecological risks and physical activity among young adults. As our understanding deepens, the potential for implementing meaningful change grows. The intertwined nature of our physical and environmental realities calls for a concerted effort to foster resilience and encourage healthy living practices in increasingly complex ecosystems.
In light of these insights, it becomes evident that the collective responsibility rests not only on the shoulders of individuals but also on communities and institutions to create environments that promote healthy choices. By doing so, we can aim to reduce ecological risks, enhance physical activity levels, and ultimately, create a healthier society equipped to face the challenges of the future.
As researchers engage further in these dialogues, the overarching hope remains that young adults, particularly college students, will emerge better prepared to navigate the dual challenges of ecological awareness and personal health. The convergence of these factors will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a generation that values both individual wellness and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Subject of Research: The relationship between ecological risk and physical activity among college students.
Article Title: Chain relationship between cumulative ecological risk and physical activity pattern on college students mediated by exercise atmosphere and self-control.
Article References:
Chen, T., Gao, Y., Bu, Z. et al. Chain relationship between cumulative ecological risk and physical activity pattern on college students mediated by exercise atmosphere and self-control. Sci Rep 15, 35767 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-19836-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-19836-4
Keywords: ecological risk, physical activity, self-control, exercise atmosphere, college students
Tags: academic stress and fitness levelsecological awareness among young adultsecological risk factors in college studentsenvironmental stressors affecting student fitnessexercise atmosphere and student motivationgreen space accessibility for college studentsmental health and exercise relationshipphysical activity patterns among young adultspromoting physical health in college environmentsself-control in physical activity engagementsocio-ecological context of student well-beingurban pollution impacts on health
Fitness
Fitness expert shares low-effort movement routines for days you’re too tired to exercise: ‘Even a few minutes of…’
We all have those days when exhaustion hits, and the thought of a full workout feels impossible. Skipping exercise entirely can make it harder to stay consistent, but even small movements count. Spoorthi S, fitness expert at cult shares with HT Lifestyle simple, low-effort routines to keep your body active and energised, even on the laziest days.
“If the idea of a ‘proper workout’ feels exhausting before you even begin, you’re not lazy, you’re likely fatigued,” explains Spoorthi S. “Long work hours, mental overload, poor sleep, and constant stimulation drain the nervous system, making intense exercise feel overwhelming. But an important thing to note is that movement doesn’t always have to be intense to be effective.” (Also read: Hyderabad eye surgeon explains why most vision loss in India is preventable but often detected too late )
“Low-effort movement routines can help you stay active, improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and even restore energy without demanding willpower or motivation. When energy is low, the goal should shift from ‘burn calories’ to ‘just move a little.’ Gentle movement stimulates blood flow, improves joint lubrication, and activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-recover) nervous system. This can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and actually help you feel more energised post-movement, rather than depleted,” she adds.
“Think of these routines as maintenance, not training,” says Spoorthi S.
Low-effort movement routines to try
1. A quick mobility refresh
“Especially ideal for those who sit for long hours. Simple movements like neck and shoulder rolls, spinal flexion and extension, hip rotations, and ankle mobility can reduce stiffness and improve overall movement quality,” she suggests.
2. Easy-paced walking
“A relaxed 10–20-minute walk outdoors supports mood, digestion, and circulation. There’s no need to chase step counts or pace, consistency matters more than intensity,” Spoorthi explains.
3. Short movement breaks during the day
“Every hour or so, take one to two minutes to stand up and move. Light squats, wall push-ups, gentle twists, or even walking around the room help prevent fatigue and maintain energy levels,” she adds.
4. Slow movement paired with breathing
“Combining controlled, slow movements with deep breathing helps downshift the nervous system. This reduces mental overload and creates a sense of calm without complete rest,” says Spoorthi.
5. Gentle stretches to wind down
“Low-intensity stretches for the hips, hamstrings, and back in the evening help the body relax, release tension, and prepare for better sleep and recovery,” she advises.
“Remember, the goal on low-energy days isn’t to push hard, it’s to keep moving gently and consistently. Small, mindful movements can go a long way in maintaining health, mobility, and energy,” concludes Spoorthi S.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
A FITNESS trainer has warned against a viral exercise trend loved by stars including Molly-Mae Hague’s sister Zoe, saying it could lead to “physiological shock”.
The Hyrox craze – dubbed a “race for everybody” by organisers – has swept the globe since the competition was launched in Germany in 2017, with millions of people now taking part in over 30 countries, including the UK and China.
Competitors are tasked with running 1 kilometre, before hitting a functional workout station of various different exercises – which is repeated eight times.
“(Hyrox is) designed to accommodate all participants and 99 per cent of our athletes reach the finish line,” it reads on the Hyrox website.
Following the race, participants appear on a leaderboard, which are then added up ahead of a World Championship at the end of the season.
Videos of the competitions regularly appear on TikTok, with Zoe and other famous faces including ex Love Island star Molly Smith and 90s popstar Suzanne Shaw sharing their own experiences on social media.
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However, exercise pro and personal trainer Emma McCaffrey has warned against taking part in the competition if you’re a beginner, insisting it’s a “high-intensity competitive event” rather than a “starter programme”.
“Jumping from the sofa to a one km run and a functional station circuit repeated eight times is a massive physiological shock,” she told the Daily Mail.
Emma added that the loud music, “high-octane environment” and “influencer pressure to perform” often leads to beginners ignoring their body’s natural signals to stop.
“As we’ve seen with cases of heart stress and panic attacks, ‘powering through’ can have serious, even fatal, consequences when the cardiovascular system isn’t conditioned for that level of load,” she said.
Meanwhile, weight loss coach Rachael Sacerdoti called it a “recipe for burnout and injury”.
She added that people “suddenly exposing” their bodies to “high-force, high-velocity training” without the proper preparation and conditioning can lead to injuries – with problems in achilles, patella and rotator cuff among the most common.
“When you’re exhausted, your form breaks down, and that’s when injuries happen,” she warned.
“Most beginners don’t have the strength, technique or movement patterns to maintain good form under that level of fatigue.”
Among those who have suffered following a Hyrox event include fitness fan Ashley Whelan, who had a heart attack after his first-ever Hyrox event.
The 37-year-old had trained for months before the competition and, while he didn’t feel 100% on the day itself, he thought it was just “race day nerves”.
However, after he completed his last lap, his heart rate shot up to a whopping 220 beats per minute.
And once he’d finished the event, he started to experience pain in his chest, arm and back – with on-site paramedics quickly completing an ECG test which showed he was in the middle of a heart attack.
What your trainer choice says about you…
Deputy Fashion Editor, Abby McHale, says “the ‘in’ trainers to be seen in can move as quickly as the next big fashion trend”.
Adidas = fashion ‘sheep’
Adidas has taken over as the top ‘it’ trainer brand of the past few years and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Starting strong with the Sambas, a trainer which this year will have been around for 75 years, the trainer style became so popular that videos were going viral last year showing a multitude of people wearing them on the same train.
Skechers = boring
The American brand has been around on the footwear market for the best part of three decades, but has never been seen as the trendiest of trainers. No matter what celebrity has been promoting the product the brand still does come with a certain stigma.
Practicality is at the heart, cushioned soles, easy to slip on and breathable, they come with a lot of functions for those who think comfort is key.
Vans = living in the past
Originally made as a skateboarding brand, it went mainstream in the 2000s with its classic black and white checker board trainers that were deemed the height of cool.
Whilst they were never the style of trainers worn to the likes of the gym, they were great worn with the likes of jeans, trousers and dresses for the skater girls. However these days they’ve fallen slightly off the radar, which means if you’re still wearing them you live in the past.
Hoka = fitness fanatic
A trainer brand specialising solely in running shoes the brand was launched in 2009 and has become a staple in runners wardrobes all across the world.
Consistently voted as some of the best running shoes you can buy, they have trainers categorised depending on what kind of exercise you are doing, from road running to hiking and even recovery trainers.
And while they may be great when it comes to exercise, that is where they should stay.
Nike = millennial
A long standing competition with Adidas, Nike has also been one of the market leaders when it comes to trainers, with the Air Force 1’s being the brands best selling shoe of all time.
They may have been the in shoe back in 2018, but they’re not in 2025, meaning if you still rock a pair you want to keep to a trend but aren’t a stickler, you know a good made trainer when you see one and love the cleanliness the all white style brings.
Veja = tight
The French footwear brand has been around since 2005 but only gained major popularity a few years ago.
They have been seen on every celebrity going, even royalty hopped on board the trend with both the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex seen out in a pair.
However, the buzz around these has now died down and the fashion crowd have moved onto their next pair of trainers. Meaning that those left wearing Veja’s are the kind of people who get their wear out of everything until it falls apart.
He was rushed to hospital, and was found to have a left coronary artery blockage, for which doctors had to shock him with a defibrillator to try and get his heart to beat regularly again.
Ashley has since made a full recovery, but is now warning others to listen to their bodies while taking part in events such as Hyrox.
“It’s still up in the air as to why I got this clot but when I’ve looked into it, deep emotional stress and high-intensity exercise can cause it,” he said.
He said he credits the “strength of” his mind and body to get him through the terrifying health scare, and knows he is “so lucky to be alive”.
“I’m living proof that it can happen to ultra-fit people as well,” he added.
“It’s a case of listening to your body.”
Hyrox has been contacted for comment.
Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t require a monthly gym membership. From the comfort of your home, you can implement a few minutes of daily exercise with just the right equipment.
To help jumpstart your New Year’s goals, physical therapist Karena Wu recently revealed to the 3rd hour of TODAY some ways you can build a gym right at home. Whether you’re into high-intensity workouts or improving strength training, these budget-friendly picks can transform your living room into your own personalized fitness space.
Ready to lace up your sneakers? Keep reading to discover the best workout essentials to achieve your at-home fitness goals, according to an expert.
Best home gym essentials seen on TODAY
This multi-purpose training disc offers stability during workouts, helps engage the core, and provides other benefits in a portable design that makes exercise feasible wherever you go. “It can also be used as a seat cushion to help with posture and balance,” adds Wu.
From warming up to activating your muscles, resistance bands are a fitness essential every home gym should have. The pick above comes in various resistance intensities to suit every skill level.
“This is a smart jump rope with an app to track your jump counts, calorie and duration,” explains Wu. “The donuts add weight to make it feel like a real rope, but it is cordless, so it doesn’t scratch the ground. It is great for beginners and for in the home, so you don’t scratch your floor or hit the ceiling.”
“Kettlebells are great for adding weight and instability to challenge your core,” suggests Wu. This collection of kettlebells is each color-coded to easily distinguish each weight while you work out. Though each weight is sold separately, the kettlebells start at just under $15 to help kickstart your training.
“Sliding core discs are great for adding strengthening, dynamic movements and stability training,” suggests Wu. This set comes double-sided, so regardless of your home flooring, you can perform mountain climbers or push-ups anywhere in your home.
From relieving muscle tightness to soothing muscle soreness post-workout, this tiny but mighty massage ball offers direct pressure on points. “This is a smaller ball, so it is meant for the hands and feet, but you could still use them elsewhere on the body,” notes Wu. “These are great to travel with, and don’t take up much space.”
More home gym essentials to shop
If your goal is to achieve 10,000 steps a day, a walking pad is a practical way to get your steps in. Enjoy a quick five-minute workout while watching your favorite show or use the machine to keep your legs moving while working from home.
You don’t have to book a reformer class to take advantage of the benefits of pilates. With a pilates ball, including this option from Bala, it helps offer strength and support to build your core and beyond.
Editor’s pick
On the topic of pilates, support every movement and prevent slips with these Bombas grippy socks. They also deliver arch support, a comfortable cushion, among other perks, for a better workout.
According to the brand, the WeGym SafeGrip Square Dumbbells are designed to feel more secure in your hands compared to metal dumbbells for a comfortable grip with every lift.
Use a foam roller to assist with recovery and prevent injury after an intense workout or strength training session.
We’re constantly browsing Lululemon’s sale section. So while we’re building our home gym, might as well build our fitness wardrobe, too, like the tank above, as we scroll.
Editor’s pick
One Shop TODAY editor calls the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 one of her “favorite everyday running shoes” in her recent round-up of the ‘best sneakers of 2025.’ From its breathable mesh to its supportive insole, there’s a lot to love about the shoe.
From yoga to pilates, this exercise mat can assist with stability and balance during your workout.
Weighted vests were a trending topic in 2025, and we don’t see them leaving in the new year. Whether you wear one on your runs or completing chores, weighted vests add a bit of intensity to any movement and workout.
A pilates ring delivers more than meets the eye. Use it to strengthen the core, help tone your arms, among other benefits.
This new launch is made with the brand’s softest fabric yet, and a good pair of tights can upgrade any at-home workout. “These leggings have a second-skin feel and no front seams for extra comfort,” says commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto. “The waistband doesn’t roll or bunch during workouts, and the stretchy and flexible fabric make them super comfortable — they’re my new go-to leggings!”
The ultimate splurge, this at-home rowing machine is worth it for those that want a full-body workout that engages more than 86% of the body’s muscles during use. It also provides immersive, on the water workouts led by expert athletes and olympians, along with personalized recommendations in order to help users get the most out of their at-home workout.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Karena Wu, to find the best fitness essentials to build a home gym.
- Karena Wu is a physical therapist and the owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.
The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.
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