College-going students are more likely to start and sustain exercise routines if they receive family support and encouragement from friends, says a study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (August). The study conducted by the University of Mississippi, USA surveyed 135 college students, assessing their willingness to exercise for the recommended 150 minutes per week.

The survey concluded that sustaining the stipulated weekly exercise regimen requires the support of family and friends, as well as an emotional shift, enabling students to use exercise as an outlet for stress. Respondents also said that social changes such as making friends who exercise regularly would improve their ability to persist. “Making exercise a stress outlet may help students attain recommended amounts of physical activity and to maintain that routine, students need social support from family and friends,” says Vinayak K. Nahar, assistant professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.