Starting PA school is one of the most exciting and challenging steps you’ll take on your path to becoming a provider. The pace is fast, the material is dense, and the pressure to constantly be studying is real. When you first begin, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that every free moment needs to be spent with your head in a book or reviewing notes. But here’s something that took me a little time to realize: you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you want to show up as your best self, academically, clinically, and emotionally, you must take care of your body.
And one of the most powerful ways to do that? Movement.
We often think of exercise as something optional, something we can “get back to” after exams or when we finally have time (spoiler: you won’t suddenly have time). But movement is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially in a high-stress, high-demand environment like PA school. It boosts your mental clarity, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and sharpens focus. All of these benefits directly impact your ability to retain information and perform well in class and on exams.
For me, staying active is non-negotiable. I wake up at 5 a.m. every day to make it to my 6 a.m. CrossFit class, not because it’s easy, but because I know I’m a better version of myself when I start my day with movement. It helps clear my mind, boost my energy, and set a positive tone before I even open a textbook. Throughout the day, I try to stay active in small ways too. If I have a break between lectures or even just a few minutes at home, I’ll go for a walk, stretch, or listen to a podcast while moving around. I’ve learned to squeeze in movement wherever I can, because those moments really add up and help me feel more focused and grounded.
The key is not perfection, it’s consistency. You don’t need a gym membership, or a full hour carved out of your day. What matters is that you make movement a non-negotiable part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or packing your lunch.
As future physician assistants, we are going to spend our careers counseling patients on the importance of physical activity. We’ll talk about movement as medicine, as prevention, and as a cornerstone of overall wellness. But if we’re not living it ourselves, that message loses impact. Practicing what we preach starts now, not after graduation.
So as you start your PA school journey, I encourage you to prioritize your well-being alongside your academic goals. Don’t underestimate how far a walk, a stretch, or a few minutes of intentional movement can go toward helping you feel more grounded and capable.
This program will challenge you, but staying active will help carry you through it. Movement is natural medicine. Don’t let it fall to the bottom of your priority list. Your mind, your body, and your future patients will thank you.
