Name: Yousaf Abaseen
Department: ECON
How often do you exercise?
I exercise six days a week. I also swim after exercising on three of those days. As a warm-up I run for about 15 minutes on the treadmill, and I follow a push–pull–legs split workout routine. I mostly swim freestyle and breaststroke, and will learn the butterfly stroke soon.
How has regular exercise affected your life?
Exercise gives structure to the rest of my life. It’s a well-known fact that it releases hormones that make us happy, and I think of it as a break from the strenuous job of being a full-time Bilkent student. It’s quite invigorating. Contrary to what you’d expect, I feel like a million dollars after a workout. It energizes me. Even if I don’t do anything else all day, I’m happy that I put in a nice workout.
What do you suggest to those who are just taking up a sport or starting to exercise?
Consistency, consistency, consistency. It doesn’t matter what you do; you just have to be consistent. You’ll be in better shape if you dedicate only 15 minutes every day for a very long time than if you spend an hour once a week and then simply quit. Sports truly is a way of life, and if you treat it like something you only do for a while and then quit, you won’t really get that far, or enjoy it very much.
What are the first three things that come to mind when you hear the word “sports”?
Neymar, hard work, respect.
Which Bilkent sports facilities do you use?
I’ve been practically living in the Dormitories Sports Hall ever since I started studying at Bilkent. I’ve been around for so long, I no longer have to give the staff my name or ID when making reservations; I just tell them what time I want to work out the next day. I also use the swimming pool (on weekends, because my schedule won’t allow it on weekdays). I play soccer (football) on the football fields every now and then.
Have you taken any courses or participated in any Sports Center activities?
I haven’t yet, but I’m definitely planning on it. Next semester I might take a tennis or strength training course if I can.