Exercise is Medicine gets students active on campus

The Exercise is Medicine program hosted its kick-off event this past Thursday, Sept. 29, at the CPA Front Yard.

The program is an on-campus initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine to promote the importance of physical activity and community for students across the country. 

“We are helping to teach the ETSU community that physical activity is not limited to visiting the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA). It can include activities such as taking a walk through downtown Johnson City, paddling on Watauga Lake or throwing a football around with your friends,” said Halie Darby, assistant director of Student Wellness. 

The event was open to all students and staff on campus and offered health screenings, information tables, activities, giveaways and a Buccaneer Bootcamp Workout to end the evening. If you were unable to make it out to this event, there are upcoming Buccaneer Bootcamp workouts that will take place bi-weekly throughout the semester. 

“Joining the bootcamp team earns each individual an Exercise is Medicine water bottle, attending three group workouts earns participants a t-shirt, and logging physical activity sessions in our Buccaneer Bootcamp Challenge on the FytFeed app earns chances to win even more prizes,” said Darby. 

Physical activity and wellness is something that can benefit all students, and everyone is encouraged to participate in the Exercise is Medicine initiative regardless of level of experience. 

“Physical activity plays a significant role in improving emotional wellness, reducing stress, increasing focus and building confidence, among other benefits,” Darby said. 

“If you aren’t sure where to begin or are feeling ‘gymtimidation,’ we have Wellness Consultations available for you! These consultations are one-on-one meetings with Wellness Ambassadors who can assist you in learning about resources on campus, discussing what activities may be the best fit for you, and answering any questions you have about physical wellness or the CPA,” said Darby. “You can register for a consultation at campusrec.etsu.edu.”

For more information and resources available for the Exercise is Medicine initiative, visit etsu.edu/exercise-is-medicine or email exerciseismedicine@etsu.edu.