Exercise is Medicine Site

With the energy and organization of Kinesiology assistant professor Christopher Schwartz, PhD, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently named St. Ambrose University as an official Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campus site.

EIM On Campus is an ACSM global health initiative that calls upon higher education institutions to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health. 

In March, the Department of Kinesiology, Women and Gender Studies, and Wellness and Recreation partnered to host Health for EveryBody: Gym 101. Participants were paired with guides for cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility work, and concluded with a debriefing session.

A heartfelt thanks to our inaugural crew of volunteers: Dr. Schwartz, assistant professor Erica Thomas, assistant professor David Lantis, PhD, assistant professor Sarah Eikleberry, PhD, and professor Katy Strzepek, PhD. The following students also volunteered: Anthony Peters, Shannon Herrick, Autumn Olson, Amber Voss, Jacob Deeter, Brent Schwoebel, Tod Faris, Ally Buse, Kendra Bushman, and Mya Bragg. Participants enjoyed being escorted through the equipment, through new movements, and noted that the student guides were extremely accessible.

We look forward to repeating this event at the beginning of each semester and hope to target new students, exercisers who need a refresher, and SAU employees.