Move for Your Mood

FREE Movement Sessions

In addition to the physical health benefits of exercise, regular physical activity can positively impact your brain function, boost your mood, and help reduce stress, along with many other enhancements to mental health. Join for any one session, or attend all semester long. All experience levels welcome.

All activities are FREE for BGSU students, faculty and staff. Registration is not required.

Fall 2025 Move for Your Mood Schedule

Martial Arts with Ben

Learn Taijutsu involving unarmed techniques for striking, kicking, blocking, grappling, and throwing, traditional weapon techniques, and methods of evasion and escape. Taught by BGSU Chief Well-Being Officer, Ben Batey. Ages 14 and up. Wear comfortable clothing.

  • Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
  • August 26 - December 9 (No class October 7, November 11)
  • Student Recreation Center, Martial Arts Studio
Yoga As You Are at Jerome Library

Make space for a productive pause in your day. Show up ready to move, stretch, breathe, and leave feeling more grounded. All levels welcome. Bring a mat or towel.

  • Wednesdays, 12:10 – 12:50 PM
  • September 10 - December 10 (No class November 26)
  • Jerome Library, Room 142
Aqua Zumba

Aqua Zumba turns the pool into a dance floor! Enjoy upbeat music, joyful movement, and a heart-pumping workout that’s gentle on your joints. Fun, low-impact, and perfect for all levels.

  • Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 PM
  • August 26 - December 9 (No class November 11)
  • Student Recreation Center, Cooper Pool
Pickleball Fridays

Grab a friend and head to the Rec for some friendly competition. Pickleball is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.

  • Fridays, 11 AM - 1 PM
  • August 29 - December 19
  • Student Recreation Center Multi-Activity Court
  • Equipment available for complimentary use. SRC membership not required for pickleball play during these specified times.
Group Exercise Classes

So many great options to choose from including cycle, BODYPUMP, WERQ Dance Fitness, Yoga, strength circuits and more. BGSU students, faculty and staff can participate in unlimited fitness classes all semester long by purchasing a Group X membership at a discounted rate. SRC facility membership is not required. View full schedule.  

Interested in hosting a fun movement session for your department, organization, residence hall, team, or class? Contact Karyn Smith at karync@bgsu.edu for more information.

Yoga Practices

Physical Activity for Mental Acuity/Cognitive Function

  • Exercise can boost mood by triggering the release of feel-good hormones and chemicals, like endorphins, which can boost energy levels and promote positive feelings.
  • Regular aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety by making your brain’s “fight or flight” system less reactive and it can reduce depressive symptoms.
  • Exercise directly affects your brain and improves brain function!
  • Exercise increases levels of a neurotransmitter called BDNF, which helps build brain cells and improves transmission of nervous system signals through the brain.
  • Exercise leads to stronger, healthier, better-connected, bigger brain cells = increased learning capacity!
  • Moderate physical exercise, such as walking, can also boost memory functions.

Updated: 08/20/2025 01:10PM