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. No experience is required!
Free Pickleball at the Student Recreation Center
- May 1 – August 18
- Available on Tuesdays & Fridays on the MAC Court from 11 AM – 1 PM
- Fun, social & enjoyed by all skill levels – pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports nationwide
- Equipment available for complimentary use
- Wear comfortable athletic shoes
- SRC membership not required for pickleball play during these specified times
- Reserve a court online: https://www.bgsu.edu/recwell/student-recreation-center/MACReservations.html
- For more information contact Julia Adams at jthatch@bgsu.edu
Free Yoga As You Are
- May 22 – July 31
- Available on Mondays from 12:20 – 1 PM in the Jerome Library, Pallister Conference Room
- Please bring your own yoga mat or towel
- No classes on May 29 (Memorial Day), June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 3 (Independence Day)
All activities are FREE for BGSU students, faculty and staff. Registration is not required.
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.
Grant Funds Underwrite THRIVE
#Move4YourMood sessions are partially funded by the American College Health Foundations’ (ACHF) College Well-Being Award.
Inspired by the book SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John J. Ratey, MD., we are collaborating with offices, departments, and student organizations to conduct movement sessions demonstrating the positive effects of exercise and providing education to attendees.
Here's what participants in these sessions have to say about Move For Your Mood!
"I just want to take the time to say a huge THANK YOU!! I attended the Hip Hop Fitness for the #MOVE4YOURMOOD and I loved it!! I have already purchased the semester membership and have been to a class before tonight. I’m so happy since I’ve made the move to Bowling Green and I can’t wait to see the change in my health! Thank you so much once again!"
We’ll come to your group meeting or special event and conduct a movement session specially designed for you! Sessions are developed based on the interests, experience, and fitness level of your group. Recreation and Wellness instructors and students/mentors lead a movement session followed by sharing of valuable information and resources about exercise and the positive effects it has on well being. First-time participants receive a voucher to participate in continuing Recreation and Wellness programming.
Students interested in becoming instructors also have the opportunity to become part of our Move For Your Mood instructor mentoring program. If you're inspired by our mission, through participating in a movement session, or just have a passion for well-being and want to get involved, contact Karyn Smith, Health Educator, to learn more: karync@bgsu.edu | 419.372.9309
FREE Movement Sessions
All sessions are FREE for BGSU students, faculty and staff. Registration is not required. Please bring a yoga mat or towel if possible for Yoga as You Are and wear comfortable athletic shoes for other sessions.
- January 10 - April 18 | Student Recreation Center Studio B
- Tuesdays: Stretch & Relax w/Olivia | 9 - 9:45 AM
- Tuesdays: Step & Tone w/Demetria | 5:20 - 6 PM
- Tuesdays: Stretch & Relax w/Olivia | 9 - 9:45 AM
- January 23 - April 24 | Eppler South Gym (located on the 2nd floor)
- Mondays: Yoga As You Are | 12:20 – 1 PM
- Wednesdays: Beginner Strength Training | 12:10 – 12:50 PM
- No experience is required, so come as you are!
For More Information:
Karyn Smith, Health Educator, BGSU Division of Health and Wellness
419-372-9309 | karync@bgsu.edu
Past classes can be viewed @BGSURecWell on Instagram
Free Pickleball Fridays at the Student Recreation Center
Fun, social & enjoyed by all skill levels – pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports nationwide.
- Fridays: 11 AM – 1 PM | SRC Multiactivity Court
- FREE for BGSU Faculty and Staff to play pickleball.
- Badminton is also available upon request.
- SRC membership is not required.
- Sports equipment available for complimentary rental at SRC Welcome Desk
- Questions? Contact Julia Thatcher at jthatch@bgsu.edu
Please complete this form to request a customized Move For Your Mood session for your group or organization. Allow at least a 2-week lead time from the date of the desired event.
Below is a list of additional resources and educational materials that can help you learn about the benefits of exercise and how staying active can help you achieve your reduce stress, improve your mood, and better achieve academic, professional, and personal well being goals.
Updated: 05/05/2023 12:31PM