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.

Spring 2025 Move for Your Mood Schedule

Yoga As You Are at Jerome Library

  • Mondays & Wednesdays: 12:10 – 12:50 PM, Room 142
  • January 22 - April 30, (No classes March 3 & 5)
  • Please bring your own yoga mat or towel

Aqua Zumba

  • Tuesdays: 5:30 - 6:15 PM, Student Recreation Center, Cooper Pool
  • January 14 - April 29, (No class March 4)

Martial Arts with Ben

  • Tuesdays: 6 - 7:30 PM, Student Recreation Center Room 188
  • January 14 - April 29, (No class March 4)
  • Learn taijutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art focused on self-awareness and natural body movement for self-defense. Taijutsu involves unarmed techniques for striking, kicking, blocking, grappling, and throwing, traditional weapon techniques, and methods of evasion and escape from dangerous situations.
  • Open to BGSU students, faculty and staff, ages 14 and up.  All ability levels are welcome! Classes are conducted in a supportive environment through which participants can improve their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Drop in to any class, advance registration not required. Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Instructed by BGSU Chief Well-Being Officer, Ben Batey. Ben is a licensed instructor with over 20 years of experience in the art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt.
  • For More Information: Ben Batey: bbatey@bgsu.edu

Cardio Drumming

  • Thursdays: 1:30 - 2:15 PM, Student Recreation Center Studio B
  • January 16 - April 24, (No class March 6)
  • Join Dr. Sarah Rainey-Smithback for an upbeat cardio drumming session - a high-energy, fun way to enjoy your body, build community, and enjoy new music! Sessions are appropriate for ALL bodies and fitness levels, no experience necessary, and can even be done in a chair. 
  • Content Warning: Music often contains themes related to feminism and sexuality, and music may contain explicit language.

Sunday Serenity Yoga Series

  • Sundays: 3 - 4 PM, Student Recreation Center Studio B
  • January 26 - April 13, (No class March 2)
  • An inclusive space to explore mindfulness techniques, practice yoga skills, and connect with others. Whether you want to chat about what’s weighing on you, are looking to make new friends, or just want to focus on your self-care, all are welcome.
  • Hosted by Center for Women & Gender Equity & the Office of Health and Wellness

Pickleball Fridays

  • Fridays: 11 AM - 1 PM, Student Recreation Center Multi-Activity Court
  • January 13 - May 2
  • Fun, social & enjoyed by all skill levels – pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports nationwide
  • Equipment available for complimentary use. SRC membership not required for pickleball play during these specified times.
  • For more information contact Julia Adams at jthatch@bgsu.edu

Group Exercise Classes

So many great options to choose from including cycle, BODYPUMP, Pilates, WERQ Dance Fitness, various Yoga classes, strength circuits and more. BGSU students, faculty and staff can continue 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.  

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: 02/05/2025 04:01PM