The weekly wellness walks begin on the steps of Squeri Hall. CUPPEK PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY
Zeke Jazwinski, Staff Writer
College students are known to supposedly be some of the most stressed people in the world. Luckily, at Manhattan University, there’s a program that can help. Thanks to Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIC-OM), part of the Department of Kinesiology and Health, student life and health services, MU has started to once again host their weekly wellness walks.
Jeff Cherubini, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and a member of the EIM-OC leadership team, wrote to The Quadrangle in regards to what wellness walks are all about.
“We have organized and are hosting weekly wellness walking groups, with the goal of improving health and building community on the Manhattan University campus through movement and conversation,” Cherubini wrote. “The walks also connect to our Lasallian tradition of educating the whole person, benefiting physical, social, emotional and even spiritual health.”
Cherubini mentioned more about some of the benefits these walks could have for college students.
“In addition to the actual walking and physical activity, another advantage of the walk is the idea of enhancing our ‘sense of community’ on campus via getting all outside together, walking and talking,” Cherubini wrote. “With a sort of sub-theme to our walks of ‘building community through movement and conversation’, as mentioned above, we are hoping for much more than just a physical benefit to the walks.”
From a student’s perspective, Catherine Edison, a physical education major and a member of the EIM-OC leadership team, wrote to The Quadrangle about the advantages of participating in the wellness walk.
“Some advantages of our wellness program are exercise and movement for students and faculty,” Edison wrote. “Movement is great for improving mental health as well as physical health. It also is a great way to meet other students on campus and take a break from school work.”
All of these benefits highlight why wellness walks are more than just a nice break, they’re an essential part of maintaining balance in college life. When students take time to move, breathe and connect with others, they’re not only improving their physical health, but also actively reducing anxiety and burnout. In an academic environment like college, stress can build up and lead to decreased focus, poor sleep and weakened health.
Cherubini explained further to The Quadrangle why he thinks wellness walks specifically are important to have implemented.
“Movement for movement’s sake is important (in terms of the physical benefits), but even more so, as part of the walks is feeling better mentally and feeling more connected socially – all of which can occur during and after just one walk,” Cherubini wrote. “It’s this immediate positive effect (in terms of ‘feel good’ emotions), that we are hoping students, staff and faculty can walk away with.”
Regular wellness walks encourage students to step away from screens, spend time outdoors and engage in real conversations. These are all proven ways to improve mood and productivity. By prioritizing wellness, Manhattan University is showing that mental health and community care are just as important as academic success.
Catherine Edison wrote to The Quadrangle on why she wants students to attend the walks.
“I want students to have options for movement,” Edison said. “We have a gym and club sports teams, but sometimes those can feel daunting. A walk is something that everyone can do to take a break during their day and move.”
Edison also went on to write about what alternatives there are for students who can not attend the walks.
“We are currently working towards implementing stretching classes and pickleball days,” Edison wrote. “If students can’t make the walks but are interested they can ask for a Jasperfit Mentor – a kinesiology student who can help create a movement plan for anyone. Any movement a student can do is highly encouraged!”
As wellness walks continue to grow on campus, their impact has the potential to reach far beyond just a weekly activity.
In an article published by the National Library of Medicine, associate professor of biochemistry and physiology at the University of Oklahoma, Zoltán Ungvári, Ph.D., wrote about the scientific-based research benefits behind walking.
“Walking decreases the risk or severity of various health outcomes such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type two diabetes, mellitus, cognitive impairment and dementia, while also improving mental well-being, sleep and longevity,” according to the article.
Wellness walks can be a simple and beneficial way to cater to the body and mind. Small steps, both literally and figuratively, can lead to a healthier and more supportive campus environment for everyone.
If you’re interested in joining the wellness walks, Cherubini wrote about how to attend.
“There is no sign up needed or any type of RSVP,” Cherubini wrote. “Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and/or Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. with all students, staff and faculty welcome to join in! So it’s a matter of just showing up to the Smith/Squeri steps ready to walk on those days and times you may be free. And honestly, no agenda to the walks except fresh air and community building, plus the added bonus of physical activity.”