CASTLETON—Encouraging a more fit and healthy lifestyle for Castleton students, faculty, and staff, the university recently launched its newest fitness initiative, CU Move for 60. A collaboration between the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Health & Physical Education Club, Wellness Center, and the Campus Wellness Committee, the initiative features a wide range of classes and activities designed to get the Castleton community motivated to move for 60 minutes or more a day.
“A driving force behind this initiative is to benefit overall student health here at CU, and to help educate students about the importance of lifelong health and wellness,” said Professor and Health Education Program Coordinator Katy Culpo, who helped spearhead the initiative. “According to Castleton data from the National College Health Assessment, student’s top five academic impacts are stress, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and cold/flu, and physical activity is one of the best medicines for all five.”
After a December Castleton Alcohol and Other Drugs Taskforce meeting, Culpo, along with Coordinator of Campus Wellness Education Jaime Bentley and Director of Student Activities Matt Patry, met to discuss recent poll results and found that students are interested in planning and attending alcohol-free events and activities.
“It was at this meeting that we brainstormed and decided to put forth more opportunities for all Castleton students to be physically active for 60 minutes a day, every day,” she said.
Castleton currently offers the six exercise class options on a weekly basis, including yoga, spin, spin-core, and kickboxing, each with a minimal fee for Castleton students, employees and community members.
Additional featured weekly classes under the CU Move for 60 campaign include a swim fitness class at the Castleton pool, spin and circuit strength training, and progressive muscle movement and relaxation in the Haskell Wellness Studio.
“The new classes offered will be at varied times based on student survey results, including early morning, late afternoon and early evening,” said Culpo. “These classes are all free to Castleton students and employees.”
Moving forward, the group hopes to offer an even wider range of class options, including game and recreation nights, geocaching and day hikes.
“Vermont is beautiful and there is so much to explore and do right here near campus,” explained Culpo. “We need to provide more opportunities for everyone to get out and move.”
