With finals around the corner and the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to stay energized and focused through exercise. In this month's newsletter, we’ve gathered resources to help you get inspired, discover more about our program, and explore tips for staying active during this time of year. We’re here to support you in finishing the semester strong—physically and mentally!

Check out the newsletter archive on our website for access to past issues.

Study Break = Stretch Break

Consider downloading our handy study break stretch guide. It might seem small, but those little pauses can make a huge difference in how your body feels. Plus, a quick break can refresh your mind and give you the energy you need to tackle that next chapter or assignment. So, don’t forget to stand up, move around, and give your body a little love—it’ll make your study sessions way more effective!

Ask a PT: What's the difference between Physical Therapy and Personal Training?

People often confuse these two professions, especially because “PT” is used differently depending on the setting. In gyms it usually means personal training, while in clinics it refers to physical therapy. Understanding the difference helps clarify each provider’s scope and what they are qualified to do.

Personal trainers earn an accredited certification through an NCCA-recognized organization, typically requiring a few months of study. Their role focuses on teaching exercises, designing fitness programs, supporting goal setting, and keeping clients motivated. Personal trainers work in gym or private training environments. They do not diagnose injuries or medical conditions, and their assessments are fitness-based rather than clinical.

Physical therapists complete several years of higher education, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and must pass a national licensure exam. As licensed healthcare providers, they can evaluate movement impairments, perform clinical testing, and develop treatment plans for pain, injury, or functional limitations. PTs work in a wide range of settings and use exercise, manual therapy, and other therapeutic techniques to restore mobility and function. Their services may be covered by insurance when medically necessary.

Although their scopes differ significantly, both professions can complement each other. Someone may complete physical therapy for a medical condition and then continue progressing with a personal trainer to build long-term strength and fitness.

Do you have a question for a UHS Physical Therapist? Ask us here.

Spring 2026 EIM-OC DeCal Class

Dive into the intricate relationship between exercise, health, academic achievement, and personal development in this hands-on DeCal course tailored for undergraduates. Join us as we redefine exercise and wellness, empowering you to unlock your full potential and cultivate a culture of well-being at Cal.

Check our website in January for Spring 2026 class registration details for this popular Decal course!

Interview with EIM-OC Personal Trainer, Hailey Koffman

Meet Hailey Koffman, member of the Exercise is Medicine - On campus team and UC Berkeley’s student representative to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)! In addition to her role as a personal trainer at RecWell, she looks forward to potentially getting involved with the EIM-OC Decal course in the future and continuing to contribute to campus efforts to promote exercise, health, and the mission of EIM.

Tell us about yourself and your work as a personal trainer.

As a personal trainer at RecWell, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients through fitness consultations and training sessions. I guide individuals in structuring effective workouts, tailor programs to individual goals, and help navigate the facility and all its resources. 

I prioritize listening because everyone comes in with different physique/wellness goals and experience, and I strive to create an environment where clients feel supported. As someone who was once intimidated by the weight room myself, I love helping people feel more comfortable by offering hands-on instruction, technique cues, and modifications to ensure proper form and safety. I track the progress of recurring clients and adjust programs or provide alternatives when needed. Working alongside a supportive team of Fitstaff and trainers makes my job so fulfilling, and I value the relationships and growth that come from being part of the RecWell community. 

What are your favorite ways to exercise?



My all time favorite way to exercise is resistance training. I’ve been weightlifting for over five years, and it's transformed how I view movement and myself. Strength training makes me feel powerful and capable, and it has helped me grow into a more confident young woman who isn’t afraid to take up space. Beyond the physical benefits, (promoting bone health, muscle development, and long term metabolic health) it’s a form of training I genuinely love. 

Another favorite of mine is hot yoga, a practice my mom introduced me to. Yoga taught me the importance of breath and balance. It develops skills I don’t typically focus on throughout my daily regimen, such as flexibility, stability, and mindfulness. I think it pairs nicely with weightlifting as it allows me to reduce risk of injury and gives me space to slow down. 

I’ve tried many forms of movement over the years, including boxing, gymnastics, running, dance, and Pilates, and I love that each one has given me a different appreciation for what my body can do. All of these experiences have reminded me how fortunate I am to be a young person with the health and ability to explore exercise so freely. 

What excites you about the Exercise is Medicine program?

The EIM-OC program excites me because of its reliable sense of community. This initiative is backed by a group of people who know how to uplift one another and use movement as a way to connect across backgrounds, identities, and experiences. I love that exercise becomes a bridge for students to learn from others and learn more about themselves. 

Berkeley academic culture can obviously feel overwhelming, and there are so many misconceptions online that discourage students from even starting their wellness journey! EIM stands out as a trusted, evidence based initiative led by people who care deeply about the scientific and mental health benefits of physical activity. It excites me to be part of a program that not only promotes exercise, but does so with inclusivity and a commitment to making wellness accessible to every student.

Interested in working with Hailey and the RecWell Personal Training Team? Read on to learn how to self refer to the personal training program.

Kickstart your Health with EIM Personal Training

Meet with the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) Personal Training Program Specialist to kickstart your health and wellness journey. During a fitness consultation, you'll assess your current fitness level, learn how to get started, and create a personalized program tailored to your unique needs.

If you currently engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week and fewer than two days of muscle-strengthening exercises, you may qualify for EIM-OC’s fee-offset personal training package, which includes three personal training sessions.

Interested? Complete this form and our Fitness Program Coordinator will contact you to get you started!

Health Coach Advice: Timing Your Workouts

Marilyn de la Cruz, EIM-OC Health Coach

It’s finals seasons and a common Health Coaching question among students is what time of day do you recommend I exercise? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time for you to work out will be based on several factors, and as Health Coaches at Health Promotion, we love helping you answer this question!

The reality for many students is that your exercise schedule may shift temporarily during finals season and this is to be expected and is perfectly fine. In fact, as a Health Coach, I help students identify a whole new exercise schedule to support studying and academic mastery while managing the increase in stress during finals season. As you organize your study plan for RRR Week and daily schedule for Finals Week, I want you to begin with this question: what will be my capacity to tolerate stress on this specific day? You may have never thought of how to organize your stress in your bCal—this is a great time to start! 

For example, during RRR week, exercising before sitting down to study can help boost your mood and productivity for the day. However, on a day when you have a timed exam, I want you think about this event as the most important and demanding part of your day. This means that in order to perform and demonstrate mastery of the material, you’ll need your full capacity to tolerate stress. On a day like so, I recommend light movement ahead of the exam, but save your strenuous exercise for afterwards as this will help you relieve stress and tension from the day. 

I also want to normalize that it’s very common during this season to take a step back from an exercise routine to restore, repair, and relax—this is also a very important part of the puzzle of health and wellbeing. EIM Health Coaches will be here every step along the way to support you in your practice of health. Good luck on finals! You’ve got this! 

You can book an Exercise is Medicine Coaching session through your MYUCBerkeleyHealth portal on the Appointments page. Sessions are free for all students, regardless of insurance.



Get Moving this Winter!

Ice Skating in SF & Oakland

Looking for a winter season weekend activity? Try ice skating at Union Square in San Francisco or at the Oakland Ice Center on 18th St. Both are easily accessible by BART but while Union Square is outdoor, Oakland Ice Center is indoor.

Explore Schedule & Reservations at RecWell Ready to get active? Check out the latest schedules and make your reservations for RecWell activities at UC Berkeley! Whether you're looking to join a fitness class, reserve a spot in the gym, or book a recreational activity, everything you need is available online.

Student Organization Highlight: Kickboxing At Berkeley

Kickboxing at Berkeley has practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm at Eshleman Hall, the RSF, or Hearst Field, with hopes of expanding to other locations in the spring semester. They also practice 1-3pm on Saturdays.

The club focuses on the development of technique alongside the joy of learning. It is a two hour practice, first hour of coach-led instruction and the second hour of contact drills where they use workout pads in partner drills. Lead by either a coach or an experienced instructor. They promote team communication in order to create bonds of solidarity. They pride ourselves on their emphasis of technique and inclusive community building for all members. 

Their current semester policy is the first four classes are free and after that they charge only $10 for the semester. They also provide community gear and allow members to purchase personal gear through their sponsorship program. They strive to be the most affordable martial arts club on campus.

"You can follow us at @kickboxing.at.berkeley and our discord with more information is on our page. We host socials with other clubs and have competition events on and off campus. All levels are welcome so please check us out!"

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe here to continue receiving updates!