Finding ourselves in February, it can be easy to let movement goals slide into hibernation mode. Whether you’re looking to shake off the winter blues or find an outlet for midterm stress, the Berkeley community offers plenty of ways to engage in physical activity on your schedule. This month, we’re highlighting beginner friendly indoor resources, advice from UHS Physical Therapists, and ways to celebrate Black History Month while moving your body!

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

Ask a PT: What is balance?

Did you know that your balance is a combination of multiple systems in your body coordinating to keep you moving smoothly and prevent you from falling? 

Three Primary Systems:

• Vestibular System (Inner Ear): Detects motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation.
• Visual System (Eyes): Provides information about the environment and the body's position in it.
• Proprioceptive System (Sensory Nerves): Senses pressure on the feet and positions of joints/muscles to understand the body's position in space. 

If any of these systems is not working fully, you may feel unsteady or less confident with movement. Injury to any of these systems can decrease your balance. 

For example: If you sprain your ankle and have swelling, it may disrupt your proprioceptive system at that joint. The message from your leg to your brain is slowed so it is harder to make quick postural corrections. You may sprain your ankle again or be more at risk for falls. Don’t worry, you can retrain this system! 

Let’s do a simple test: 

1. Stand on one leg lifting your other leg without letting it touch your standing leg. If you are between 18 and 39 you should be able to stand on one leg for 43 seconds - you can try this 3 times.
2. If you are good at that, try to stand with your eyes closed (in a safe environment).

If this is hard, you can practice by simply standing on one leg and trying to keep your balance.



Take some time to try out these simple tests and see how your balance holds up!

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

Student Organization Highlight: Salsa at Cal

Salsa at Cal is a student-led group that brings the rhythm and joy of Salsa and other Latin dances to UC Berkeley students. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, we invite you to join us in spreading the love for these lively and cultural dance styles.

We host a variety of free classes in Salsa, Bachata, Rueda, and other Latin dances, and we also organize trips to local clubs for a night of social dancing. Every week, we offer beginner and intermediate classes as part of our for-credit DeCal course exclusively for students. No partner is required, and everyone is welcome!

In addition to our classes, be sure to check out our community events, including "Open Práctica" and Salsa on Sproul, where you can enjoy dancing in a fun, relaxed environment with other students.

For updates on upcoming events, follow us on Instagram: @Salsaatcalberkeley.

Contact us: salsaatcal@gmail.com

Walk, Learn, and Reflect: UC Berkeley’s Self Guided Black History Tour

Celebrate Black History Month by embarking on the Self-Guided Black History Tour of UC Berkeley's campus, created by member of the student group Black Lives at Cal (BLAC). You will get your steps in as the tour will take you all over campus to fourteen stops. At each landmark, you can listen to members of BLAC narrate stories about the incredible people, places, events and movements throughout history.

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!

Afro Dance Workout and Haitian Folkloric Dance Classes at YWCA

Did you know that you can take free dance classes at the YWCA across the street from campus at 2600 Bancroft Way? No experience required! Check out their Black History Month offerings:

Afro Dance Workout with Karma is a one-hour dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, and more. Thursday Feb 12 & 26th, March 5th 7-8pm. RSVP here.

Haitian Folkloric Dance with Portsha Jefferson is a one hour class that introduces the technique of Haitian Folkloric dance, which brings to life a wide spectrum of diverse dance forms, and integrates the grace, strength, and fluidity of Haiti - the first free Black Republic in the world. Thursday Feb 19th 5-6pm

Build your Foundation: Intro to Strength Training

Starting your fitness journey? Join the Intro to Fitness class and get the fundamentals of strength training down! Learn proper techniques for common exercises, plus receive personalized guidance on reps and sets. Each class includes a full warm-up and cool-down, ensuring a complete workout experience. Whether you're new to fitness or want to build a strong foundation, this class is the perfect way to start building your strength and confidence.

When: Thursdays, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM PST

Where: Combatives Room, RSF (Recreational Sports Facility)

Explore more fitness classes: Find the full schedule and reserve your spot today by visiting the RecWell Group Fitness Class Schedule.

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