We're heading into February and by now, those shiny New Year's resolutions may feel a little distant or harder to keep up with—don’t worry, you’re not alone! Whether you’re still crushing your fitness goals or finding it tough to stick with them, remember that the journey is always easier when we stay connected to each other. Exercise is Medicine - On Campus is here to offer you motivation, support, and a sense of community as we keep moving toward our wellness goals together. Let’s stay committed, support one another, and make this year our healthiest yet!

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

EIM-OC Featured in UC Berkeley News!

Check out the recently published UC Berkeley News article, "When student stress levels are high, this UC Berkeley program turns to exercise as medicine" and take a deep dive into how the Exercise is Medicine - On Campus program makes an impact at UC Berkeley.

Exercise is Medicine Zumba Class

Tuesday Februrary 25th 6:10PM-7:00PM

RSF Combatives Room



Join the EIM-OC DeCal course for a Zumba class at RSF with a meet and greet and learn more about Exercise is Medicine - On Campus. Together with University Health, RecWell, the School of Public Health, and Physical Education, the EIM-OC DeCal dives into the intricate relationship between exercise, health, academic achievement, and personal development in this hands-on DeCal course tailored for undergraduates. Come dance with us and learn about the program!

Inclusive Recreation: Adaptive Sports DeCal

There is still time to register for our Adaptive Sports DeCal class! The last day to join is Wednesday February 12th.

Inclusive Recreation DeCal Class - 1 Unit

Open to all abilities! Experience the world of adaptive sports! Join us as we explore goalball, wheelchair basketball, adaptive pickleball, sitting volleyball, and adaptive climbing. Discover the unique challenges, strategies, and joys of inclusive athletic pursuits through hands-on learning and engaging discussions. Uncover the incredible power of adaptive sports and their impact on individuals, communities, and society. Enroll now to explore the world of adaptive sports, develop relevant game skills and strategies, and participate in inclusive recreation events. 1 unit P/NP. Located at RSF Blue Gym. Mondays 2:00PM-4:00PM.

Use CalCentral to find and enroll in the course:

PBHLTH 198 GRP004 Class #30762; Berkeley Academic Guide

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.

Meet Christian, our EIM-OC Personal Training Specialist!



Christian Chhom is the EIM-OC personal training program specialist and the first person you will meet when you sign up for a fitness consultation through EIM-OC. Read on to learn more about Christian and his perspective on exercise!

What is your role on the EIM-OC team?

My role on the EIM-OC team as the Personal Training Program Specialist is to be the crossbridge between healthcare and fitness. Often, I am getting referrals from primary care providers or health coaching over at the Tang Center if exercise will benefit an individual’s mental or physical health. Also, if someone is not meeting the CDC’s guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity and two days of resistance training per week, I help create specialized programs that will help that person retain their program. Often, I meet with students to do fitness consultations where we will discuss their exercise history and background to possibly work on eliminating any barriers that's keeping them from being physically active. 

What led you to become a personal trainer?

I was deeply interested in exercise science and weight lifting when I was in undergrad. When I learned about kinesiology, the study of human movement, I took a bunch of classes that taught me how to apply what I have learned in class to real life. At first I trained a few of my friends for free and we saw great results from the training we did together. When I realized that I could make a career out of helping people be healthier and feel stronger, I thought to myself “sure why not”. 

What are your favorite ways to exercise?

1. Resistance Training (free weights and machines)

Going to the gym and lifting weights makes me feel incredible. Most of the time, I like to combine exercise types such as lifting dumbbells and doing pushups for example, because it is most convenient when training in a crowded gym. There are so many benefits that come from resistance training, like improved bone density, increased muscle mass, improved circulation, the list just goes on. If you are currently active but you don’t resistance train, I highly recommend trying it out even if it is just once a week. 

2. Martial Arts

When I was a kid, my dad forced me to do jiu-jitsu and taekwondo. I absolutely hated it growing up, and it was always the worst part of the week whenever we had training. However, I am extremely grateful now because it taught me to move in ways that you would not get in conventional exercise you would do at the gym. The mobility, balance, and agility are components of health and fitness that are often overlooked but are extremely important to maintain and improve as we age. 

3. Going outdoors

I enjoy hiking because it is a great form of physical activity and also a way to socialize while connecting with nature. Some of my favorite spots are Space and Science Center in Oakland, Lake Chabot in Castro Valley, and Fire Trails in Berkeley.  

Interested in working with Christian 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!

Pilates Power: Boost Strength and Flexibility

Pilates is an excellent exercise that helps to strengthen your core muscles inside and out. Other benefits include improving balance, posture, and flexibility along with teaching proper body alignment and core control. Pilates also helps to improve energy levels, sleep, and mood, along with stress relief. 

RecWell has mat Pilates classes 6 days a week! Check out the group fitness class schedule to find classes that fit into your schedule. As a student, there is no cost for you to participate in the Mat Pilates classes!

Get Social, Get Moving!

Did you know that the United States is experiencing a loneliness epidemic? The consequences of social isolation can have a negative effect on many aspects of our personal and collective wellbeing. Check out the ideas for activities you can do with others. Reach out to friends (or potential friends) to get some social and fitness time in one swoop!

Game Time

The MLK Student Union Building hosts a plethora of games and activities for you and your friends to play. Head down to the first floor with your friends to shoot some hoops, play air hockey, ping pong, and more to blow off some steam! 

Study Buddies

Feeling down that Moffitt is closed and have no place to go? Try walking with some friends to some of these less frequented UC Berkeley study spaces, as some have extended their hours to accommodate Moffitt’s closure.

Environmental Design Library

Located in Wurster Hall, this library has a lot of space to study, with many private nooks and comfy chairs near the back. They are open until 10 PM on weekdays to accommodate some late night grind sessions!

Berkeley Way West

While not technically a library, this academic building on Shattuck Ave is one of UC Berkeley’s newest buildings. This building gives you the chance to take a nice walk with some friends to downtown Berkeley, and is conveniently located to numerous restaurants to fuel your studies!

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