Welcome back from Spring Break! We hope you had a fun and restful week. The good news is that as the weather gets nicer, the opportunities to squeeze in outdoor physical activity are increasing. Even a simple walk around your neighborhood can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Read on for inspiration, information, and news related to opportunities to move your body and get involved in our work!

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

Ask a PT: What is balance?

Check out Part 1 in February's newsletter.

Were you able to pass this challenge?

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.

If not, here is an exercise progression to practice balance - maintain the upright position while you:

1. Stand on one leg and work balancing for time 
2. Move your head and look around 
3. Toss a ball against a wall or play catch with a friend
4. Stand on something soft - like a folded towel or mat

When these get easier progress to hopping and catching your balance:

1. Hop forward and catch your balance fully before hopping back
2. Hop to one side and catch your balance before hopping back

You don’t have to take much time out of your day - you can do balance activities while chatting with a friend, brushing your teeth (be careful), waiting for your food to cook etc. Little bits often will help!

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

Discover the Power of an Awe Walk

Feeling stuck in your own head or overwhelmed by daily stress? Try an Awe Walk. This simple practice encourages you to step outside, slow down, and notice the vastness and beauty around you.

Experiencing awe can shift your focus away from yourself and toward something bigger, helping reduce stress, boost happiness, and increase feelings of connection and generosity. The best part is that you do not need to travel far. Moments of awe can be found right in your everyday surroundings.

Even a short walk can help you feel more grounded, inspired, and connected. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the most of your next Awe Outing.

Dive In: Stay Active at Local Pools

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to take your workout to the pool. Swimming is a low-impact, full-body exercise that builds strength, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints.

Whether you’re swimming laps or just enjoying time in the water, it’s a refreshing way to stay active, reduce stress, and beat the heat. Check out the UC Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing website for location, hours, amenities and facility specific policies.

Connections at Berkeley Week Recap

From March 16-23, UC Berkeley came alive for 'Connections at Berkeley', a week-long, campus-wide invitation to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the power of Connection—to self, to each other, and to something bigger. EIM-OC hosted a handful of events featured below!

Mindful Movement: Honoring the Body Through Stretch & Stillness

Participants were able to take a break from the heat and cool down in a calming environment with soft music and intuitive stretching at the new RecWell Fitness Studio. The intuitive stretching allowed participants to let go of outside distractions and tune into their bodies and what was needing attention. After a full body stretch participants listened to a love guided meditation including a body scan and beach imagery. We had a lovely, cool event, hope you can join in next time!

Exercise is Medicine at Berkeley - Why We Walk

Organized by the new Exercise is Medicine Student Organization, participants walked together around campus while discussing why we walk: for health, clarity, and connection. Shared movement reduces stress, promotes well-being, and creates space for meaningful conversation and community building.

New Exercise is Medicine Student Led Organization!

The walking event was a great success and now recruitement is open for new members. Exercise is Medicine @ Berkeley is an up-and-coming student organization that provides a community for those interested in fitness, healthcare, and wellness. We promote a holistic approach to health that emphasizes physical activity and overall well-being as essential parts of care. Affiliated with the American College of Sports Medicine and working together with UC Berkeley’s RecWell, UHS, and School of Public Health teams, we create opportunities for students to engage in promoting exercise and healthcare. All are welcome! Register your interest here.

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!

Salsa at the YWCA

Across from the South side of campus at 2600 Bancroft Way, the YWCA offers free classes for students and community!

Thursday April 2nd, April 9th, April 16th, and April 23rd from 7-8pm, join Riccardo and Anna for a Salsa Fundamentals class focused on building practical social dance skills. Over the lessons, students will work on the core elements of salsa—timing, body control, partner connection, and musicality—while developing the tools needed to feel comfortable in a social dance setting. Classes will include structured partner work covering basic steps and turn patterns, individual shines focused on footwork and styling, and an introduction to social dance etiquette. Whether you are new to salsa or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course provides a supportive and focused environment designed to help you move with confidence on the dance floor. Free to attend but sign up in advance to ensure a spot!

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