Michigan Tech University’s campus is pictured. The university’s “Up and Moving” program was recognized by Exercise is Medicine, a global health initiative, for its outstanding work in promoting physical activity as a way to stay healthy during the pandemic. (Journal file photo)

By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech University was recently honored for its Up and Moving program by Exercise is Medicine. Tech is one of only 156 universities worldwide to receive the honor.

Exercise is Medicine is a global health initiative that promotes exercise as a way to prevent and fight chronic illnesses and medical conditions. Launched in 2007, EIM is a partnership between the American Medical Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Michigan Tech’s Up and Moving program was organized by Steven Elmer, an associate professor in MTU’s Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, and nearly a dozen MTU students, as a way to encourage adults to become more physically active during the pandemic.

“Engaging in regular physical activity promotes good physical and mental health, improves quality of life, and reduces risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes,” Elmer said. “Importantly, regular physical activity also lowers risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that the average adult should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week. The Up and Moving program helped area residents meet that goal by offering free, online virtual workouts aimed at keeping staff, faculty, students and the community members as active as possible.

The workouts were accessible for everyone as they did not require any special equipment. They were designed to fit as many ability levels and ages as possible. The classes range from aerobics to yoga and are available to watch on the MTU Up and Moving YouTube page.

“Moving forward, the ‘Up and Moving’ program at Michigan Tech aims to partner with local health care providers to establish physical activity as a health vital sign,” said Issac Lennox, MTU student in a press release.

Exercise is Medicine encourages the promotion of physical activity by colleges and universities to promote the health and well-being of campuses and the communities that surround them.

Exercise is Medicine began its recognition program in 2014 to celebrate campuses that are striving to create a “culture of wellness.” The program awards a gold, silver or bronze recognition status based on campus activities.

Of the 150-plus campuses recognized, 73 received a gold recognition, 60 received silver and 13 received bronze. All of the recognized universities will be part of the 2022 Exercise is Medicine World Congress.

“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”

To view a complete list of the recognized schools, visit www.exerciseismedicine.org.

To learn more about the Up and Moving program, visit www.upandmoving.org.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.