Implementation Of Exercise Is Medicine On Campus At California State University, Monterey Bay

PURPOSE: Exercise is Medicine On Campus(EIM-OC) aims to establish physical activity(PA) as a vital sign & integrate PA into the lifestyle of university campuses. The EIM-OC initiative was launched at Cal State University, Monterey Bay(CSUMB) in Fall 2019 with the goal of integrating PA into the campus lifestyle. EIM-OC at CSUMB aimed to achieve this by providing exercise classes for employees & offering peer health consultations(PHC) for students. The purpose of this project is to discuss the implementation of EIM-OC & identify the successes & challenges. METHODS: The launch of EIM-OC at CSUMB included exercise classes, student PHC program & additional campus events. Circuit Training(CTC) and Resistance Training(RTC) classes for employees took place in September and October 2019 respectively. Participants for the CTC were 15 females (average age 43.80 + 12.66) & 14 females (average age 40.71 + 10.51) for the RTC. The EIM-OC provided PHC which involved a group of Health Mentors providing education & support to students looking to improve health behaviors. Participants were 7 males & 11 females (average age 21.61 + 4.54). The EIM-OC Run Walk and Roll Club(RWRC) provided an opportunity to be physically active in a group atmosphere. The team provided free Otter Sports Center orientations, yoga & resistance training classes during October’s EIM-OC Week. RESULTS: The inaugural semester of EIM-OC was successful in launching these programs for CSUMB. The launch gained support in the form of social media following via Instagram and participation from University employees & students in the programs. The program encountered challenges including the retention of students in the PHC and gaining participation/interest from the campus during the EIM-OC week CONCLUSIONS: The most successful part of EIM-OC at CSUMB were the employee exercise programs & will continue to be a major part of EIM-OC. Marketing of the RWRC & other events could be stronger to gain more participation. Strategies to improve retention for the PHC program are necessary. Based on recommendations, an afternoon RWRC will be added in the future. Overall, the first semester of EIM-OC at CSUMB was successful in making PA a part of the campus culture. Improving the programmatic efforts & troubleshooting challenges encountered, will ensure a sustainable EIM-OC program on campus.