Special Edition Walks
UTM Walks: Mindfulness and Forest Immersion
Co-presented with the HART Lab – UTM Department of Psychology
Date & Time: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 | 12 - 2 pm
Meeting Point: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart to the UTM Nature Trail as a group no later than 12:10 pm.
Join us for a nature walk alongside a member of the HART Lab at the Department of Psychology. Discover the connection with the mind and nature as we immerse in forest scenery and mindful discussions.
UTM Walks with The Chung Lab: Giving Voice
Date & Time: Mon, Nov 11, 2024 | 12 - 2 pm
Meeting Point: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 12:10 pm.
Step into nature alongside a member of the Chung Lab at the Department of Psychology. Let’s explore how nature inspires our thoughts and voices, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and each other.
UTM Walks: Birds of UTM: A Campus Birdwatching Walk
Led by Prof. Sanja Hinic-Frlog, UTM Biology
Date & Time: Wed, Nov 13, 2024 | 12 - 1 pm
Meeting Point: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 12:10 pm.
Join us for a birdwatching nature walk with Prof. Sanja Hinic-Frlog from the Biology Department. Let’s observe our feathered friends and enjoy the beautiful campus scenery.
UTM Walks: Exploring Campus Wildlife
Co-presented with the UTM Wildlife & Ornithology Club
Date & Time: Mon, Nov 18, 2024 | 11 am - 1 pm
Meeting Point: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart to the UTM Nature Trail as a group no later than 11:10 am.
Explore the wild side of our campus scenery with the UTM Wildlife and Ornithology Club. Join us for a nature walk with a pair of binoculars and discover how nature and wildlife shape our well-being.
Weekly Walks
Join us for outdoor wellness walks, led by UTM Moves student staff! This program is open to all UTM students, at all fitness levels.
Our walks offer a unique opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow UTM students while enjoying a brisk walk immersed in our beautiful campus scenery. Not only will you experience the physical benefits of walking, but you will also enjoy its numerous mental health benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive function.
Walking is a simple yet powerful way to improve your overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity, such as walking, has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, walking can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing water and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. While this is a drop-in session, we strongly encourage registration to help us manage the group size and ensure a smooth experience for all participants.
Fall - Winter Schedule:
Every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (starting September 30, 2024).
Meeting Point:
Meet in the RAWC Lobby, no later than 10 minutes after the hour.
Register here!
Benefits of Walking:
Walking is not just a form of physical exercise; it offers a range of benefits that contribute to overall well-being:
- Mental Health Improvement: Walking has been linked to decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. It promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).
- Cardiovascular Health: Regular walking helps reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood circulation (American Heart Association, 2018).
- Weight Management: Walking aids in maintaining a healthy weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
- Bone and Muscle Strength: Engaging in regular walking strengthens bones and muscles, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving balance and coordination (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2017).
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that walking can enhance cognitive function, including memory and attention, and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
By participating in UTM Walks, you are taking a proactive step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. We look forward to walking with you and exploring the beautiful UTM campus together!
References:
- American Heart Association. (2018). The Benefits of Walking. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/walking
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Walking for health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/walking-for-health
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2017). Walking and Bone Health. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/walking-and-bone-health
- National Institute on Aging. (2021). Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity