Alice! Health Promotion

CU Move

Exciting changes coming to CU Move

When CU Move was developed and introduced on campus a few years ago, it was a rather innovative concept at the time. However, new online technologies and applications have emerged since the inception of CU Move. As a result we have decided to move in a new direction that is more comprehensive and inclusive of the entire Columbia community.

The first change you will see is that our online exercise motivation and tracking program is no longer available. Thanks to great feedback from members of the Columbia community, we’ve learned that the time for a new direction is upon us. We have posted examples of free or low-cost technology tools designed to help support your physical activity goals.

In the coming months we will be introducing a variety of other tools, initiatives, and efforts that reflect the desire of Columbians to seeks and maintain healthful living. We will be sure to post updates here regularly and invite you to sign-up to receive the CU Move e-mails or like our fanpage on Facebook.

CU Move is an activity-focused program that offers the University community an opportunity to learn about, engage in, and share physical activities that support a healthy lifestyle. CU Move is supported by the Healthy People 2020 objectives and is open to all Columbia students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The program is free of cost, and you can join at any time.

Information on the CU Move website is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider before beginning any physical activity program.

Program Details

CU Move encourages members of the Columbia community to engage in active lives that include regular physical activity. Over the next few months we will be expanding opportunities for you to be active and involved. The program provides participants with motivation and incentives to be active throughout the year.

Motivational e-mails

Members will receive motivational messages via e-mail. These messages are tailored to members of the Columbia community and help you stick to your overall physical activity goals. Messages are only sent a couple of times per month and are also posted on our Facebook page. Click here to join the mailing list.

Incentives to Participate

All members are encouraged to set their own personal goals for physical activity. The objective of CU Move is to support our members in achieving these health-supporting goals. Members who maintain a connection to CU Move receive limited-edition CU Move fitness gear and other program incentives.

Physical Activity Tips and Tools

Get Started

Beginning a physical activity program means choosing activities that you enjoy by creating a plan that works for you. The following links provide useful resources to consider as you get started.

• Why Exercise? (Mayo Clinic)
• Physical Activity Guidelines (CDC)
• Gym Jitters — I am intimidated by working out at health clubs (Go Ask Alice!)
• Three Things Every Exercise Program Should Have (American Council on Exercise)
• How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer (American Council on Exercise)
• Selecting and Effectively Using a Personal Trainer (American College of Sports Medicine)

Stay Motivated

Finding the motivation to stick with your physical activity plan can be a challenge at times. While motivation is unique to each individual, the many rewards are universal and include benefits for academic performance, energy level, mood, and immune function. The following links provide some helpful resources for maintaining your motivation:

• Battling Boredom (American Council on Exercise)
• Setting Goals (Cooper Institute)
• Exercise Motivation...for Stress Reduction (Go Ask Alice!)
• Is Soreness a Good Indicator of a Good Workout? (Go Ask Alice!)

Additional Physical Activity Resources

Find answers to some common questions about physical activity, as well as specific tools to help you on your fitness journey:

• Dodge Fitness Center (Columbia University)
  
• Is it Better to Eat Before or After Exercise? (Go Ask Alice!)
• Best Time of Day to Exercise? (Go Ask Alice!)
• Exercise for the Physically Challenged (Go Ask Alice!)
• Free Weights vs. Strength-training Equipment (American Council on Exercise)
• Health and Fitness Information from the American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Events

Find free or low cost events to keep you moving around the neighborhood and across the city, such as community walks and runs, to ice skating in the parks and kayaking on the Hudson. Check this page for monthly updates. If you know of any upcoming community events (i.e., yoga, walks, runs, or any low/no-cost events that promote movement), please email cumove@columbia.edu.

Full Disclaimer: Information on this CU Move website is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider before beginning any physical activity program. If you have a condition that could be affected by physical activity, you are encouraged to consult your medical provider prior to starting any routine. CU Move allows users to set activity goals that fit with their life.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND THE CREATORS OF THIS WEBSITE MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE VALUE, USEFULNESS, COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE WEBSITE OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS.

Copyright © 2010 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. All rights reserved.

This website is the property of The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (“Columbia”) and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. All rights in copyright, trademark, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in the website are reserved to Columbia.

You may print out portions of the text and images for your own personal, noncommercial use.

You may not modify the website or any material residing on it. You may not use the website in any manner that infringes on the rights of another party.