NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON FEB 2, 2023
When the new year comes around, resolutions often come to mind to work out more, go to the gym or start eating healthy. Although these resolutions come from a desire to be more active and to live a healthier lifestyle, it is no surprise how other obligations can seemingly get in the way of fulfillment, especially for those starting a new semester. Everyone strives to do better than the last year but may not know what steps to take to get there or what routine to develop. One of the resources students on campus can use is the Student Health and Wellness Programs, which encourage students to find spaces where they can connect with others and have a safe space to discuss their physical and mental health.
This semester, the organization started with various events, including coffee breaks, building a self-care bag, and offering tips and tricks on making healthy meals. One of the sizable events that have taken place at St. Mary’s University is the Well Fest. On Saturday, January 28, the fair connected the StMU community and invited those from the West Side to participate in events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event allowed participants to receive health screenings, SNAP and WIC application assistance, enter giveaways and engage in various physical activities in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center.
The Well Fest brought in community artners that included: Betty’s Co., City Girls Who Walk SATX, STAAMP, the San Antonio Food Bank, TRiO, JTA Wellness, the City of San Antonio, San Antonio ASDA, Orange Theory Fitness, Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the National Peanut Board, which provided space and resources for a variety of physical and mental needs of the community. The event organized movement classes led by instructional coaches in the AACC Movement Studio throughout the day. They offered a range of exercise classes, from a beginner fitness class and mobility, glutes, legs, and core to yoga and meditation sessions. The event and the classes were free to students and residents of the West Side who attended.Not only was the event a way for students and the community to understand their resources and how they can work with each other, but Well Fest is just the beginning of more events and activities that will follow throughout the semester. STMU Wellness Programs set up group exercise classes for the entire Spring semester, including a Lunch Bunch Water Exercise class, kickboxing and yoga. The courses offer flexibility to work with students’ schedules and give them a range of exercise methods they might prefer. Water exercise classes are self-paced and take place Monday through Friday from 12:15-12:45 p.m., kickboxing is on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m., and yoga and meditation occur on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The classes will all take place in the AACC Movement Studio– except the water exercise classes held in the natatorium.
For further questions, interested parties can contact Susie Chavarria at schavarria@ stmarytx.edu or visit the AACC. The Well Fest was an excellent introduction for students to understand the support they can receive at St. Mary’s. Taking time for self-care is essential to managing time and energy through a new school semester. The Student Health and Wellness Programs are hereor student support and resources for healthy well-being. More events from the Wellness Programs are sure to come. For more upd ates and information, follow Student Health and Wellness Programs on Instagram @stmu_well or email the Wellness Coordinator, Elisa Garza, at egarza82@stmarytx.edu.