UofL, Student Recreation Center recognized nationally for wellness efforts

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACMS) has recognized the University of Louisville for exercise wellness efforts at the Student Recreation Center (SRC).

Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC), administered by ACMS, named UofL a “Bronze Campus” for activities organized and implemented at the SRC in 2022. UofL is one 149 universities and colleges worldwide to be honored by EIM-OC, a leading organization in the fields of exercise physiology, kinesiology and sports medicine. ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. 

The award was the first for UofL, which was in its first year of the program in 2022.

“This recognition would not have been possible without the ongoing programs already offered by the SRC staff and all their hard work,” said Jason Jaggers, associate professor, Health & Sport Sciences in the College of Education and Human Development. “I hope by working together we continue this momentum through 2023 to achieve another goal of the EIM-OC program by getting the Campus Health Center involved to set up an exercise referral system. This initiative will empower students to learn more about the positive impact of physical activity on their overall health and wellbeing, leading to an enhanced quality of life.” 

Of the 149 campuses recognized this year, 73 received gold, 55 silver and 21 bronze. All award winners will be recognized June 1 as part of the 2023 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.

“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,” said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine.

EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. 

The 128,000-square-foot SRC features group fitness studios; basketball, racquetball and squash courts; strength training areas; a sport club studio; a golf simulator and more. It is open 97.5 hours a week during the school year.