Big Blue is getting in on the action as Old Dominion University takes part in an international competition encouraging college students to get moving.
Old Dominion University is competing in the American College of Sports Medicine's Exercise is Medicine mascot challenge, an annual video contest that encourages colleges and universities to promote physical activity. This year's theme, Active Living in a Tech-Driven World, inspired a video featuring Big Blue that shows how technology can help bring a campus community together.
"The message is that our technology can help us come together as a campus; however, what really gets people connected is the people," said Ruby Schaubach, assistant director of fitness and wellness in the Department of Recreation and Wellness, who is leading the effort.
The competition comes during the University's first full semester participating in Exercise is Medicine, a global initiative that encourages colleges and universities to recognize physical activity as an important indicator of overall health, much like blood pressure or heart rate.
At Old Dominion University, the initiative is about helping students discover ways to stay active beyond traditional gym workouts, whether through group fitness classes, intramural sports or other recreational activities.
The effort also aligns with the University’s commitment earlier this year to becoming a Health Promoting University, an approach that makes health and well-being part of the campus experience. It's about creating opportunities for students to take care of themselves, connect with others and find activities they enjoy.
For Schaubach, the Exercise is Medicine initiative is about accessibility and removing the psychological barriers that frame exercise as a negative. Dispelling common myths about fitness — such as the assumption that physical activity requires advanced expertise or should be done alone — is a core objective of the University's Exercise is Medicine initiative.
A misconception specific to Old Dominion University is that the fitness floor is the facility's only fitness offering, when, in reality, the center provides a wide array of services free to students and members. From group fitness and intramural sports to outdoor adventure programs, aquatics, esports and informal pickup basketball or pickleball games, the Department of Recreation and Wellness offers opportunities for every student, regardless of experience level.
"Everyone starts at the same level, which is zero. Nobody is going to start and be at a position that is higher than someone else," Schaubach said. "I’d rather you come to my class and say, 'that wasn’t for me,' than to never come and always be like 'I wish I would have figured that out’ later on."
Anyone can vote for the video on ACSM’s YouTube page through 5 p.m. November 4.