The University of Miami has earned gold level status for the Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC), an initiative led by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Medical Association. The acknowledgement of gold status is part of EIMOC’s recognition program, launched in 2014, which allows campuses to be recognized for their participation with Exercise is Medicine. Schools have the opportunity to establish themselves as a gold-, silver- or bronze-level campus, based upon their activities and level of engagement.
This is the second year UM’s EIMOC program has been recognized by the ACSM. Recognition by the ACSM provides an opportunity for campuses to enhance their image as a healthy academic environment; emphasizing the commitment to utilizing exercise as medicine to create a culture of wellness. To be considered a gold-level campus, a university must create partnerships between healthcare and exercise departments to provide physical activity prescriptions, and direct students and employees to recreational facilities for health and fitness programming.
“This recognition is a result of many collaborations of the entire University community to promote exercise” said Tony Musto, Ph.D., director of fitness programs at the Herbert Wellness Center. “What is really impressive is that most of the programs and protocols that earned us this award have been in place for years, clearly showing how advanced we are. Many universities have to create programs in order to receive this recognition.”
UM’s EIMOC initiative includes several programs and services hosted by the UM Wellness Centers for students, employees and community members promoting safe, smart, and effective physical activity. Currently more than 2000 individuals participate in EIM activities at UM.
Some of the popular initiatives that helped UM earn this recognition are:
SHAPE-UP
SHAPE-UP is an incentive program for UM faculty and staff, designed to encourage the development of a healthy lifestyle through participation in fitness and wellness programs.
Canes Health Assessment and Motivation Program (CHAMP)
CHAMP is the Department of Wellness and Recreation's free comprehensive fitness assessment and education program for UM students.
UBike
To encourage faculty, staff, and students to leave their cars at home and commute to UM’s Coral Gables and medical campuses by bicycle, the Herbert Wellness Center and UHealth Fitness & Wellness Center have joined the University’s UBike program.
Supervised Exercise Program
Designed for individuals prescribed physical activity supervised by exercise professionals like physiologists, the Herbert Wellness Center and UHealth Fitness and Wellness Center offer a Supervised Exercise Program.
Living Independently Through Fitness and Exercise (LIFE)
LIFE at the Herbert Wellness Center is designed specifically for individuals 65 or older to improve strength and flexibility, enhance activities of daily living, remain independent for as long as possible, and prevent falls.
No matter the age or stage of your life, the University of Miami Wellness Centers are ready to guide you in your fitness journey. You can visit the Herbert Wellness Center and the UHealth Fitness and Wellness Center websites for more information about the exercise programs and services.
