For many students at the University of Miami, wellness can feel like something to squeeze in between exams, jobs, and the steady rush of campus life. But for student-athletes, taking care of themselves isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Their routines, habits, and mindset offer lessons that any student can apply to build a healthier, more balanced life.
Three people who understand this deeply—Arlette Perry, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences at the School of Education and Human Development; Anthony Musto, executive director of the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center; and Maddie Scheier, a Miami Hurricane cross-country and track and field athlete—shared what true wellness looks like, why it matters, and how students can begin making small changes that lead to lifelong habits.
Together, their insights paint a picture of what wellness in motion truly means: not perfection, but consistency, community, and intention.
In his 27 years at the Herbert Wellness Center, Musto has watched an entire culture shift around student health.
“I think students today [are more interested] in their own personal health and fitness,” Musto said. “But I also think their reason for exercising is different. More of them are doing it for a mental health reason, a cognitive function reason.”
This shift shows up in the numbers: 13,000 unique students used the Herbert Wellness Center last spring, roughly 66 percent of the student body.
“It’s more ingrained into campus life,” Musto said. “Years ago, it was an amenity; now it’s part of the student experience.”
Musto’s message is clear: wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s maintenance.
“You take care of your smartphone,” he said. “You get the cover, the protection plan, the warranty. And you don’t do it for yourself.” Instead, he recommends giving yourself at least one hour a day. “It’s not an hour less of studying. It’s going to refresh your brain, calm the anxiety, and calm the stress so you can perform better.”
Perry, who has spent years studying young adult health, said the college years are one of the most important windows for shaping lasting habits.
“College is another good time, maybe the second-best time, to teach young people about the importance of good, solid nutrition and physically active lifestyles,” Perry said. “Yes, habits have already been formed at this time, but they can still change.”
She emphasized that mental and physical health are not separate.
“When you physically feel better, you mentally feel better,” Perry added. “Physical health is very closely related to mental health. It’s a significant correlation.”
Her research and teaching focus on empowering students to understand their bodies, navigate misinformation, and take ownership of their habits.
“Nothing’s more important than taking care of your body,” Perry said. “It helps you academically; it helps you in your job; it helps you work with other people in all aspects of life.”
What’s her message to students who feel behind?
“Number one, it’s never too late,” Perry said. “I’ve seen old people start an exercise program and keep going. And I’m one—I’m 74.”
For Scheier, wellness isn’t an idea—it’s her everyday reality.
The student-athlete’s day begins at 5:30 a.m. with morning practice, classes, a second training session or treatment, evening classes, dinner with teammates, and bedtime by 9 p.m.
“I do better when I’m super busy,” Scheier said. “Having this structure helps me get everything done. I don’t have a lot of time on my hands to procrastinate.”
But her biggest revelation since arriving at the University has been the importance of recovery.
“It’s just as important as the training itself,” she said. She now prioritizes sleep, aiming for consistency each night. “That’s how you prevent injury, and you get ready for the next day.”
Scheier believes that what she’s learned through athletics applies far beyond sports.
“Teamwork is a big one,” she said. “You have to be able to work with other people who might not be similar to you. That applies to real life.”
She also highlighted resilience.“It’s about just pushing through when it gets tough.”
And for students who feel overwhelmed by academics, work, and life?
“Know your priorities,” Scheier said. “And sometimes you can put yourself first … ask, ‘Is this too much?’”
Across all three interviews, one truth stood out: wellness is not about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters, consistently.
From Musto: Treat self-care as maintenance, not a reward.
From Perry: Movement and nutrition shape both body and mind.
From Scheier: Structure builds discipline and discipline builds confidence.
And all three agree: It’s never too late to start.
Whether it’s taking a 20-minute walk, joining a fitness class, adjusting your sleep schedule, or simply planning meals more intentionally, small steps add up to lifelong benefits.
As Perry reminds students: “Whenever they feel they’re ready to learn more, that’s a good thing.”
And as Musto urged: “Gift yourself that hour.”
Because wellness isn’t something to chase—it’s something to build, protect, and return to again and again.
