Next Monday, Marshall University will be participating in Exercise is Medicine. The event will last from Oct. 5 to Oct 9.

Exercise is Medicine, managed by American College of Sports Medicine, targets college campuses to promote a lifestyle of exercise to young adults.

Each day of the week has a specific theme. Monday is “Stress Management Monday,” Tuesday is “Take Control Tuesday,” Wednesday is “Wellness Wednesday,” Thursday is “Thirsty Thursday,” and Friday is “Fitness Friday.”

“We are trying to get community members and students alike to think about using physical activity as therapy rather than waiting till they have a condition,” Coordinator of Exercise is Medicine, Robert Powell, said. “We are hoping this has an impact across all of West Virginia.”

Huntington, West Virginia has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. This issue has motivated people to help the community to get healthier.

“Because of the problem, there is definitely more motivation for us to implement a program like this,” Senior Assistant Director of Fitness Programs and Services, Heather Smith, said.

Smith said exercise has been known to help with many physical conditions including obesity and high blood pressure, which is why it is important to promote an active lifestyle.

“I hope people will stop and think about the fact that exercising does affect their health,” Smith said. “It’s not just to look-good, but it’s also to be a healthier person.”

Powell highlighted Tuesday’s health fair, where several departments from different health professions will be offering services such as exercise programs or free screenings to help people manage their health.

Exercise is Medicine will be at the Memorial Student Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“What I really want people to take away is that physical activity is not only fun no matter what your age is,” Powell said. “But it’s really important to fit it in to your lifestyle.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to win a grand prize of a full fitness assessment at the end of the week. After signing into an event, they will be considered eligible to win.

The assessment Includes a 30 minute Fitness Consult, Vo2 Max Test, BodPod Test and a Resting Metabolic Rate Test.

The entire week’s schedule can be viewed at marshall.edu/EIM.

Matthew Prandoni can be contacted at [email protected].