Abbey Rhoderick

Calling all Chapman students! Have you ever attended one of the free group fitness classes on campus?

For my story this week, I interviewed group fitness instructor (and student) Tess Martinelli about the importance of exercise for student health.

"Overall I just feel as though my mental and physical wellbeing is just incredibly increased when I’m staying active,” Tess says.

Tess teaches HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes on Monday nights from 5-5:45, and Thursday afternoons from 4-4:45. She additionally teaches a weight training class on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. In addition to her own classes, she recommends attending the pilates, spin, or yoga classes offered for free on campus, available to join here: https://recportal.chapman.edu/Program/GetProducts?classification=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000026002.

Would you ever be interested in taking a workout class? Let me know your thoughts! And stay tuned as I learn more this week about the importance of exercise for student health, as well as what other resources are available at Chapman University.

Quotes from my interview with Inner Peace Club President and Vice President Reagan Cisar and Paola Martini. Do you meditate? If so, what does it mean to you?

Dr. Jay Kumar is the Director of Wellbeing at Chapman University and author of the book "The Science of a Happy Brain." During our interview, we discussed the nature of his work, which he says is largely based in neuroscience. We covered the science behind why meditation works, the importance of grounding oneself in the present moment, and how our brains can learn these techniques over time to live healthier, happier lives. "You learn to be less reactive, and more adaptive," Dr. Kumar says.

To learn more about the science behind mindfulness and meditation, (and how it could help improve our lives) look out for my full story coming later this week!