Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives at Canadian universities
University of Windsor studies impact of physical exercise on mental health
The University of Windsor is — literally — helping students work out their mental health problems.
In the fall of 2017, the university’s faculty of human kinetics and the student counselling centre teamed up to launch the UWorkitOut UWin program — a pilot study assessing the impact of physical activity in reducing acute mental health issues.
The centre identified 11 students to work one-on-one with a personal trainer for six weeks. After this initial phase, they are paired with a “buddy”, but work out on their own for three months. In addition to the physical exercise, participants also get support in setting goals and managing their time effectively.
70% of the initial 11 participants continued into the second phase. Since then, the program has grown to 17 participants working with 15 trainers. The program, which already has a waiting list, will be offered three times a year.
