Why Rec Buddies?
Physical Activity and Mental Health
According to the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III:
- In 2022, 49.3% of PSU students experienced anxiety that negatively impacted their academic work.
Feedback from the Campus Rec 2023 Member Survey indicates there is anxiety around using the Rec Center. Members shared things such as:
- “[not] knowing where to start/how to get started, how towels work, etc.”
- …would like “clear walkthroughs of how to use different services” so they can feel more prepared when coming in
- This is exactly what the Rec Buddies program aims to achieve!
We know that engaging in regular movement has been shown to improve mental health. We want Campus Rec to be a tool for minimizing stress and anxiety, not the cause of it.
The Rec Buddies program can help to reduce gym anxiety and increase familiarity, inclusion, and belonging at the Rec Center.