Health and Fitness Day Brings a More Holistic Approach to Wellness

Dr. Claudia Kypuros from TU Counseling Services (right)

and Melissa Woodul, sophomore Russian major (left),

with Leeroy at the Fitness Day. (Photo by Abby Holland) 

By Abby Holland

Mental health and physical well-being go hand in hand and are equally important. That was a key message of this year's Health and Fitness Day, held on Wednesday.

This event has been a part of Trinity’s campus for nearly 20 years. The theme for this year was “How do you Rec?” While in the past the event primarily focused on physical well-being, this was the first year the event included additional aspects on the wellness spectrum.

The Fiesta Room transformed into an active, health hub, filled with vendors from Trinity clubs and organizations, as well as local organizations. Among them were San Antonio Eating Recovery Center, San Antonio Walks, and Trinity University Counseling Services.

A chef from the San Antonio Botanical Gardens was there to give advice on how to cook healthy meals on a budget, while making some fresh salsa. Event goers could also receive a complimentary back massage from a professional, or taste some fresh-pressed juice.

One of the vendors was a national organization that just started a new chapter at Trinity called Active Minds. Melissa Woodul, sophomore Russian major and secretary of the new club, said the club is all about promoting mental health.

“The more research that comes out, it is clear that mental and physical health are equally important, especially for students,” said Katherine Hewitt, Trinity University’s wellness coordinator. “We are trying to think of wellness more holistically.”

Hewitt stressed the importance of taking a proactive approach to wellness rather than a reactive approach. Showcasing a wide variety of vendors that specialize in mental and physical wellness demonstrated different ways people can live a healthy lifestyle, she said.

Stacey Lenderman, office manager of Trinity University Athletics Department, echoed the importance of including mental wellness as part of this year’s event. “We want to show everyone all the different ways to be healthy and ways to take care of themselves.”