Wellness in Motion
Exercise is more than just a workout—it’s medicine for your body and mind. At Recreation & Wellbeing, we work collaboratively with UI Health and the Department of Kinsiology, promoting Exercise is Medicine on Campus, which empowers you to use physical activity as a key tool for improving energy, focus, mood, and overall health. Whether you’re starting fresh or leveling up your fitness routine, we’ll connect you with resources, support, and programs designed to fit your lifestyle and help you feel your best—inside and outside the classroom.
Exercise is Medicine Events and Programming
RecFEST
#HealthyCampusWeek
Largest Physical Activity Challenge
Background | Strategic Priorities | Committee Members
EIM Mission & Background
The Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) program at UIC promotes physical activity and nutrition among students, faculty, staff and patients.
The EIM program is part of a global initiative through the American College of Sports Medicine to “encourage primary care physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity when designing treatment plans and to refer patients to evidence-based exercise programs and qualified exercise professionals,”
For more info please visit: www.exerciseismedicine.org
Strategic Priorities
Through a partnership between UIC Campus Recreation and Wellbeing, The Counseling Center, The Wellness Center, UI Health, and the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, the committee strategic priorities to advance the mission of EIM® at UIC are:
- Establish physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits and conclude each visit with an exercise prescription and/or referral to Campus Recreation and Wellbeing certified health fitness professionals or other allied health professionals.
- Student Education and Engagement
- Research, Grants and Scholarships
Committee Members
Chair: Lynne Thompson, MS ACSM EP-C – Senior Director – Campus Recreation and Wellbeing
Eduardo Bustamante, PhD, FACSM – Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Nutrition
David C. Marder, MD, MPH – Director, University Health Services
Rebecca Mischak MSN, APH/CNP, COHN-S/CM – Director of Physician Practice
Kirsten Straughan MS, RD, LDN, CSSD – Director of Nutrition Science Program
Vered Arbel, MS, ACSM-CPT – Instructor, Kinesiology and Nutrition
Vito Olvera, ACSM EP-C, Fitness Coordinator – Campus Recreation and Wellbeing
Janine Peterson, ACSM CPT, Assistant Director Facilities and Wellness – Campus Recreation and Wellbeing
How to get started
Step 1: Get a Referral
Obtain a referral from University Health Services, UI Health, or your primary care physician to participate in the Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) program. Must be a UIC student or faculty/staff to receive the assessment for free.
Step 2: Schedule Your Free Assessment
Call the FitWell Center at 312-413-5174 or email fitness@uic.edu to make an appointment for your free Generalized Fitness Assessment (GFA) and consultation.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Assessment
Before your appointment, ensure you have completed the Activities and Goals form. Wear comfortable athletic clothes and proper footwear. Refrain from stimulants like coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco for 4 hours before the test. Also, avoid exercising on the day of the assessment to prevent muscle soreness or fatigue during the test. Inform the testing staff of any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, taken within 48 hours prior to testing.
Step 4: Undergo the GFA Assessment
During your assessment, various tests will be conducted, including body composition analysis, aerobic capacity evaluation through a Jog/Walk Test, muscular strength and endurance assessments (curl-ups, push-ups, handgrip, and leg press), and flexibility measurement using the Sit and Reach test.
Step 5: Post-Assessment Review
After the assessment, our EIM Coach will review your results with you. These results will establish a baseline that will assist in creating your personalized exercise prescription.
Participating in the UIC Exercise is Medicine program is as easy as getting a referral, scheduling your assessment, preparing accordingly, undergoing the assessment, and discussing your results with our EIM Coach. Start your journey to a healthier lifestyle today!
EIMOC Mascot Challenge
Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) invites all registered campuses to create a video of their mascot or iconic
campus figure promoting the importance of physical activity. Special thanks to Sparky, Creative and Digital Services, and EIM Committee for our 2025 Sparky Mascot Challenge Video!
RECOGNITION - SILVER Campus
“EIM On Campus (EIM-OC) launched its recognition program in 2014, honoring campuses for their participation and engagement in EIM. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Recognition provides an opportunity for campuses to enhance their image as a healthy academic environment and emphasize their commitment to create a culture of wellness.”
If you have questions or would like to be involved with Exercise is Medicine on Campus contact Lynne Thompson at lynnetho@uic.edu