Physical Fitness
The Basics
Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes every day. To keep things interesting, consider the following:- Vary the activity
- Vary the place
- Vary the time
- Grab a friend
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke)
- Lower risk of hypertension
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lower risk of cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, endometriosis, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach
- Reduced risk of dementia
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced risk of depression
- Improved sleep
- Slowed or reduced weight gain
- Weight loss, particularly when combined with reduced calorie intake
Getting Active
When was the last time you moved out of your comfort zone to get active? Exercise is an important piece of your overall health. It is recommended that adults do 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. That means that 30 minutes a day would put you on track to accomplish the recommended amount of exercise, but no one wants to spend their time doing something unenjoyable. Below are some activities that hopefully inspire you to get moving.
- Walking meetings
- Taking the stairs
- Fitness classes (online instructional videos, yoga, dance, CrossFit)
- Biking (mountain, road, stationary)
- Jump rope or hula hoop
- Walking/playing with your pet(s)
- Team sports (tennis, basketball, golf)
- Window shopping (yes, this can be a lot of walking)
- Swimming (free to TAMUK employees)
Recreation Center
Current faculty/staff on-campus at TAMUK and its related properties are eligible to purchase. Faculty/Staff membership includes access to the Student Recreation Center, Rec Sports Field Complex, SPEC Pool, and Gaming Lounge.
Spouses/partners and dependents living in the faculty/staff member’s household are eligible for faculty/staff pricing. Note, the faculty/staff member must maintain active membership as a sponsor of their spouse and dependents in order to receive this pricing tier. Otherwise, they will be considered for the community pricing tier.
Note, children of faculty/staff that are home from college for a short period of time are eligible as well. These instances are usually better purchased as either day passes or punch passes. Again, the faculty/staff member must have an active membership for their children to receive this pricing tier.
Recreational Sports - Payroll Deduction Application Packet
Payroll Deduction for Gym Membership
At this time, a payroll deduction is an option for faculty and staff to pay for a subscription to the recreational facilities on campus. Please see the form linked above for more information. Any questions should be directed to the Student Recreation & Fitness Center.
Wellness Release Time
The Texas A&M University - Kingsville Wellness Release Time program is designed
to enhance the well-being of employees. It is a voluntary program consisting of university-sponsored physical fitness activities and wellness education opportunities during the workday. The policy and form are attached below.
Silver Sneakers (Retirees – 65 Plus Only)
Silver Sneakers is a wellness program that encourages gym membership for 65 Plus plan participants. Please visit the website for more information.
Airrosti
Airrosti is an alternative to surgery, pain management, and long-term chiropractic or physical therapy programs. Remote recovery and telehealth are available for this program.
Covered members will pay a specialty copay for custom injury prevention and member engagement programs. Contact your wellness champion to determine if Airrosti is available to you.
Visit http://www.airrosti.com for more specific information on the program.
Omada
Omada is a program that is available to eligible or diagnosed employees for pre-diabetes and prehypertension. You must be enrolled in a medical plan with TAMUK in order to qualify, excluding the J-Plan and Graduate Student Employee Health Plan.
They offer a 16-week interactive course with ongoing support for obesity-related chronic conditions. Included in this program are digital tools to assist with your condition(s) such as a scale or virtual therapy courses. Both the program and shipping are free to the eligible employee after going through a short application process.
Visit https://omadahealth.com to take the one-minute risk screener. You are eligible to apply if the screener results indicate a risk – then you can complete the online application.
Livongo
Livongo is a program offered to eligible or diagnosed employees with diabetes and hypertension. You will be contacted by Livongo if you are determined to be eligible for the program, meaning you cannot apply to join the program unless contacted by them first. You are not eligible to receive this benefit if you are enrolled in the J-Plan or Graduate Student Employee Health Plan.
Their diabetes program includes:
- an advanced meter
- unlimited strips and lancets
- 24/7 support from Livongo Expert Coaches
Their hypertension program includes:
- free, connected blood pressure monitor
- better blood pressure management
- personalized support
Hinge Health
This program is for those who experience chronic back, hip, or knee pain. This is a revolutionary program delivered remotely using mobile and wearable technology. Individuals go through a clinical screening to determine eligibility, then receive their personalized 12-week coach-led digital musculoskeletal program based on proven nonsurgical care guidelines.
Hinge Health's core pillars are:
- Exercise Therapy - Wearable sensors and a tablet are provided for real-time movement feedback.
- Behavioral Health - Cognitive behavioral therapy and unlimited 1:1 coaching.
- Education - Personalized and interactive education curriculum.
You can submit the screening questionnaire at https://hingehealth.com/ if you are interested in the program. Your eligible Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance plan will cover the program cost if you are accepted!