Positive Image

'Celebrate Every BODY Week' Begins Monday 

Students learn burlesque moves during a Celebrate Every BODY Burlesque workshop in March, 2016, with local burlesque performer, C. Amanda Boutahorse. (Photos by Vivian Hwang)

Campus Recreation’s Kristyn Muller teaches a hula hoop class during last year’s celebration.

ALBANY. N.Y. (Feb. 24, 2017) — Thinking beyond appearances and societal pressure to look a certain way is at the center of “Celebrate Every BODY Week,” which starts Monday.

The annual series of body-positive events, coordinated by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), focuses on healthy body image, fitness, mindfulness and eating awareness.

“We pick programs that have the messages of exploring what you can do in your body, how do you feel in your body, and what you can do to nourish your body,” said Vivian Hwang, staff psychologist at CAPS. “Being body-positive goes beyond how you feel about how your body looks. “

CAPS partners with other campus departments, including Campus Recreation, Nutritional Services and the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program.

Monday’s Fit Fair, sponsored by Campus Recreation, is a good place to get started. The fair, held in the University Gym from 5-7 p.m., will include information on campus and community health, wellness and exercise resources, as well as classes and interactive demos.

Middle Earth will have an interactive exhibit at the Fit Fair, as well as during the week in the Campus Center lobby. Students will have a chance to color or draw what they celebrate about their bodies onto handouts that have tips on the back for boosting positive body image.

Group Exercise

As part of Celebrate Every BODY Week, CAPS and Campus Recreation are hosting three group exercise classes on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the PE Dance Studio, with a focus on being mindful and body-positive. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a yoga class; at 5:45 p.m., Zumba; and at 7 p.m., Salsa.

There also will be giveaways and a chance to enter a raffle to win a Fitbit. Comfortable clothing recommended.

Cooking and Mindful Eating Demo

Award-winning Sodexo Executive Chef Gerald Oriol and UAlbany nutritional counselor Donna Duffy will host a live cooking demonstration from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, in the Patroon Room on the third floor of the Campus Center.

The demo, sponsored by CAPS, UAlbany Dining, and Nutritional Services, will focus on nourishing foods that promote health and wellness, and simple cooking techniques that bring out the natural flavors of food.

There will be refreshments, giveaways and a raffle for a Fitbit.

The Best Part of Me

Come paint the best part of yourself during an evening of body-positive empowerment through art, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, in CC 375, sponsored by CAPS.

No prior art experience is necessary, and there will be refreshments, giveaways and a raffle.

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