Western Campus Recreation

Be kind to yourself. There is power in self-compassion. It’s easy to be your own harshest critic, especially when school, fitness, and life feel overwhelming. But the way we talk to ourselves matters just as much as the actions we take. Research shows that self-compassion, treating yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend, improves resilience, motivation, and mental well-being (Neff, 2021).

https://uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2025/be_kind_to_yourself_the_power_of_selfcompassion.html

Today, , and every day, it's important to recognize that movement doesn’t always look the same, and that’s okay. On low-energy days, choosing rest, gentle stretching, or a short walk still matters. Instead of dismissing these days as failures, they can be seen as necessary parts of balance. Recognizing that even small efforts count helps build consistency without shame (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

This February, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood, explores the importance of kindness toward ourselves, both in and out of movement.

Note: videos were filmed by Campus Rec student staff outside of open hours.

Body neutrality emphasizes respecting your body without demanding constant love for how it looks. This approach reminds us that “your body is an instrument, not an ornament.” By focusing less on appearance and more on function, students can build a compassionate mindset that supports both physical and mental well-being (Center for Discovery, 2023).

https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2025/your_bodydoesnthave_to_look_a_certain_way_to_be_good.html

This month, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood, invites students to explore body respect, body functionality, and body neutrality as healthier, more sustainable approaches to movement and self-care.

Note: videos were filmed by Campus Rec student staff after hours.

January often comes with unrealistic expectations driven by diet culture and fitness marketing. Rejecting these pressures allows you to embrace movement as self-care rather than punishment.

Building a healthier fitness culture means valuing balance, rest, and authenticity over constant comparison. According to the Mental Health Foundation (2021), reducing appearance-focused messaging helps create more positive relationships with exercise.

This month, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood, invites students to explore body respect, body functionality, and body neutrality as healthier, more sustainable approaches to movement and self-care.

Full article: https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2025/your_bodydoesnthave_to_look_a_certain_way_to_be_good.html

Note: videos were filmed by Campus Rec student staff after hours.

Love. Your. Body. Instead of always focusing on how our bodies appear, shifting attention to what our bodies do can foster gratitude and appreciation.

Whether it’s walking across campus, carrying groceries, or dancing with friends, bodies enable us to live, learn, and connect. Studies show that a focus on body functionality improves self-esteem and body image over time (Alleva & Tylka, 2021).

This month, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood, invites students to explore body respect, body functionality, and body neutrality as healthier, more sustainable approaches to movement and self-care.

Full article: https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2025/your_bodydoesnthave_to_look_a_certain_way_to_be_good.html

Note: videos were filmed by Campus Rec student staff after hours.

In January, it’s easy to feel bombarded by fitness ads and “new year, new you” messages that focus on appearance. But the truth is, your body doesn’t have to look a certain way to be good.

You don’t owe anyone a “before and after.” Your body doesn’t have to look different from what it is, to be valuable - it’s already enough. By celebrating functionality, rejecting toxic expectations, and embracing inclusion and a body-neutral mindset, you can approach movement with respect, balance, and joy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/AjQM8NGYILw

This month, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood, invites students to explore body respect, body functionality, and body neutrality as healthier, more sustainable approaches to movement and self-care.

Full article: https://uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2025/your_bodydoesnthave_to_look_a_certain_way_to_be_good.html

Note: videos were filmed by Campus Rec student staff after hours.