Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. The law continues to say that if an object is in motion it tends to stay in motion without ever turning or changing its speed. This applies directly to the world of physical fitness. It is true that those at rest will stay at rest and those in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. So, where are you this day? Are you at rest or are you in motion? Such will be our story unless we are acted upon by some outside force. The outside force will either get us moving from that state of habitual rest or the outside force will stop our regular motion bringing all positive physical momentum to a halt. Again, in what state are you in? Are you at rest or are you in motion?
With Thrive’s Dimensions By the Month campaign highlighting Physical Wellbeing in March, Newton’s First Law of Motion is extremely relevant. It is appropriate in that each community member has the opportunity once again to choose which state that he or she will pursue. Will it be physical inactivity or will it be one which consistently puts one movement in front of the other? Though each is an individual choice, what we decide individually will also affect us collectively. In other words, a campus at rest will stay at rest and a campus in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
As one of many who have been given the charge to be an outside force, we know that there is always an appropriate gentle nudge for every individual. Every person is very unique therefore possessing unique tipping points towards rest or motion. For some, it may be a supportive work environment encouraging activity. For others, it may be the availability of a practice partner. For still others, the outside force may be a friendly face, accessible facilities, and equipment as well as trending attractive programs. Some of us may not leave the state of rest until we get an invitation. Finally, others may not engage until we receive that direct order from a caring family physician immediately following that annual physical exam.
So what are you going to do? Are you going to stay at rest or start moving? Though by no means all inclusive, here are some ways that we 
can help: the Miller Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday at 5:30am, Lap swim in the Reynolds Gymnasium pool is available Monday through Friday at 7am, 11am and 3pm (hrs different over breaks). And if you need a class to help get you moving, please consider our new Body Flow class. It will be available following Spring Break. It is a combination of yoga, pilates, and music in a continuous flow motion. As Newton once determined, “An object at rest will continue to be at rest and an object in motion will continue to be in motion.”
Looking forward to seeing you moving forward toward the place you desire to be.
For more information on growing more in the physical dimension of your Wellbeing journey, please visit www.campusrec.studentlife.wfu.edu