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Exercise Is Medicine

Exercise is Medicine – On Campus (EIM-OC) promotes collaboration among campus healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and academic programs to improve student health. With less than half of college students meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, universities nationwide are turning to EIM-OC as a targeted solution. By treating physical activity as a vital sign, healthcare providers can assess each student’s habits and actively prescribe movement as part of their care.

Exercise Is Medicine - On Campus

About Exercise Is Medicine

Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) a global health initiative founded in 2007 by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) with the American Medical Association (AMA) as a result of the overwhelming evidence that physical activity plays a powerful therapeutic role in the prevention and management of many chronic health conditions. The vision of EIM is to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based resources for people everywhere and of all abilities.

Whether you're referred by a healthcare provider or choose to self-refer, getting started is easy.

Get Referred or Self-Refer
- A healthcare provider may recommend Exercise is Medicine if they believe you would benefit from increased physical activity.
- You can also complete our self-referral form to get started on your own.
Schedule Your Consultation
- After we receive your referral, the EIM team will email you a link to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Meet with the EIM Team
- During your consultation, we'll learn about your goals, interests, and any barriers to physical activity.
Receive Your Personalized Recommendation
- Based on your conversation, we'll connect you with the resources that best fit your needs. This may include:
  - Three free health coaching sessions
  - Group Fitness classes
  - Intramural sports
  - Sport Clubs
  - Other Recreation programs

All Exercise is Medicine referrals and recommended services are provided at no cost to participants!

Self-Referral Form

Stay tuned for our upcoming events in the Fall semester!

I cannot thank this program enough. This experience has really helped me to boost my confidence in the gym. I learned a lot of really useful information about my health through the scan and by going through exercises together. I left the program feeling very motivated to continue going to the gym. This program made such a positive impact on myself and my health goals. Thank you very much!

Anonymous
Student, USF

What is Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC)?

Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) is a global health initiative supported by the American College of Sports Medicine that promotes physical activity as a vital sign of health. At the University of South Florida, our program connects students, faculty, and staff with resources and programs to support active, healthy lifestyles.

Who can participate in EIM-OC at USF?

EIM-OC at USF is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

What services does EIM-OC offer?

Personalized exercise recommendations
3 FREE Health & Wellness Coaching Sessions
Referrals to fitness programs and events
Educational workshops and events
Support for individuals managing chronic conditions

Do I need referrals to participate?

General programs and events are typically open to all.

Some services, especially individualized programs, may require a referral from a healthcare provider or campus partner.

You can also self-refer using the link here.

Is there a cost to participate?

All EIM-OC services and programs are free, unless otherwise noted.

How is EIM-OC different from personal training?

While personal training focuses on fitness goals, EIM-OC emphasizes overall health and well-being, often supporting individuals with medical conditions or those new to exercise through a more guided, health-centered approach.

How do I get started?

You can get started in one of the following ways: