dog “Freesia” in the first sequence of events for the LoveWell program on Feb 14. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Contra Costa Animal Shelter Volunteer Steve Amos and SMC Students jog alongside rescue dog “Freesia” in the first sequence of events for the LoveWell program on February 14. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

LoveWell Event Fosters a Community of Compassion and Self Care

‘Sweat-Spin-Stretch’ on February 14 was an opportunity for SMC Students to participate in various activities while sharing compassion in the community by encouraging physical fitness and wellness.

by Campus Recreation | February 15, 2024

As part of the Wellness Committee initiative to engage students with their own well-being, the three-part series on February 14, Sweat-Spin-Stretch, encouraged students to drop in as desired or participate in all the sessions in the Feel Good Circuit. Campus Assault Response & Education, Campus Recreation, Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Health Center, and Student Disability Services were available to share treats and resources for attendees while connecting with students on Valentine's Day. Delicious rewards included Oh Mega donuts made from chia, hemp, and flax seeds, as well as yogurt parfaits from Rooted Coffee Co. in Walnut Creek. These were served up alongside information and resources available for student needs.

Treats & Resources: Students gather treats and resources from SDS, CAPS, CARE & Health Center Tables during the LoveWell event on Feb 14th that promoted self care and compassion on Valentine’s Day. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Treats and resources: Students check out offerings from SDS, CAPS, CARE, and Health Center tables during the LoveWell event that promoted self-care and compassion on Valentine’s Day. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

“Sweat” was the first of the three-part series, where participants got to jog alongside rescue dogs from Contra Costa Animal Services. Rescue dogs Bailey and Freesia enjoyed running with the students while getting much-needed attention.

SWEAT: Participants gather together with rescue pups from Contra Costa Animal Services to take a group photo with rescue dogs Bailey (left) & Freesia (right) after the jog around campus. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — SWEAT: Participants gather together with rescue pups from Contra Costa Animal Services to take a group photo with rescue dogs Bailey (left) & Freesia (right) after the jog around campus. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

After the adventurous walk/jog around campus, participants were encouraged to hop into the 25-minute spin class with Jake Negrete MA ’24. This second leg, “Spin,” was a quick heart-pumping class that increased participants’ heart rates while riding along to electronic music for motivation.

SPIN: Instructor, Jake Negrete MA’ 24 provides motivational music to encourage participants to peddle the stationary bikes at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Spin: Instructor Jake Negrete MA ’24 provides motivational music to encourage participants to pedal the stationary bikes at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

The final part in the series, Stretch, was a relaxing yoga session with Master Level Yoga Instructor Mel Salvatore-August. Amir Singh ’26 participated in all events and said, “I enjoyed the spin and yoga class, it was rejuvenating and much needed.”

“I enjoyed the spin and yoga class, it was rejuvenating and much needed.”
— Amir Singh ’26

STRETCH: Yoga attendees stretch in downward dog position during the fitness class on Feb 14 as part of the LoveWell event to promote self care. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Stretch: Yoga attendees stretch in downward dog position during the fitness class on February 14 as part of the LoveWell event to promote self-care. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

The February 14 Valentine’s Day-themed event allowed students to engage with the community while ensuring avenues for exercise and fitness. It also kicked off the spring semester wellness programs funded by the Student Enhancement Fee. Additional programming will continue throughout the spring semester for the SMC community to share the importance of wellness and mindfulness.

LEARN MORE: Fitness Class Offerings for our SMC Community are available all semester.