Move For Your Mind

Matrix Fitness is partnering with NIRSA to emphasize the important of mental health and how movement impacts your wellbeing! The University of Richmond is proud to represent the Move for Your Mind Initiative to help students learn how movement and recreation help strengthen your mental health.

 

The Impact of Movement on Mental Health

Boost Your GPA

Using the recreation center on a regular basis is associated with higher academic performance.

Das, R., Boren, S., Li, Q., & Dempsey, M. (2021). Exploring the relationship between usage of collegiate recreation facilities and academic achievement. Recreational Sports Journal, 45(1), 27-33.
Roddy, L., Pohle-Krauza, R. J., & Geltz, B. (2017). Recreation center utilization affects academic outcomes. Recreational Sports Journal, 41(1), 67-75.

 

Sharpen Your Mind

Regular exercise helps to resist distraction, improve mental clarity and feel alert and energized.

Intlekofer, K. (2024, November 15). Evidence-based insights: Matrix Research Hub – World. Evidence-Based Insights | Matrix Research Hub – World. https://research.matrixlearningcenter.com/esp/mental-health/boost-focus-and-self-control-through-exercise

 

Strengthen Your Mental Health

Frequent physical activity enhances mood and is linked to improved self-esteem and self-regulation.

Kroencke, L., Harari, G. M., Katana, M., & Gosling, S. D. (2019). Personality trait predictors and mental well-being correlates of exercise frequency across the academic semester. Social Science & Medicine, 236, 112400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112400
Potoczny, W., Herzog-Krzywoszańska, R., & Krzywoszański, Ł. (2025). Regular Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction: Unpacking the Roles of Self-Control and Emotion Regulation. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202412.0242.v2

 

Build Your Community

Physical activities, by providing a platform for teamwork and social interaction, aid in social wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Han, X., Li, H., Xiao, C., Wang, W., Gao, K., Yan, S., & Niu, L. (2025). Physical activity enhances college students’ mental health through social adaptability and exercise behavior chain mediation. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07791-z