There are a number of programs and resources available through the university and beyond to help you reach your physical activity goals in Active U.
There are a number of programs and resources available through the university and beyond to help you reach your physical activity goals in Active U.
Active U participants can join the Active U Slack Channel (#activeu2026) on the umichWORKS Slack workspace.
This is an opportunity for you to share your active photos, ask questions, connect with other Active U participants and find encouragement.
How to Join the #activeu2026 Conversation on Slack
If you haven’t joined U-M Slack yet, this link will take you to a sign-up page. Sign up with your @umich.edu email (if you work at Michigan Medicine do not use your med.umich.edu email). Once you’ve signed up, you will receive an automated invitation from the "U-M ITS Slack Attendant" bot in "Apps" at the bottom of the sidebar on the left. The invites are sent every day at about 10:15 a.m. So, if you sign up after that time, the invite will be sent on the following workday.
If you’ve already joined U-M Slack, you should already have the umichWORKS workspace. Search for "umichWORKS" in the search bar or check for a message from the "U-M ITS Slack Attendant" bot in "Apps" at the bottom of the sidebar on the left.
Using the Slack app provides the best experience. See these instructions to add Slack to your device.
Active U defines physical activity using large muscle groups in which your pulse rate increases to a rate higher than your resting heart rate.
For Active U, we are focusing on helping folks understand the difference between moderate and vigorous exercise:
Moderate intensity aerobic activity means working hard enough to raise your heart rate while still being able to carry on a conversation. Examples are a brisk walk, cycling at moderate speeds, mopping, or light manual yard work.
Vigorous intensity aerobic activity causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate. Examples include jogging, heavy manual yard work, or aerobic fitness classes like Zumba or spinning.
Here are just a few activities that can be counted toward "activity minutes" in the program:
Aerobic Dance
Basketball
Boxing / Kickboxing / Jumping Rope
Cardio Machines (e.g., elliptical trainer, rowing machine, stair climber)
Cross-country Skiing/Snow Shoeing
Cycling / Spinning
Dancing
Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
Ice Hockey / In Line Skating
Ice Skating
Jogging / Running
Martial Arts / Judo / Karate / Tai Chi
Other Moderate or Vigorous Activity
Para- and Adaptive Sports
Pilates
Racquetball / Paddleball / Handball / Squash
Rock Climbing
Rugby / Wheelchair Rugby / Murderball
Soccer
Strength / Circuit Training, Weight Lifting
Swimming
Tennis
Walking/Hiking
Wheelchair activities
Yoga
Stretching
Michigan Recreation/ Rec. Depts.
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