The soft-fitness shift: Low-impact movement on campus

A review of the shift away from high-impact workouts to “moving to feel good.”

Artwork by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin

By Jing Huang

April 15, 2026

At Barnard, the physical education requirement is unavoidable, but with classes ranging from Strength Training to Yoga, it is an opportunity to explore movement in new ways. Increasingly, students are gravitating toward low-impact, “soft-fitness” options that emphasize mindfulness, flexibility, and overall well-being rather than intensity. This shift redefines what fitness means on campus, as students focus more on moving to feel good and improve mental well-being, rather than exercising solely to stay fit or lose weight.

When asked about the “moving to feel good” mindset, Marleny Vasquez De Jesus (BC ’29) responded, “I think of both low-impact and high-impact workouts, so anything from running to walking. I prefer exercises that are easier on the body because I know that high-impact workouts like lifting heavy won’t make me feel good.” She added, “I am taking Pilates this semester because I wanted something that did not put too much excess strain on my body and did not make me sweat too much.” 

Chenxi Nian (BC ’29) said, “For me, ‘moving to feel good’ involves things like walking around in the park or dancing. I don’t like accelerated exercises but prefer more chill activities.” 

Students preferring more “chill” activities may be their way of slowing down. In addition to the Barnard Fitness Center, Barnard offers FITBear classes, dance classes, and even LeFrak massage chairs that help students unwind from academic stress. 

When asked how she felt about yoga, Nian replied, “After each class, I felt relaxed and clear-minded, and this class gave me the opportunity to feel more present, and also my instructor puts good music on. During the mediation part, I am laying down on the yoga mats and really get to focus on my body. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that my back was hurting, since we spend so much time doing what is on our to-do list, rather than caring for our body.”

Overall, low-impact movements or workouts slowly increase heart rate and put less stress on joints. This means that students get cardiovascular benefits by increasing their heart rate and thus strengthening their heart muscle. Furthermore, any physical activity, even if it is low impact, helps release endorphins, which lower anxiety and depression and can improve focus and sleep.

In the city that never sleeps, intentional movement becomes even more important. Students are constantly walking between classes, commuting, and navigating crowded streets, but this kind of movement is often rushed and task-oriented. Low-impact exercise offers a great way for more mindful movements.

Furthermore, as students continue to balance academics, social life, and personal well-being at Barnard, low-impact movement also offers a refreshing reminder that exercise does not have to be intense to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most effective way to stay active is to move in a way that feels good.