NYU Shanghai’s Student Health Center kicked off its first 21-Day Stay Active Challenge on February 26, bringing together 20 students who will spend the next three weeks developing healthy habits and incorporating more movement into their day. The program encourages students to incorporate more movement into their day—whether by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or squeezing in a quick exercise video during a break.
The program launched with an opening ceremony on February 26. Neuroscience major Tiyannah Santiago ’28 led the group in a fun Zumba dance routine, followed by a stretch and cool-down session. Goodie bags were also handed out to participants. The opening ceremony also provided a chance for students to connect with others on the same journey, fostering a sense of support and community.
Chelina Wang, director of the Student Health Center, said the idea to launch the program came from a desire to better connect with the community. “We want to include more community members,” Wang said. “Sometimes the students feel like they only go to the Health Center when they’re sick, but we want them to know we’re also here to help you improve your wellbeing too.”
Wang said the program received a lot of interest. Initially 100 students signed up and 20 participants were selected for the first round. Wang noted that the organizers want to support students without an existing fitness routine and help them establish a consistent schedule over the course of the challenge. She added that based on the success of this initial program, they hope to expand participation in future iterations.
“The challenge is set for 21 days because research indicates that consistently practicing something for this period helps form a solid foundation for a new habit," said Health Promotions Specialist Jordan Loo. "Success isn't measured by the number of steps you take or calories burned, but by your effort to stay consistent and make your health a priority," he added.
Throughout the challenge, students will have access to a variety of resources. In addition to physical activities, they’ll be equipped with mindfulness tools such as breathing exercises and meditation videos. Tracking changes in mood and mental state will also be emphasized, as it’s just as important to monitor emotional well-being as it is physical progress. Students will be required to report daily and weekly on their activities, mood, progress, and goals, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness.
In addition to developing healthy habits, students will have an online community where they can stay connected and motivate each other through the 21-day Challenge WeChat group, sharing photos and videos of their daily and weekly progress.
Isabella Martinez ’28 said she joined the challenge because she wanted to add more structure and consistency into her daily routine. “I joined the challenge because I was kind of [at] this standstill at the beginning of the semester…trying to figure out a healthy schedule,” she said. The challenge, with its finite timeline and prizes to motivate participants attracted her. “This is the perfect motivation– something to keep me on track, because I think the hardest part of maintaining a healthy life is the discipline.”
The program’s 21-day duration will allow students not only to track their progress but also give them the opportunity to check in regularly with Loo and his colleagues at the Health Center. They’ll be on stand-by to answer any questions or concerns and assist with keeping students on top of their goals and motivated to stay consistent.
Arturo Ayala ’27 said he joined the challenge to start fresh. “I noticed I stopped being active, and I wanted to find something that would get me back to the groove of everything again,” he said. “And I thought that this would be a great way to be accountable, while also making it a little bit fun.”
Throughout the challenge, students have the chance to win prizes from Athletics and Fitness Program, the campus stores, and external sponsors as rewards for consistently completing daily challenges and reaching their goals. These incentives, ranging from fitness gear to wellness-related rewards, serve as recognition for students' dedication and progress. But the participants know the real reward lies in the long-term impact the challenge could have on their physical and mental well-being.
By the end of the challenge, students will not only have established a more active routine but will also have built a foundation for sustaining these habits beyond the challenge. With the right combination of peer support, motivation, and consistency, the hope is that participants will integrate movement into their daily lives in a way that feels natural and compatible with their schedules.
If the pilot program goes well this month, the Health Center may organize another round with 20 new participants. “Our goal is to have this challenge at least once a semester, and to include the entire NYU Shanghai community,” said Loo.
He added the challenge can serve as a reminder for the whole community that having an active lifestyle is important for everyone’s physical and mental health.