DiscoverBody Electric5 minute walk & talk: The professor who makes her students jog during sociology class
5 minute walk & talk: The professor who makes her students jog during sociology class

5 minute walk & talk: The professor who makes her students jog during sociology class

Update: 2024-06-041
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Jennifer Lundquist, a professor and associate dean at UMass Amherst, shares her experience integrating movement breaks into her work life, including during classes. She started incorporating movement breaks after spraining her ankle in 2011 and found that she enjoyed them. Now, she has a whole regimen and wardrobe to make sure that breaks are part of her work life. She encourages listeners to embrace movement breaks without embarrassment, even in public settings. She believes that movement breaks are beneficial for both physical and mental health, and that they can help people stay engaged and focused. She also shares her experience with incorporating movement breaks into her classes, where she has students engage in various activities like jogging, running, and walking. She believes that movement breaks are a valuable tool for educators and that they can help students stay engaged and learn more effectively.

Outlines

00:00:00
The Use of "They" as a Singular Pronoun

This Chapter discusses the use of the pronoun "they" to refer to one person, a topic that often sparks debate. Linguist Anne Kurzann shares her experiences with people who argue against its singular usage, highlighting the historical context and ongoing discussions surrounding this grammatical phenomenon.

00:00:24
Movement Breaks: A Conversation with Jennifer Lundquist

This Chapter features an interview with Jennifer Lundquist, a professor and associate dean at UMass Amherst, who has been incorporating movement breaks into her work life for over 13 years. She shares her personal journey, the benefits she has experienced, and her strategies for integrating movement breaks into her daily routine, including during classes. She encourages listeners to embrace movement breaks without embarrassment and highlights the importance of prioritizing physical and mental well-being.

Keywords

Movement Breaks


Movement breaks are short periods of physical activity that are incorporated into a sedentary workday to improve physical and mental health. They can involve various activities like stretching, walking, jogging, or doing exercises. Movement breaks are becoming increasingly popular as people recognize the negative health effects of prolonged sitting.

Jennifer Lundquist


Jennifer Lundquist is a professor and associate dean at UMass Amherst. She is known for her advocacy of movement breaks and her innovative approach to integrating them into her work life, including during classes. She has been incorporating movement breaks into her routine for over 13 years and has shared her experiences and insights with various audiences.

UMass Amherst


UMass Amherst, short for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive universities in the state, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. UMass Amherst is known for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to public service.

Q&A

  • What are the benefits of incorporating movement breaks into a workday?

    Jennifer Lundquist highlights several benefits of movement breaks, including improved physical and mental health, increased focus and engagement, and reduced feelings of boredom and sleepiness. She emphasizes that movement breaks can be a valuable tool for both individuals and organizations.

  • How can movement breaks be integrated into a work day, especially during meetings or classes?

    Jennifer Lundquist shares her strategies for integrating movement breaks into her work day, including using exercise apps, incorporating movement into classes, and encouraging students to engage in physical activity. She emphasizes the importance of finding creative ways to incorporate movement into a busy schedule.

  • What advice does Jennifer Lundquist have for people who are hesitant to take movement breaks in public?

    Jennifer Lundquist encourages listeners to embrace movement breaks without embarrassment, even in public settings. She believes that it is important to prioritize physical and mental well-being and that movement breaks can be a positive and beneficial experience.

Show Notes

Professor Jennifer Lundquist has been taking movement breaks in her office and classroom for 13 years(!) and she's learned a thing or two. Move with her and Manoush as they discuss how she's changed her wardrobe, why sitting through a three-hour lecture isn't an option, and what students think when she gets them jogging around the lecture hall.

Let us know how your movement breaks are going. Send us a voice memo or email us at BodyElectric@npr.org.

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5 minute walk & talk: The professor who makes her students jog during sociology class

5 minute walk & talk: The professor who makes her students jog during sociology class