On Feb. 4, the Office of Student Life made an announcement on Instagram, calling on all Bearcats to apply for the Bearcat Bootcamp Program, an eight-week intensive “student fitness transformation challenge.”
The program is designed to help students develop healthier habits and improve their overall well-being through structured fitness training and nutrition education.
Participants will engage in informational sessions on eating nutritious foods, meal planning and building new habits.
Beyond education, the program offers personalized fitness guidance from certified fitness professionals and trainers, ensuring that students receive expert support tailored to their individual needs.
On the website, the Department of Student Affairs encouraged students of all fitness levels to apply to the program, calling on “beginner[s]” and “seasoned gym-goer[s]” to rise to the challenge and improve their fitness experience.
The Bearcat Bootcamp is facilitated by Assistant Director of Leadership Development Margaret Van-Ess Holman and sponsored by the Baruch College Athletics Department, the Department of Health and Wellness and the Office of Student Life.
In a statement shared with The Ticker, Holman said that the program began as early as 2018 after the three departments “recognized that students are always seeking opportunities to improve their health and fitness at no cost.”
Holman added that the “program’s ultimate goal is to help students develop a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, all at no additional cost to them,” emphasizing that these resources are free for any student who participates.
Participants are required to attend at least 60% of the sessions, which are scheduled during club hours throughout the spring 2025 semester.
While the application deadline was Feb. 17, the program also highlights the broader range of fitness opportunities available on Baruch’s campus.
Bearcat Bootcamp collaborates with multiple departments and encourages students to explore various sports, recreational activities and wellness programs.
For instance, the Office of Student Life offers leadership and service opportunities, organizes Heritage Month events and provides information about campus security and study spaces.
Additionally, Baruch students have access to the Athletic and Recreational Complex, which features a fully equipped fitness center, gymnasiums, a pool and racquetball courts.
The Office of Health and Wellness also hosts other wellness events throughout the semester.
On March 5 and 6, the office will launch its first yoga and pilates classes of the semester, promoting both mental and physical relaxation.
Together, these three departments consistently offer opportunities for students to improve their health and engage in athletic activities.
The Bearcat Bootcamp Program hopes to serve as an example of the departments’ efforts to create a designed wellness initiative, ensuring that students have the knowledge, resources and motivation to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
