Students at North Carolina Wesleyan University are taking an innovative approach to understanding physical activity behavior in Dr. Shannon Crowley’s Exercise Psychology class. In this class, Dr. Crowley, Associate Professor of Public Health and Director of the MPH program, leads Public Health, Exercise Science, and Psychology students in exploring psychological theories that help predict and influence health-oriented physical activity behaviors. The course also introduces cutting-edge strategies to promote physical activity, particularly among populations that may struggle with traditional exercise routines. This is particularly important, considering that less than half of U.S. adults meet the minimum physical activity recommendations for health.

One of the most popular and engaging topics in the course is Exergaming—a dynamic concept that integrates physical activity into interactive gameplay. This method offers an exciting alternative for individuals who may not enjoy conventional workouts while still reaping the benefits of movement and exercise.

Beyond theoretical discussions, students actively participate in Exergaming sessions using virtual reality headsets, adding an experiential learning component to the class. These hands-on sessions are made possible through a partnership with Dr. Ayra Sundbom, Visiting Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Instructional Technology, further reinforcing the University’s commitment to incorporating technology-driven learning experiences into the curriculum.

By merging psychology, technology, and exercise, Dr. Crowley’s students are gaining firsthand insight into how innovation can reshape the future of fitness and health behavior interventions.