Health and Human Services News

Student on the Street: Rudy Escobar

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Rudy Escobar is a sophomore studying exercise and movement science at Missouri State University. Escobar is from Osage Beach, Missouri, and attended Osage High School.  

His favorite course has been Healthy Lifestyles: Preventative Approaches.  

“I love getting to learn more about the body and the proper ways to take care of it,” Escobar said.  

For Escobar, the best part of being a Bear is the campus community.  

“I have become so involved on campus and have had the ability to meet so many new people,” he said. 

After college, Escobar hopes to become a strength and conditioning coach. 

“I have always had a passion for training and want that to be a part of my life after college as well.” 

Learn about the Kinesiology department

A new place to play

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Have you noticed a new workout area behind McDonald Arena?

The workout station, called THRIVE, was commissioned by the kinesiology department at Missouri State University, in collaboration with GameTime. It will be used for research with GameTime and for Missouri State students. 

MSU is one of three universities across the country using this kind of equipment for research in partnership with GameTime.  

THRIVE is also open for public use.  

The station includes a QR code to scan for free workouts. 

Explore training with THRIVE

Focus on improving health, not losing weight

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Step by step: it’s a good mantra. It can help you make it through the day to day routine or refocus you on small goals when the challenges seem insurmountable.  

Dr. Sara Powell, assistant professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University, works on goal setting, motivation and the psychology of physical activity.

She has particularly focused on behavior change for individuals who’ve undergone bariatric surgery. 

The weight loss journey is tough, but the psychological hurdles are equally immense. 

What makes weight loss so hard

Powell encourages people to set goals not related to weight loss – goals that instead focus on health improvements. She uses the SMARTER acronym for these goals: specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, timely goals that you can evaluate and revise.  

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On your mark, get set, marathon

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Many runners find themselves drawn to races and long runs – like marathons. But how do you begin to tackle the intense physical and mental hurdles that come?  

Dr. Sara Powell, assistant professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University, says that the distance is just one of the challenges to crossing the finish line. 

Beginning a training regime for a marathon

In addition to getting fitted for good footwear, Powell provides some tips for training:

  • Find an incremental plan online.
  • Set SMARTER goals.
  • Train in all sorts of conditions.
  • Practice positive self-talk and imagery.

In her time as a runner, Powell remembers one time in particular that challenged her more than any other: it was during the Boston marathon several years ago. It wasn’t her first marathon, or even her first in that prestigious race, but the adverse weather conditions – rain, near freezing temperatures and high winds – were incredibly difficult.

But the self-talk and imagery got her through – even reaching a personal record. 

Read transcript