The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Psychology UGM) has launched a wellness program for lecturers and staff on Thursday, Jun. 5, 2025.
The program was introduced in conjunction with the inauguration of the newly established Wellness Room, a fitness facility accessible to all staff after working hours until 10 p.m.
The facility includes treadmills, strength training equipment, and an open area to support independent fitness activities.
Dr. Sumaryono, Vice-Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at Psychology UGM, explained that this initiative is part of the faculty’s commitment to foster a healthy work environment that enhances employee productivity.
According to him, the availability of this fitness space will help improve both the physical and mental health of faculty members.
“The faculty considers the health of both lecturers and staff as a vital concern,” he stated.
Dr. Haidar Buldan Thontowi, the program coordinator, said that the initiative aims to raise staff awareness about the importance of maintaining physical fitness, particularly among those in their productive years who are often preoccupied with work demands.
“We understand that awareness of physical fitness and well-being has not been fully developed, especially among working-age individuals who are frequently overwhelmed by work activities,” he remarked.
Dr. Thontowi added that the program consists of a series of activities, beginning with initial assessments including height, weight, body fat composition, and physical strength measurements.
These data serve as the foundation for designing personalized workout plans tailored to each participant’s needs.
The training sessions are held weekly and divided into two groups, with a maximum of ten participants per session.
“We limit it to ten people to ensure training effectiveness, optimal supervision by instructors, and to avoid overcrowding,” Dr. Thontowi explained.
The sessions are led by experienced instructors, focusing on cardio and strength training.
In addition to the physical exercises, participants also receive education on the importance of overall fitness.
“The most important aspect of this initiative is to cultivate healthy habits and make exercise an integral part of one’s lifestyle,” he added.
One of the program participants, Agni, welcomed the establishment of a fitness facility at the faculty level.
Prior to the program’s formal launch, Agni had already been participating in workout sessions organized under the faculty’s Health Promotion Unit (HPU) initiative.
“Now I feel more energetic and fit. I used to get tired easily during activities and work, but now I can go through my days with better stamina and productivity,” Agni said.
Other wellness initiatives run by the HPU at Psychology UGM include weekly yoga sessions, group aerobics, and regular health check-ups through the Posbindu program.
The HPU also promotes social cohesion through communal breakfast and lunch gatherings to strengthen interpersonal connections among staff.
Reporter: Psychology UGM/Erna Tri Nofiyana
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna