Spring into fitness

Join the Crawford M.O.V.E. Bootcamps for a unique, fun, and healthy way to connect

By Miami University

January 23^rd, 2025

As we settle into the new year, many of us are contemplating our resolutions. Have you committed to more exercise? If so, Miami University President Gregory Crawford and Dr. Renate Crawford, University Ambassador, have the perfect venue to help you get moving: their M.O.V.E. bootcamp series at Lewis Place.

Several times each semester, President Greg and Dr. Renate Crawford host exercise “bootcamps,” focused on students but open to everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members. Keep an eye out for the spring dates and join the Crawfords for an energizing workout with Miami’s beloved golden retrievers, Ivy and Newton.

President Gregory Crawford and Dr. Renate Crawford hold bootcamp sessions each semester, often at Lewis Place.

Bootcamps are open to everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and community members.

As they complete their ninth year at Miami, the Crawfords’ platform on health and wellness is thriving, demonstrating its lasting impact for a healthier, more vibrant community. “We were drawn to Miami because of the incredible student engagement,” President Crawford said. “It’s a student-centric and student-ready campus where students build strong, lasting relationships with faculty, staff, community members, and alumni. Exercise is something Renate and I are passionate about, and it’s a unique, fun, and healthy way for us to connect with students.”

President Gregory Crawford and Dr. Renate Crawford hold bootcamp sessions each year, often at Lewis Place.

Over the years, the Crawfords have organized runs, hikes, spin-in-movies, yoga sessions, and more. The bootcamps are especially popular. “We’re doing everything we can to support wellness and student success,” said Renate Crawford, university ambassador and adjunct professor in the Department of Physics. “Exercise has such a positive impact on both physical and mental health. We start off with simple stretches and jumping jacks and often end with squats and burpees. It’s fun, invigorating, and a great way for us to engage with our talented students.”

Miami University President Gregory Crawford pets Ivy during a past bootcamp event.

Bootcamp fitness sessions are held each year, often at Lewis Place.

Members of PeerHAWKS make smoothies on a blender bike during a bootcamp session.

The Crawfords emphasize the simple yet powerful habits students can control: eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising regularly. This past year’s bootcamps featured some special guest instructors who brought new energy and perspectives to the sessions.

Newton, Dr. Renate Crawford, and President Gregory Crawford host a past bootcamp event at Lewis Place.

A bootcamp participant smiles for a photograph with Ivy.

Bridget Stafford ’26, Integrated Mathematics Education and Mathematics major and a fitness class instructor at the Recreational Sports Center, co-instructed a bootcamp during Family Weekend with her mother, showcasing the family spirit of the Miami community.

“Bridget does a phenomenal job as an instructor — she’s been leading us for two years now,” Renate Crawford said. “Her energy, enthusiasm, and outgoing personality are infectious and inspire us all.”

Newton always receives plenty of attention during bootcamp events.

Stafford said, “Overall the bootcamps have been a great opportunity to drive engagement for students and the community. It has also allowed students to see the support that Dr. and President Crawford provide to the university and build a personal connection. During Family Weekend, I was excited to lead the bootcamp alongside of my mom and see so many other students join us with their families.”

“One of my favorite moments of this particular bootcamp was new faces joining us to come and see my mom and I teach together," Stafford said. "At the end of the workout many families stayed behind to interact with us. It was a blast!”

Cadet Nick Robertson, a senior Kinesiology major and Pre-medical co-major and a member of the United States Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps, also led a session.

“Nick embraced his role as an instructor with open arms, adding elements of a real bootcamp while keeping it fun,” President Crawford said.

A past bootcamp fitness session was held in the Dauch Indoor Sports Center.

Dr. Renate Crawford hands out T-shirts during a past bootcamp event held in the Dauch Indoor Sports Center.

The Crawfords also hosted a special bootcamp for the Air Force, Army, and Navy ROTC programs. “We’re inspired by our ROTC students,” President Crawford added. “Whether it’s at the Navy and Marine Corps Ball, AFROTC Dining Out, or the Presidential Review, we love connecting with these future leaders. The bootcamp was especially meaningful, as these students will carry forward Love and Honor and the Miami spirit into their leadership as officers in the United States military.”

Once a year, the Crawfords even take the bootcamp on the road to The Knolls of Oxford retirement community. “We love visiting The Knolls,” Renate Crawford said. “There is so much collaboration between Miami and The Knolls, and this is one way Greg and I can deepen that longstanding relationship.”

Bootcamp participants make smoothies and have healthy snacks.

Dr. Renate Crawford and Newton participate in Zumba during a bootcamp session.

A highlight of the bootcamps is the collaboration with various health and wellness groups across campus. For example, Miami nutrition students, guided by Nancy Parkinson, senior clinical lecturer of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health, frequently prepare healthy snacks for participants. They come to Lewis Place the day before and the dining room becomes the “assembly line.”

Additionally, HAWKS Peer Health Educators – students dedicated to promoting wellness and providing health resources to our students – attend to support health initiatives and raise awareness about their programs. These trained student leaders inspire informed choices, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among their peers. Their Smoothie Bike certainly was a highlight at a recent bootcamp — spin a bike to blend your healthy smoothie.

Dr. Renate Crawford and President Gregory Crawford participate in a past bootcamp event inside the Dauch Indoor Sports Center.

After the bootcamps, participants are welcomed into Lewis Place for healthy refreshments, Miami swag, and a chance to view artwork created by Miami students, faculty, and alumni on display. This tradition gives the Crawfords another opportunity to share Lewis Place with the Miami community, fostering camaraderie and exemplifying the spirit of Love and Honor, according to the Crawfords.

Dr. Renate Crawford and President Gregory Crawford participate in a bootcamp event at Lewis Place held during Homecoming.

So as the weather warms up this spring, keep an eye out for upcoming bootcamp dates. The Crawfords hope to see you there, ready to exercise and have fun. We might even enjoy some Zumba to “spice-up” the workout! And don’t forget – Ivy and Newton, Miami’s favorite furry friends and registered therapy dogs, will be there to greet participants and supervise the workouts.