CU Boulder Launches CU Recharge, Bringing Strength Training Into the Workday

The University of Colorado Boulder's Employee Health and Well-Being division has launched CU Recharge, an innovative pilot program designed to make physical activity more accessible for the university's faculty and staff. The program brings state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment to campus, enabling employees to complete a full-body workout in under 10 minutes — without changing clothes, without a long commute to a gym and without rearranging their day.

CU Recharge is currently housed on the third floor of the Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE), a central, easily accessible location on campus. With growing demand and strong early participation, CU Boulder is already scouting additional campus locations to expand the program with a second set of equipment.

Rethinking What a Workout Looks Like

CU Recharge is built around the concept of the microworkout — a short, focused session designed to deliver the benefits of strength training in a fraction of the time. The EGYM smart machines automatically adjust resistance and settings to each individual user, making every session efficient, safe, and appropriate for all fitness levels and experience levels.

Key features of the program include:

• Sub-10-minute, full-body workouts that fit into a break or between meetings
• No changing required — workouts are designed to be done in work clothes
• EGYM smart machines that guide users through each session and track progress over time
• A welcoming, low-pressure environment that encourages connection with colleagues
• Group onboarding sessions led by a CU Recreation Center trainer or experienced Recharge user to ensure every participant starts with confidence

Benefits Beyond the Gym

Research consistently links regular physical activity to improved mental health, cognitive function, and workplace performance. CU Recharge is designed to deliver those benefits at scale. Participants can expect improvements in physical strength, muscle development, and balance; reductions in stress and improvements in mental well-being; increased energy and mental clarity; and stronger social connections with colleagues.

The program's trackable metrics allow participants to see progress over time — building motivation and reinforcing the habit of movement throughout the workday.

An Employer of Choice, Investing in Its People

CU Recharge is one of several initiatives under CU Boulder's expanding Employee Health and Well-Being division, which received a landmark $4.7 million investment from the university earlier this year. The program was developed in partnership with EGYM and CU Recreation Services.

Faculty and staff interested in participating can get started by attending a 30- to 45-minute group onboarding session, where they will set up their user account and learn to use the equipment safely. Once onboarded, they can access CU Recharge independently and incorporate physical activity into their work day as it works best for them. Onboarding sessions can be scheduled at colorado.edu/ehwb/recharge.

For questions, contact the Employee Health and Well-Being team at workwell@colorado.edu.