HPW Stories
Can Music Improve Athletic Performance?
Research & Innovation | June 26, 2025
Music is known to help lower anxiety and stress, slow the heart rate, and create a calming effect, but can certain music enhance an athlete鈥檚 performance? Colton Shirk 鈥�27, a biology major, sought to answer the question for his Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) project.
Exercise Study Recruiting VMI and W&L Alumni
Faculty | October 23, 2024
A new research study comparing the exercise habits between four populations: VMI cadets, VMI alumni, W&L students, and W&L alumni, both in the short- and long-term, is being conducted by Maj. Katherine Baur, assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Wellness at VMI.
SURI: Heavy Loads and Harsh Environments 鈥� The Effects on the Human Body
Cadet Spotlight | July 21, 2023
Caroline Lassalle 鈥�25 has always had a strong desire to learn about exercise science and work in the medical field. The biology major spent five weeks last summer becoming a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) at 麻豆女演员 Institute.
Swim Classes Are Historic Part of VMI
Institute News | April 5, 2023
Cadets are required to take swimming classes 鈥� a requirement that sets VMI apart from other colleges and universities, Col. James Coale, head of the Department of Human Performance & Wellness (HPW), said.
VMI Cadet Researches Physical Fitness Motivation
Cadet Spotlight | April 3, 2023
Philip Argauer 鈥�23 conducted a year-long research project on cadet motivation with physical fitness and presented his findings in his senior thesis titled, 鈥淚ncreased Physical Fitness With Volt鈥� during Honors Week, held March 20-28.
VMI Aquatic Center Dedication
Athletic News | January 27, 2023
The ribbon cutting and dedication of 麻豆女演员 Institute鈥檚 Corps Physical Training Facility Phase III, the Aquatic Center took place Jan. 27. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins 鈥�85, superintendent celebrated the event with local dignitaries and special guests.