KEPULAUAN SULA — A laptop screen is on, course materials are open, and time keeps moving. For students who carry out part of their learning activities online, spending time in front of digital devices has become part of their routine. However, behind the flexibility of studying from anywhere, the body still needs time and space to move.
This message was highlighted by the Sentra Layanan UT (SALUT) Sanana through a Zumba exercise session at Mangon Park, Sanana, Kabupaten Kepulauan Sula, Maluku Utara, on Sunday (August 23, 2026). The activity was attended by representatives of new Universitas Terbuka (UT) Ternate students and several SALUT Sanana administrators as part of efforts to support physical health and success in distance learning.
The activity was also attended by Manager of Learning, Student Affairs, and Alumni Azizah Mujahidah Annisa, S.Pd., M.Pd., Learning and Examination Coordinator Wasmi Lasani, S.T., Head of SALUT Sanana Rafi Salampesy, S.AP., Deputy Head of SALUT Sanana Agisty Wulandari, S.E., as well as representatives of new UT students.
The morning, which would normally mark the beginning of daily activities, was instead used to encourage students to build a simple habit: making time for exercise before returning to their academic activities.
Head of SALUT Sanana Rafi Salampesy said maintaining physical health is important for students, particularly those following online learning patterns and spending more time sitting.
“Zumba is an excellent form of exercise for stretching muscles and improving blood circulation. It is especially beneficial for students who have begun experiencing body aches from sitting for too long while attending online classes,” Rafi said.
According to him, exercise does not have to be complicated or require a lot of time. Zumba can be done regularly in the morning before online classes begin or in the afternoon after classes end.
By setting aside around 15–30 minutes, students can engage in simple physical activity without needing additional equipment. The small habit is expected to become part of the daily routine of UT students participating in distance learning.
“In addition to helping burn calories, Zumba movements are also very helpful in stretching the back and shoulder muscles, which often become tense after sitting for hours. It is very suitable for the learning style of UT students today,” he added.
For students, maintaining fitness is not merely a matter of physical health. A fitter body can help create a more comfortable condition for participating in the learning process. Through group exercise in an open space, there is hope that students will not only become more active but also better prepared to face their academic routines.
The spirit is in line with SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, which promotes the importance of maintaining health and well-being. In the context of education, health is also one of the factors that can support students in carrying out the learning process effectively.
The Zumba activity at Mangon Park is also expected not to remain a one-morning activity. Through simple 15–30-minute exercises, SALUT Sanana aims to foster a healthy habit that students can continue incorporating into their daily lives.
Ultimately, success in distance learning is not only about managing schedules, completing assignments, and taking examinations. The body also needs to be taken care of. From Mangon Park, SALUT Sanana delivered a simple message: amid the flexibility of learning, do not forget to make time for your body to move.
