Western Wellness continues to promote fitness with new and ongoing programs
The initiative empowers employees to lead a healthy as well as active lifestyle. It provides a mix of free and low-cost activities at locations such as the Student Recreation Center, which has a new pricing structure for its fitness classes; the Sindecuse Health Center; the Western Hills Athletic Club; and volunteer-run wellness hubs within campus units and buildings.
It also encompasses the wellness incentive, a $240 annual reduction in the contributions that benefits-eligible faculty and staff pay per pay period for their WMU health plan coverage. To participate in the incentive, eligible employees sign up through the Sindecuse Health Center, Holtyn & Associates, or their primary care provider and annually complete a health risk assessment, biometric screening and health coaching session.
Wellness highlights
A new program sure to garner much attention is F45 Functional Training, which is launching the first F45 college campus studio in Michigan, and sixth in the United States, at WMU beginning with the fall semester. Located in Racquetball Court 1 at the Student Recreation Center, the F45 studio incorporates technology into an array of circuit-based workouts in a team environment to provide a totally immersive experience that is fun and fast. Free "demo days" offering a glimpse of the new facilities will continue through Sept. 17.
Other highlights of the fall wellness season include EQ (emotional intelligence) training Sept. 27 to Nov. 5; the healthy sleep lunch and learn class on Sept. 28; and the hydration challenge Oct. 9-22.
A wide range of classes will continue to meet the needs of all fitness levels. Motivating and enthusiastic instructors will lead participants in a variety of cardiovascular activities, as well as strengthening, flexibility and relaxation exercises. Classes include Zumba, cardio classes, strength classes, learn to lift, movement matters, cycle fit, interval training, power yoga and more.
Personal training, offering one-on-one instruction covering fitness assessment, goal setting and health education, will meet each individual's fitness needs. Trainers are available for instruction on proper workout techniques and a variety of both cardiovascular and strength training exercises.
Benefits Expo
Back again this year will be the annual Benefits and Wellness Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, in the Bernhard Center Ballroom. The event will provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to build increased knowledge about WMU benefits and wellness resources and spark healthy actions. Exhibitor booths will provide health screenings, demos, tastings, class simulations and other educational and awareness activities.
For more information or to sign up for a particular program, visit the Western Wellness website at wmich.edu/wellness.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.