By: Eric Schmidt
Information Technology is working with the Health and Recreation Center to create a culture/team building and wellness initiative for the department.
The HRC has developed a fitness class that will be offered to the entire IT department at two different times, one day a week. This “Functional Circuit Training” fitness class is a 45-minute session led by a certified personal trainer for anyone from IT wanting to participate.
This training, designed for all levels of fitness, is a high-volume, low-resistance workout with short rest intervals, geared toward improving muscle tone, while enhancing strength and functional movement, as well as cardiovascular fitness. The workout involves exercising all major muscle groups in a continuous cycle, alternating between exertion and rest. This class will utilize the Zone, located in the lower level of the HRC, incorporating functional movement equipment to challenge balance, stamina, improve posture, and enhance dynamic mobility. An alternative to the fitness class has also been established for those who want to participate but for whatever reason do not want to do the circuit training. This alternative is individualized walking/running on the indoor track during the same time as the fitness class is offered.
This is a pilot program being run by HRC and will begin on February 17th and run through May 26th. HRC is currently working with HR to determine additional benefit ideas around wellness for the university and this pilot will help gather information to aid in that planning. The fitness class will be optional but highly encouraged for all IT members with the exception of the CIO and the directors – this is mandatory for them.
From time to time, IT will report out the progress of this pilot program over the next few months and what might be done going forward around wellness initiatives. Thanks to the HRC for this exciting, new opportunity!