Testimonials

I've been trying to adjust to work-from-home life for a couple of weeks, and it's hard balancing the needs of the job, raising a toddler, and trying to stay active.  It's been such a joy to see all my Wellness Class friends lifting whatever they can in their makeshift workout spaces as cats and children wander in and out.  The LIVE Wellness Classes have been the spark that I need to stay motivated, break up the day, and maintain a semblance of normalcy.

With everything that has changed in the past few weeks, it is nice to have one thing constant: a lunchtime work out. The first week of staying home, I found myself getting stuck in work and eating lunch “at my desk” and not taking my break as much as I should. I found that I was reducing the “self-care” I had built into my day, since my schedule had changed so drastically. These workouts not only gave me that afternoon boost that I needed, but help me stay positive and feel more grounded during these times of uncertainty.  It is great to see other like minded people getting out there and feeling like I am still a part of this fitness community.

These online classes from WWU are fantastic. Even though I am working out in my own living room, I work just as hard, and sweat just as much (maybe more!) as before. I love how energizing and inspirational following a live instructor is - especially one that expects to see me online. The accountability is great! Now that we’re back to working out at a structured time “in class”, I’m back to getting my sweat on.

We are so grateful for the Wellness Classes LIVE on Microsoft Teams!  The instructors do a great job of creating challenging and fun workouts without needing a lot of special equipment.  I am always surprised by the amount of variety and creativity that go into the workouts.  Plus, we really value the connection and community we feel with the instructors and other participants.  What a welcome break in the day!

The ability to continue to work out on my lunch hour from home has been such a blessing. Being able to keep this consistency in my daily routine has made all the difference in making this situation workable. I miss my work out buddies, but I’m so happy to be able to virtually sweat with them. I know one day soon, we’ll be back together and these classes allow me to keep my fitness so I will be able to transition back without too much pain :)

It is wonderful to have the Wellness Classes LIVE on Microsoft Teams. Not only is it a good motivator, but it is also a great way to stay connected with everyone. I found space both inside and out to do the workout based upon the weather.  Grabbed a few (semi-durable) household items for weight (or body weight).  The instructors bring their contagious enthusiasm and we all get to work out in virtual solidarity. More Please!

A huge shout out of gratitude to our awesome FSWP team. It’s been amazing to see how hard the instructors are working to make it possible for workout & wellness classes to continue during this bizarre & challenging time. It not only has allowed me to pursue my physical outlet, but it has created a wonderful sense of community while working from home. It’s so nice to see familiar faces via Teams. I continued to be inspired & impressed by the adaptability of our instructors & fellow participants. I am incredibly grateful for their time & effort to make this all possible. My days are definitely brighter because of all of you!

After shifting to a work-at-home arrangement, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my workout consistency by having the fitness classes available live online at noon, as opposed to a link that I know I can use, but don’t tend to access as consistently.  Being able to maintain the same timing in the work day as the FSWP classes were when they were in-person helps bring structure to this potentially structureless time.  I’ve also noticed my productivity in the afternoon is greatly improved by taking the time to workout for an hour. Simply put, the gem that is the WWU Faculty and Staff Wellness Program continues to shine and impress with this nimble adaptation and it remains a tremendous resource for community-building and ongoing fitness and wellness.

Not to be too sensational, but the online classes have been a godsend. Other than the fact that I’ve got a 40-year career in my profession, the “fellowship-of-the-burpee” has been instrumental in keeping me engaged with Western. It’s not the same as being at the Rec Center, for sure, but having that strand of connectedness has proven important in maintaining my personal sense of levity. Many thanks to Darcie, Kate, Alicia, and others for continuing to pull us together for one more set of mountain climbers. We’re all in a much higher place because of it! 

Before I started taking classes in the WWU wellness program I would have to carve out time to workout at a gym on evenings and weekends, where I would pay too much to go workout with a bunch of strangers who were all wearing ear buds and doing their best to avoid eye contact. When I discovered the Wellness Program at Western I found an awesome group of fit co-workers who were excited about exercise and fitness, it made my workouts fun! In fact it soon became my favorite part about going to work! The instructors are very knowledgeable and Darcie does a great job of instructing as well as bringing in a wide variety of programs to insure that there is something for everyone. I have since moved on from Western to a new employer, but I really miss all my friends in the program. If you’re not taking advantage of the Wellness program you missing out on one the best benefits Western has to offer!

Claudia is a wonderful instructor, I really love her QiGong and Tai Chi class.  I come out feeling as if I have had an acupuncture treatment or a spa day

I started as a full time professional staff at WWU August 2012 in a position that promised to keep me busy. I knew I would have to really focus on my fitness with a job that called for a lot of hours at my desk. Commuting to/from work was also a challenge and impacted my previous work out schedule. I was quickly introduced to the Faculty and Staff Wellness Program through a co-worker. She helped me pick out a class and even joined it with me. The class has been nothing but amazing, fun and one heck of a work out. I have met a lot of great people through the classes and look forward to building on those relationships in and outside of the gym. The class easily fits into my work schedule during my lunch break and my supervisor is supportive and enthusiastic of making sure that I tend to my health and fitness. The class itself is affordable, exciting, challenging and is a great lift to the day. We never know what Kaylee is going to throw at us- but you can definitely tell that she put time and care into each lesson to make sure it’s engaging, fun and motivating. I appreciate that the moves are adaptable for all fitness levels and we aren’t all expected to operate/move/lift exactly the same. I enjoyed my first quarter of Fitness class and am looking forward to next quarter and even adding on a Pilates class. Thanks Kaylee! And a big thank you to WWU for putting together these programs- it is a huge benefit that goes a long ways. It’s good to know that WWU values their employees’ health.

I can’t say enough good things about Irene’s noon time yoga class! She is a great instructor, the room is quiet, it’s nice to shut the big overhead lights off, and having the air handlers off really has been helpful. It is so nice to step into the class and just let the cares of the day stay outside for an hour while we get stretched out, I always feel better afterwards.