The start of a new year is always a popular time to set new goals and make resolutions towards healthier habits and routines. For University employees who aim to improve their physical health and overall well-being, the Department of Wellness and Recreation is opening its doors to those not already a member of the facility.
From January 3 through 31, all employees can visit the premier fitness and wellness facility on the Coral Gables campus for absolutely no cost on the days and times listed below.
- Mondays: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 6 – 8 a.m.
- Thursdays: 4 – 7 p.m.
During these times, employees can freely use the facility’s weight and cardio machines, participate in group exercise and yoga classes, swim laps in the indoor pool, play basketball, take advantage of the facility’s locker room and showers, and much more.
Starting Monday, Dec. 13, non-member employees can sign-up for the free one-month membership ahead of time via the online portal or by calling the center’s sales office at 305-284-5433 during regular business hours. Employees can also sign-up for the risk-free trial membership by visiting the center’s front desk or sales office in person.
Scott Levin, executive director for the department, hopes that opening the facility to employees—especially those who continue to transition back to in-person work—will inspire them to recommit to a healthy lifestyle.
“We know that many people were forced to modify their fitness and wellness routines due to the pandemic,” he said. “By offering faculty and staff the chance to try our facility free for a month, we hope they enjoy all that we have to offer and consider joining our community of healthy ’Canes.”
For some employees, the convenience of a top-notch facility near their campus workplace makes regularly visiting the center easy and enhances their lifestyle.
“Instead of spending an extra hour in heavy traffic in the morning, leave a bit earlier and spend that time at the center,” suggests Ruth Goodin, a senior program coordinator. “Since the Hebert Wellness Center opens at 6 a.m. during the week, I have plenty of time to work out, take a hot shower, and get to my office all before 8 a.m.”
In addition to the building’s convenient hours and limited holiday closures, longtime members have kept up their membership due to the facility’s range of classes taught by experienced and energetic instructors.
“I love Sunday morning’s Total Body Conditioning class with Leyla,” said Janet Stearns, dean of students for the School of Law. “We have a steady community that attends this class and it brought tears of joy when we were all able to be together again as the facility re-opened throughout the pandemic.”
Goodin agrees that the sense of community among employees who work out at the facility is what keeps her going back year after year.
“I love all the group exercise classes,” she added. “A wonderful spirit of camaraderie has developed among us, and great friendships have been built with fascinating co-workers, alumni, and retirees who are a great inspiration and encouragement to me.”
The Department of Wellness and Recreation safely offers its full range of amenities and classes with an indoor mask requirement for all staff and patrons, capacity limitations on classes and areas of the building, enhanced cleaning practices, and other public health protocols.
