January 5, 2013

 

Research shows that adults who exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes reap the benefits of better health. These benefits include lower blood pressure, better heart health, renewed energy, and lower rates of depression. We are fortunate in Mayville-Portland and the surrounding communities to have access to the MSU Wellness Center, an excellent facility which patrons can use as they work to achieve their exercise and fitness goals. Exciting things are happening at the MSU Wellness Center! New fitness classes have been added and memberships are on the rise.

There is a complete weight room available to Wellness Center patrons. The weight room is filled with free weights, weight machines, and cardio machines. Some of the equipment available includes the EFX elliptical fitness crosstrainer, treadmills, and a stationary bike. Use of Mayville State University's swimming pool is included with a membership, as are all group fitness classes.

Our Wellness Center staff members are here and ready to help with your health and fitness goals. They're always working to update and keep current with the latest fitness classes and machines and to offer activities that would be of interest to the public. Instructors Kim Salander, Katie Judisch, and Naomi Harpestad offer a variety of group fitness classes, including Zumba, cardio mix, turbo kick, PiYo strength, group strength, cycle, cycle circuit, cycle/strength, and cycle/yoga. Becky Gunderson teaches water aerobics. You must register in advance for the cycle classes by calling or stopping by the Wellness Center during office hours. A donation from a local business for the purchase of equipment will allow the Wellness Center to add a new strength/barbell class in the near future.

The Wellness Center offers monthly and annual memberships. Annual membership is $250 for an individual or $350 for a family. Monthly membership is $25 per person or $35 per family. Guests may use the facility for $5 per day. Those who wish only to walk pay an annual fee of $40. Designated hours for walking and running in the Wellness Center gym are from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Only walkers and runners are allowed in the gym during this time. Mayville State students pay their memberships via student fees paid each semester. Corporate memberships are also available at the Wellness Center. A corporate membership is $600 annually, and allows for four employees of the member business to participate. After the initial four members, additional employee memberships would be $100 each for singles and $150 for families.

The MSU Wellness Center participates in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Benefit Program. Blue Cross/Blue Shield members who agree to exercise at the Wellness Center at least 12 times a month can get financial assistance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to help pay for Wellness Center memberships. A single BCBS member can get $20 per month, while those participating in a family membership can get up to $25 per month. Patrons pay their memberships, either six- or 12-month memberships, in advance. BCBS automatically reimburses the patrons, via direct deposit, providing they have met the 12 times per month exercise requirement. Each member must also fill out a health risk assessment form online when they sign up to receive the BCBS fitness benefits.

The MSU Wellness Center is now open from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. seven days a week, including holidays. The new more flexible hours are made possible because of a new card key entry system that has been implemented in the facility. Patrons are required to have a card key in order to gain access. The keys must be obtained at the front desk during their regular hours. The front desk at the Wellness Center is open from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. Patrons may use the facility during other hours, but will need the key to gain access.

Did you know the Wellness Center gymnasium is available for rent? Maybe you'd like to host a birthday party, play basketball, practice for 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, or just run off steam. Members get a discount rental price. Check with Wellness Center staff for more information. Have you thought about giving the gift of health? Gift certificates are available! And with newly installed air conditioning, working out at the Wellness Center next summer will be a treat!

The Wellness Center is a fantastic facility that is available to everyone in the community. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Contact the Wellness Center staff at 701-788-5200 or wellnesscenter@mayvillestate.edu today to find out how you can get started down the road to health and fitness.