WOW Program Provides Fitness Classes for Meredith Employees

Meredith’s Working on Wellness (WOW) program has a full slate of exercises classes for employees. WOW classes moved to a virtual model during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the online format continues this fall.

“We have five wonderful class offerings this semester with some seasoned instructors as well as some amazing student instructors,” said Health Center Director Mary Johnson, who coordinates the WOW program. “I hope faculty and staff take advantage of the variety of classes that are available this semester—there is something for everyone.”

Dianne Raubenheimer, director of research, planning and assessment, teaches a weekly yoga class for the WOW program and was instrumental in getting a schedule set for this semester. Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sports Science Heather Sanderson teaches pilates for WOW. The rest of the offerings are taught by Meredith students, helping them gain experience teaching group fitness classes.

Classes will run through Friday, November 19. The Fall 2021 registration fee is $30—that’s less than $1/class. The schedule for the classes and their descriptions are below. Zoom links are sent via emp_all.

Monday 12-1 p.m. – Pilates – Heather Sanderson
Improve your core strength, flexibility, and posture, through a Pilates mat class that incorporates slow, progressive strengthening movements with focused breathing patterns. 

Tuesday  5:15-6:15 p.m. – Circuit Training – Sophia Cook
This circuit training class will be a fast-paced full-body workout that combines strength training and high-intensity exercises that we will repeat in order to create a circuit. Any and all fitness levels are encouraged to participate! 

Wednesday – 5:15-6:15 p.m. – HIIT/Tabata Style Training – Macie Skeen
HIIT/Tabata is a full-body workout for all fitness levels. The focus is keeping the heart rate elevated with short work and rest intervals! 

Thursday 11:15 a.m.-12.15 p.m. –  Body Blast –  Leah Vinson
A class that focuses on functional cardio and resistance training movements to maximize balance, activities of everyday life, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Incorporates all muscle groups (big and small) and is sure to leave you feeling healthy and happy. 

Friday 12 – 1 p.m. – All Levels Yoga  – Dianne Raubenheimer
All levels yoga classes focus on building skillful body alignment principles within a full variety of asana (poses), woven together with the flow of breath. Classes cater to all levels of ability, with gentler modifications suggested as needed, more advanced poses added as appropriate while providing opportunities for all to explore their boundaries. Suitable for those new to yoga or those wishing to advance their practice. Classes begin and end with mindful centering and integration.

All participants will need to fill out Meredith’s online registration/liability release form before they can take part in any classes. 

Registration can be paid by check only (made out to Meredith College with “WOW! Fall 2021” in the memo line) and sent via interoffice or snail mail to the Student Health Center by Friday, September 24. 

WOW! fitness classes are financed by participant dues and College Programs. WOW! supports the Quality of Life pillar, objective 4 of Meredith College’s strategic plan.