Wellness Challenge

The Wellness Challenge for Spring 2025 will change from a competition based challenge to an individual focused challenge.  Each participant will select from the following assessment(s) and/or fitness test(s) below.  The assessment and fitness tests results will then be used to develop an individualized training plan which will be put together by an Exercise Science student and provided as a free personal training session.  Exercise Science students will provide some group fitness classes based on interest and need of the participants.  The free workout nights will be offered in the evenings and the schedule will be announced in February 2025.  

The participation fee will remain $5.  Each participant can select from one or more of the listed Assessments and Fitness Tests.  

Assessments:

• Posture/Body Alignment: an assessment of posture to observe muscular imbalances and weaknesses
• Mobility and Stability Assessment: assessments evaluating range of motion at different joints in the body to determine limitations and areas of muscular weakness
• Movement Pattern Assessment: Assessment in the 6 basic body movement patterns (squat, single leg movement, hinge, push, pull, rotation)

Fitness Tests:

• Cardiorespiratory - 1 mile walk test will be used to assess your cardiorespiratory fitness
• Grip Strength - a simple "hand squeeze" will be used as an assessment of upper body strength
• Flexibility -  modified sit and reach will be used as one assessment of flexibility
• Muscular Endurance - full body plank as one assessment of muscular endurance 

Additional Tests for an additional fee:

• Body Composition can be assessed by the non-invasive bioimpedance analysis (best completed in the morning by appointment) or by skinfold testing - $5 per test.  
• Resting Metabolic Rate. Requires an early morning appointment and preparation of an overnight fast.  The test takes about 30 minutes to complete.  $50
• ***(these funds go directly to supporting students to travel to conferences to present original research)

The Exercise Science students are available to assist in setting realistic exercise goals - all information is kept confidential.  After completing the selected assessments/fitness tests, you can schedule a free personal training session with one of the Exercise Science students that will address the areas identified from the assessments.  

Those who participate in the Wellness Challenge, can attend FREE workout nights hosted by the Exercise Science students held in the evenings - schedule TBD.  Formal group fitness classes will be offered based on interests and needs as determined by the assessments.   

Participation is open to anyone six and older.  Children 6-14 can participate in the fitness classes offered during the free workout nights under the supervision of their parent/guardian.  Children 14 and older will be allowed to use the equipment in the Fitness Center with their parent/guardian. 

Participants are asked to come prepared with a physician's release for physical activity should they have any cardio, pulmonary, metabolic, or joint issues.  Participation cannot begin until this is provided. 

Please use the following link to signup for your choice of assessments/fitness tests:   Sign up Here.       **Time slots will be posted in January 2025.  

Please contact Kristine Clark kclark@westernwyoming.edu with any questions you might have or help signing up for testing.