The Shepherd University Wellness Center promotes healthy living by providing its members with a safe exercise environment and state-of-the art equipment. Although it is located on Shepherd University’s campus, members of the community are invited to join the gym as well. According to Jim Sweeney, Director of the Wellness Center, there are already over 700 non-student memberships.

Members have a variety of choices when it comes to their workout routine. They can choose to take a relaxing swim, have a vigorous workout with a personal trainer, or take a de-stressing yoga class. “We tried to design something for everyone,” said Sweeney.

One of the most popular exercise choices are the group exercise classes. These classes are offered throughout the day so everyone can fit at least one into their schedule. The classes are categorized by intensity level. Low intensity classes include Balls and Bands, Booty Patrol, Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Core, Circuit Training, Pilates, Run a 5K and Silver Circuit. Silver Circuit is a class specially designed for those over the age of 55.

The medium intensity classes include All-In-One, Core Conditioning, Ab Attack, Body Sculpt, Cardio Blast, Fitness Yoga, Yoga, and Zumba. The high intensity classes are Aqua Fit, Boot Camp, and Kick Boxing. According to Sweeney, the most popular class is Zumba, a 60 minute class that consists of mostly Latin based dance routines that are inspired by hip-hop, belly dancing, reggaeton, and several other dances.

For those that may be looking for a more one-on-one workout, personal trainers are available. There are two types of personal trainers. Student personal trainers are certified through a nationally recognized program. The pricing for a student trainer is $35 for one session, $95 for three sessions, $170 for six sessions, or $305 for twelve sessions. There are also advanced personal trainers. There are experienced trainers who have a degree in exercise/firness science and/or certified through a nationally recognized program. The prices for these trainers is $45 for one session, $120 for three sessions, $215 for six sessions, and $385 for twelve sessions.

Of course, there is always the option to work out on your own. For those who may not know how to use all the equipment, there isn’t any need to worry. The last Wednesday of every month is free to those who want to take a look around. At 12p.m. and 6p.m., an overview on how to use all the equipment in the gym is open to anyone interested.

According to Sweeney, even during the busiest times there is always still equipment available. Monday-Wednesday is the busiest time. Since Shepherd is mostly a suitcase school, weekends are usually the slowest times. During the weekends, the Wellness Center is practically used by just the community. There are usually about 100 students that come in on the weekends, according to Sweeney.

“There is a nice balance between studentss and community members. Community members usually are here in the mornings, and students, for the most part, come after lunch,” said Sweeney. “One community member once joked that the community members are stealing energy from the students. There is a good vibe at the Wellness Center and it makes you want to work out.”

The pool at the Wellness Center may be rented out in Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For a party of under 20 swimmers it is $120 for the first hour; for a party of over 40 swimmers it is $140 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $100. With the rental of the pool, lifeguards are provided. A seating area with tables and chairs is also available and food is allowed in the designated areas.

For community members that are interested in getting swimming lessons or getting their children swimming lessons it is $35 for one lesson or $120 for three lessons for one child or adult. For two children it is $125 for three lessons. For three children it is $195 for three lessons.

Conveniently located in the lobby of the Wellness Center is the Wellness Caf. The caf serves sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, fruit smoothies, and coffee. The caf offers some seating, or there is plenty of seating areas in the lobby. A membership to the Wellness Center is not needed to eat at the caf.

For those interested in membership options there are two options available for community members, which are regular and senior. The regular membership is for ages 16-54. A three month membership is $175, six months is $320, and a year is $530. For the senior membership, three months is $160, six months is $290, and a year is $480. A parking permit is included for all six month or year membership options. All memberships provide access to the entire facility and all the group exercise classes.

For families that are interested in getting memberships there is a buy one membership, get the second 50 percent off deal. To be eligible for this offer, those purchasing memberships must have the same address and purchase their memberships at the same time. ?Anyone under the age of 16 may use the basketball arena, racquetball courts, track and the pool. But, the use of the weight/fitness area, multipurpose rooms, and the group exercise classes are off limits. They also must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

The Wellness Center is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. For more information please visit http://www.shepherdwellness.com/.