With the start of the new year, many people are aiming to improve their overall health and wellness. The Center for Healthy Living is a convenient on-campus fitness facility that is free to UNMC students and offers value-priced memberships to the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine community and to the public.
With a variety of group fitness classes, a weight room, open gym and an array of cardio fitness equipment, the center offers something for everyone.
“The health and wellness of our campus community is important to us. Many of us spend so much time caring for others, that establishing time to exercise is a great way to do something good for ourselves,” said Andrea Swett, director of the Center for Health Living. “Our staff is available to meet you where you are. We have services that can help you meet your goals. All you need to do is reach out to take the first step.”
For those needing an extra incentive to get moving this year, the center is offering the 2025 Kickstart Challenge. The challenge is free to members, and participants can win prizes by attending eight group fitness classes by Feb. 28. Challenge game cards are available at the CFHL front desk. Group fitness classes are free to members and include the following:
- Cardio Step, a high-energy step aerobics class set to Bollywood music, combining fitness with fun.
- Cycling, an intense, low-impact cardiovascular workout on stationary bikes designed for all fitness levels.
- Cycling Express, featuring intense hills, sprints and dance breaks on the bike, followed by a 10-minute cooldown for recovery.
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), featuring strength, endurance and power exercises to push participants to their limits.
- Total Body Fitness, high-energy conditioning with short, intense cardio intervals paired with muscle-strengthening exercises for a full-body workout.
- TRX, a high intensity workout that uses the TRX strap to create a full body workout to enhance strength, stamina, balance, coordination, flexibility and overall body control.
- Hatha Yoga, emphasizing breathwork, postures, relaxation and meditation.
- Yin Yoga, a slower-paced class that focuses on holding poses for longer periods, allowing muscles to relax and promoting work on fascia and connective tissues to improve flexibility and a deeper sense of release.
- Slow Flow Yoga, which guides participants through each pose slowly, allowing time to stretch, improve flexibility and recover.
- Power Pump, a high-rep, low-weight strength class that uses time under tension and muscle fatigue to sculpt and tone the body.
“Group exercise classes are an excellent way to stay committed to your new year’s resolutions,” said Kristal Cavanaugh, exercise/fitness coordinator at the center. “Exercising with others boosts your motivation and accountability, increasing your chances of reaching your goals. If you already have a workout buddy, group classes provide a fun way to exercise together. If not, they’re a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your fitness goals.”
The center also offers personal training services to members, including consultations with a certified trainer to assess current fitness level and develop a tailored fitness plan. A variety of training packages are available, including 1:1 sessions, semi-private sessions and small group sessions. Learn more about packages and fees.
For general questions about CFHL services and membership, email the center.