About Us
Quick Jump
Program Mission
Dates and Times
Location
Leadership
Participants
Activities
Reviews
Stretching Instructions -- this document gives prospective participants an idea of
the stretching techniques that take place within the program (also accessible on the left side at any time).
Log Example -- this is an example of a typical participant's log after a semester of participation.
Faculty and students in the Department of Kinesiology, in cooperation with area hospitals' cardiac rehab programs, offer a morning exercise
program for adults who desire some supervision, direction, education, and camaraderie in their exercise efforts.
Our vision is to help improve health and wellness in the Chippewa Valley by providing an exercise program for those who are physically out of
shape or desiring more structure in their workout efforts. We aim to get you feeling better, stronger, and more energetic.
We are open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 6 to 8 a.m. However, participants are not expected to be here for the full two hours.
Each program will run one semester (approximately three months). The program is available for both spring and fall semesters. For spring 2006
we will begin on Feb. 6, running through May 12.
We use the McPhee-Olson complex on the upper campus of UWEC. We meet on the indoor track, upper level of the Olson addition. We also utilize
the McPhee strength and conditioning facilities, the exercise physiology lab, and the swimming pool. Free parking is available until 8 a.m. in
the McPhee parking lot (north end of the building). Lockers and showers are also available. Plan to bring a lock if you will be leaving
valuables in a locker.
The program is run by the faculty in the UWEC Dept. of Kinesiology. The current program directors are PhD level exercise physiologists, Don
Bredle and Lance Dalleck. Hands-on leadership is provided by UW-Eau Claire students who are majoring in exercise related fields. They are
knowledgeable in assessing individuals, prescribing exercise, and leading the activities. There is typically one student for every 2-3
participants in the program.
Participation is open to any adults who want to learn how to make exercise a regular part of their lifestyle. We are specifically targeting two
basic groups of people:
- Those who have completed rehab in a hospital or clinical setting, but do not yet feel ready to just exercise on their own- this will be an
"in between" program to help you reach new independence!
- Any adults who need a structured exercise program with group support to begin the process of improving their health- this may be the "jump
start" you need!
Running in its current form since 1998, the program has helped hundreds of people with a wide variety of physical issues: muscle weakness,
inflexibility, lack of endurance, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, depression, etc. We have had many husband-and-wife
combinations, and even some parent-and-child combinations. This is an ideal program for families and friends to do together.
Because this is a community exercise program and not a medical facility, those who are at high risk for cardiovascular incidents will
first be referred to their physician or a hospital based program.
We begin our program with questionnaires to determine your cardiovascular risk level, exercise and health history, and goals that you would
like to work towards. You will be paired with a primary student who will then discuss with you the types of assessment which might be
appropriate. We can assess your strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, body composition by many methods, heart rate and blood pressure,
and screen for high blood sugar and cholesterol.
Then your student will design an individualized exercise prescription, help you implement it, and review it periodically for progress. The
program should be sensible, safe, and enjoyable.the kind you can do regularly, and one that makes you feel better. This program should give
you more energy, allow you to accomplish your activities of daily living, and leave you with a brighter outlook on life. We typically
emphasize walking, since this is so useful, and we also work on flexibility and strength. For those who want or need to try other modes of
exercise, there are stationary bikes, treadmills, cross-trainers, and the swimming pool that is available at limited times.
Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate will be done as needed. Students will supervise and exercise with the participants while offering
advice and answering questions.
You can also ask the cardiac rehab staff at Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's, or Luther Hospital for information about the program.
"He likes the balance between daily activities, strength, cardio, and flexibility. Also, he enjoys the unique social environment that
the class presents."
""Wonderful program!" More people should take advantage of what we offer. It doesn't seem "well-known" amongst those that would be most
interested. Possibly advertise in the Senior Life Magazine/Newspaper here in Eau Claire"
"Sue has really enjoyed the community fitness program thus far. The time of the program works well because she can still make it into work
on time. She was actually surprised with how energized she feels once she gets to work. Seeing her strength and flexibility results improved
is very encouraging for Sue as well. And lastly, Sue also enjoys the upbeat and friendly students, members, and professors."