RebelWell has a full slate of exercise classes and a new, improved fitness challenge, which uses the MoveSpring app, on tap for 2018. Photo by Robert Jordan/Ole Miss Communications
OXFORD, Miss. – RebelWell hopes to inspire many University of Mississippi employees to take their health seriously in 2018 with a new fitness challenge called “New Year, Stronger You,” as well as having several regular fitness classes and other offerings to improve campus wellness.
The challenge, which begins Jan. 22, builds on last year’s program, but this year it will use the MoveSpring app (enter the organization code um1848 in the app), to help participants track their activity and sync with teams to encourage one other. The challenges are available in different intensity levels for beginners up to the extremely active.
It also incorporates more workouts available through the Department of Campus Recreation than were part of the challenge last year.
“Participants are not limited to RebelWell classes offered at the Turner Center and may chose alternative activities, and there are three levels of the step challenge to choose from,” said Andrea Jekabsons, associate director of human resources. “Also, this year, participants may choose to go ‘All In’ and commit to pre- and post-assessments.
“The program always generates a buzz and it’s gratifying to see employees support each other. It’s not too late to join.”
“All In” participants commit to having a pre- and post-challenge health assessment by RebelWell professionals. This also qualifies them for a $30 voucher for a basic fitness tracker, or they can apply the voucher to an upgrade of their existing fitness tracker to link to MoveSpring.
They are also eligible for a RebelWell faculty and staff semester pass for group fitness classes. If employees aren’t able to go “All In,” then the step challenge is available to everyone.
The university developed the RebelWell program, which provides a range of opportunities for employees to become educated about living a healthy lifestyle and also offers group fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling, among other services.
RebelWell is a wellness program that is designed to support employees, students and the community as they adopt and sustain behaviors that reduce health risks, improve quality of life and increase personal effectiveness. Wellness programs often benefit the organization’s bottom line because the employee’s quality of life is improved.
RebelWell promotes awareness and education, provides motivation for positive behavior changes, and influences campus practices and policy to support a healthy environment. Wellness is a lifestyle that encourages good physical and mental health. It’s a balanced lifestyle that includes an emphasis on the body, mind and spirit, organizers said.
RebelWell sponsors several faculty, staff and student fitness classes to give everyone a chance to work out with peers. The classes, which are taught by certified instructors, include yoga, strength training, cycle, Zumba, hip hop fitness and TRX.
The classes are $30 per semester for those without a Turner Center membership and free to members. For the full list of 2018 classes, click here.
RebelWell is also working to provide hula hoops for employees who are interested in using them for exercise or recreation during breaks. Hooping has become popular again in recent years.
Besides fitness resources, RebelWell offers nutrition education through counseling sessions, seminars and demonstrations and also executes programs to highlight local wellness role models.
As part of the challenge, those who opt for the “All In” option get to do an assessment with Mariana Anaya Jurss, RebelWell’s registered dietitian. Her services are also free to all employees. If you are interested in making an individual nutrition assessment, contact Health Services to make an appointment.
She said “knowing your numbers,” including blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as height and weight, can be tremendously beneficial. This information can be used to determine health risks, which allows you to take a proactive approach.
“For example, checking your weight and blood pressure are convenient and simple measurements that you can monitor on your own,” Jurss said. “Once you know your numbers, you can monitor trends and progress, which can help with accountability. It is also rewarding to observe positive changes.”