Several health and wellness programs – from yoga and pilates, kayaking and fencing, to an outdoor walking club and group fitness classes – are on offer this spring and summer for faculty and staff.

The programs are offered through Human Resources (HR) and/or Athletics and Recreation and many run at lunch hour.

“There are many wonderful classes and exercise groups happening on campus over the summer,” says Shannon Hill, Learning and Development Specialist, HR. “These activities can have enormous benefits, both physically and mentally. It is never too late to get involved or try something new.”

The Steps to Wellness Walking Club, held over the lunch hour once a week on main and west campuses, is already in swing and new participants are welcome to join. An instructor leads the group on a 45-minute walking session, which includes a few exercises to strengthen and tone, and improve flexibility, balance and coordination. The walking club is suitable for all activity levels.

Several yoga classes are also available on both main and west campuses, and for the first time there is a pilates class being offered on west campus. These classes have already started the spring session, but there is room for more to enroll. There are also several Lunch & Learn programs taking place in May and June, on topics that include healthy barbecuing and taking your fitness outside.

At the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC), registration is open for all fitness and wellness programs, including indoor favourites such as Lifting Thru Breakfast or Lunch, spin and fencing, and new outdoor programs such as Paddle Fit, Intro to Kayaking, and Fitness Boot Camp. Full details

Athletics is also offering a Fitness Free-for-All for a week in May. Staff, faculty, students and the public can try a class – such as spin, boot camp or yoga – for free at the ARC May 6-12 before committing to a full session. More information

Information on all HR programs is available on the Learning Catalogue website. Last year, Queen’s HR won a Workplace Wellness Award from Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health for its ongoing commitment to promoting health and wellness initiatives on campus.