Fitness Services

EHPP offers a variety of educational presentations as well as lifestyle campaigns designed to promote the benefits of physical activity.  We will work with your group to customize classes and programs such as:

Ergonomic Stretch Breaks 

This 4-week stretching program is a preventive injury tool found to be effective in reducing employee musculoskeletal injuries and worker’s compensation costs.  The exercise program is designed restore flexibility, improve blood flow to muscles, enhance postural alignment, increase fitness awareness and alleviate work stress. 

Materials

Classes may at times use exer-bands.

Class Format

One day a week for 4 weeks.  15-minute breaks (ideally in the afternoons, when energy levels are usually lower or during staff meetings).  Sessions can be instructed in any common area where standing/elbow room is available.  Participants will be able to wear business attire– kicking off high heels or loosening ties is optional!

*Please refer to “Train-the-Trainer” Class in the event that an instructor is not available and for increased employee ownership and participation.

 Train-the-Trainer – A Leader’s Guide to Stretching

This class is a continuation of the ergonomic stretch breaks with the development of an ongoing stretching program.  Designated employees are appointed responsibility for promoting and soliciting participation from co-workers/peers at the beginning of each session.  These designated employees will attend a training session developed to offer practical guidance for leading group stretches.  Class topics include:

• Why stretch
• When to stretch
• Proper stretching techniques
• Stabilization of back, pelvis, and shoulders while stretching and working
• The leader’s role
• Demonstration and practice of stretches

Class Format

One, 60 minute session.  Refresher courses can be made available as needed. 

Want to test your fitness?

Rockport Walk Test

Rockport Walk Test is a 1-mile walk that provides you a measurable way to track your progress. EHPP will offer organized group test on occasion and post the dates and times here and announce them via UNM public affairs announcements. However, you can also do it on your own. The directions below will tell you how. You will need a stopwatch or a timer and need to have a 1-mile course mapped out.
At UNM main campus Johnson Field is 232 feet less than a mile in 2 laps. If you start right where the dirt turns to cement by the east entrance of Johnson Gym (SW side of Johnson Field), go around twice clockwise, pass your starting mark and go to the white spray painted line under the big tree...that is exactly a mile.
At UNM north campus at the bike path right by the arroyo at the corner of Tucker and Camino de Salud, start at the informational map and walk north to the small black spray paint line - out and back is one mile.
Also, most high school tracks are one mile when you do 4 laps.

• Choose a windless day to conduct the test.
• Record your weight in pounds.
• Walk one mile (1609 meters) as fast as possible (do not jog or run).  Go at your own pace, not

your partner’s pace or your dog’s pace.

• Record the exact time in minutes and seconds it took you to complete the one-mile walk.
• Immediately on finishing the walk record your heart rate (beats per minute).
• Determine you VO2 max using the calculator from the this spreadsheet .

Note: It is not good practice to estimate numbers, as this does not produce accurate results.
Please note the time is in minutes (14.5 is equal to 14 minutes 30 seconds).
Enter the information in this spreadsheet to get your VO2 max, a way a measuring cardiovascular efficiency.
Questions about the Rockport Walk Test? Contact Christine at cmermier@unm.edu or call 277-2658.

To schedule a customized, educational fitness presentation for your department, please contact EHPP at 272-4460 or e-mail ehpp@unm.edu.

E-fitness classes, WOW pass, and Personal Training

EHPP has partnered with Recreational Services to bring ongoing fitness classes and personal training to faculty and staff.  For more information, including the current E-fitness schedule, registration process, cost and tuition remission options, please go to http://www.unm.edu/~recsvcs/fitness.html .