University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
MISSION
The University of Miami Department of Wellness and Recreation strives to foster a lifestyle of responsible choices supporting the mind, the body, and the spirit in educational, wellness, s and recreational programs through services and facilities for the University community.
FACILITIES
The Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center is a 140,000-square-foot premier fitness, recreation, and wellness facility that opened in January 1996. Designed to be one of the finest centers in the nation for recreational sports, fitness, and wellness education programs, the Herbert Wellness Center affirms the University of Miami’s commitment to a well-rounded educational environment.
PROGRAMING
With an emphasis on research-based programs and services, University of Miami students, staff, alumni and other members of the ‘Canes community can take part in a wide range of fitness, recreation and wellness programs. In addition to programs typically found on campuses across the nation like intramural and club sports, a wide variety of fitness classes, as well as personal training and fitness assessments, the Herbert Wellness Center also offers wellness programming to fulfill its mission. By offering programs such as cooking classes, meditation sessions, mindfulness classes, emergency care (First Aid/CPR) certification courses and massages, the Herbert Wellness Center promotes health and well-being from a holistic perspective.
Group instructional fitness classes in the areas of dance, adult and youth aquatics, tennis, and martial arts are offered to members as well as residents of the local community. Throughout the year, special programs are held as a way to engage non-members of the facility. Programs like Walking ‘Canes and BeSmokeFree classes are open to non-members and promote a lifestyle of healthy living, and Mini Canes Recreational Sports camp ensures that the youngest ‘Canes get started on the right path to health and wellness.
FUN FACTS
- We offer 55+ group exercises classes free to all members
- We’ve seen more than 12 million visitors since the building opened in 1996
- Our department is the largest student employer on campus, employing more than 350 students each year
- One of the first facilities in the country to call itself a “Wellness Center” and focus its mission on a holistic approach to healthy living
- Almost 75% of student members visited the facility at least once during the Fall 2015 semester
- The fitness lab is a 2,000-square-foot room dedicated to fitness assessments and supervised exercise programs.
- The 18,000-square-foot fitness area is home to almost 200 pieces of weight and fitness equipment.
- The 5 Intramural fields, located directly behind the facility, are fully-lit and are utilized for intramural and club sports, open rec and special events.
- The instructional kitchen hosts monthly cooking classes and is a frequent space for organizational and departmental retreats and gatherings.
- The Herbert Love Bridge is a place where members of the UM community can publically proclaim their love for someone or to commemorate a special occasion. Funds from the bricks support free basic fitness assessments for all students.
