Classes and programs

A customized journey

We bring together world-class medical care and quality wellness programs to help you learn to make healthy life choices.

Appointments

Complete our online form or call the Center for Wellness in Madison at (608) 440-6600 to set up a wellness consultation, group medical visit or health coaching appointment.

1:1 wellness consultation

During this 60-minute appointment with a physician or advanced practice provider, we will explore your personal and family health history, clarify your health goals and create a personalized lifestyle plan you can implement and sustain. We will use evidence-based treatment options, personal support and self-care practices to optimize your health.

Group medical visits

Group medical visits offer an innovative and interactive approach to meeting your healthcare needs. Patients with common health goals are brought together and led by one or more healthcare providers in a supportive environment.

Led by a healthcare provider, each 90- to 120-minute visit allows patients to share as much, or as little, information as they feel comfortable sharing. Patients can share experiences while also learning how to incorporate key elements necessary to live a healthier life. Through hands-on learning, we explore self-management skills to support lifestyle and behavior changes that directly relate to the following medical problems.

  • Heart disease and associated risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity

  • Anxiety, depression and stress

  • Arthritis

  • Chronic pain

  • Insomnia and sleep issues

  • Digestive concerns

Current group medical visit sessions

This six-week Group Medical Visit offers an introduction to Yoga 4 Cancer, which is a yoga method developed by a cancer survivor that supports the unique needs of those living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Yoga has been shown to decrease stress, improve sleep and enhance overall physical and emotional wellness after cancer treatment. Breathing exercises, short-guided meditations and physical postures will be used to support healing after treatment. No previous yoga experience necessary. Open to all patients during or after treatment.

Details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Beginning can be the hardest part. This introductory series will help you establish a mindfulness practice to support your health. Each visit will incorporate mindfulness teachings and meditation with group sharing and support. Research shows that mindfulness can help relieve stress, reduce suffering from chronic pain, lower blood pressure, improve mental health, improve sleep and increase a sense of well-being. If you are curious about mindfulness and want to learn more, this is a great opportunity to start on that path.

There are two offerings this spring season. Please note the differences in location, time of day and length of series when registering.

Details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Healthy aging starts with nourishing the mind and body. Eating to age well and physical movement are important factors in preventing cognitive decline. This four-week Group Medical Visit is designed for adults 60 and older who are looking to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and manage chronic conditions to enhance well-being and quality of life. You will focus on what matters to you and what you want your health for as you create your Wellness Action Plan.

Weekly topics of discussion will include nutritional education for older adults; memory and mood changes; medication management; and fall prevention with a focus on balance, flexibility and strength.

Details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Practicing mindful awareness is a foundational skill in the kitchen. The focus of this six-week Group Medical Visit series is on developing healthy eating and cooking habits in a hands-on, supportive environment. You will gain confidence in the kitchen and learn how eating well can be an additional “medicine” for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes and heart disease. This series will help you explore basic cooking techniques using wholesome ingredients, prepare nutritious and satisfying recipes, all while learning about the health benefits of different foods along the way. Together, we will learn to build a diet around the Mediterranean anti-inflammatory principles.

Details

  • Dates: March 16, 23 and 30; April 13, 20 and 27. (Please note: No visit April 6)

  • Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.

  • Providers: Lisa Grant, DO; Matt Plath, chef; and Katie Eby, health coach.

  • Location: Learning Kitchen, East Madison Hospital.

Read about one family's experience with Kitchen Wisdom

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

During this six-week session, we will focus on the health of our hearts. We will discuss the basic mechanisms underlying heart and vascular disease and how we can positively impact these by making simple changes to our lives. We will discuss food and nutrition, exercise, sleep and mindfulness, and how to make positive changes in these and other areas of our lives. Discovering how to make these changes will not only protect our hearts, but also our minds so that we can extend both our health span and lifespan.

  • Dates: April 19 and 26; May 3, 10, 17 and 24.

  • Time: 5:30–7 p.m.

  • Providers: Tom Wallhaus, MD, and Katie Eby, health coach.

  • Location: Virtual (meeting link will be provided to patients prior to the start of the series).

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Imagine creating lifestyle changes that are better for your health and the environment. This seven-week mindfulness-based Group Medical Visit is aimed at helping to reduce stress, improve your eating habits and increase your physical activity. This visit series will involve hands-on practice with body scanning, mindful eating and walking, compassion meditation, breath awareness and nature appreciation. Participants will be expected to have a smartphone to track physical activity.

Details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

During this six-session Group Medical Visit, we will focus on living well with atrial fibrillation. Nearly 6 million American adults are affected by this common irregular heart rhythm. Lifestyle risk factors play a large role in how you feel while living with this chronic condition. Together, we will learn to make positive changes to improve your overall health while living with atrial fibrillation. Each visit will incorporate exercise, nutrition and stress-reduction techniques with group sharing and support.

Details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Wellness Studio

We offer a wide range of classes to help you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine including:

  • Yoga classes

  • Fitness and mind/body classes

  • Personal training

Call (608) 440-6600 or visit our online class registration tool to search for classes.

To register for a class:

  • Sign-in or create an account on our online class registration tool

  • Locate the class you'd like to register for and select "Add to Cart" and follow the prompts to check out

  • For virtual classes, a Zoom link will be emailed prior to the first class session

Current and upcoming classes

Simple Strength focuses on basic strength training exercises while both seated and standing. Exercises are adaptable for a variety of fitness levels. The purpose of this class is to meet your body where you are at to improve overall fitness. Equipment will include a chair, resistance bands and small weights.

Monday Session 1:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Mondays, March 20–April 17

  • Time: 9–10 a.m.

  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

  • Price: $50

Register

Monday Session 2:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Mondays, April 24–May 22

  • Time: 9–10 a.m.

  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

  • Price: $50

Register

Wednesday Session 1:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Wednesdays, March 22–April 19

  • Time: 9–10 a.m.

  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

  • Price: $50

Register

Wednesday Session 2:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Wednesdays, April 26–May 22

  • Time: 9-10 a.m.

  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

  • Price: $50

Register

This is a 45-minute class focused on increasing overall strength, and balance through a variety of movement patterns.

Session 1:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Date: Thursdays, March 23–April 20

  • Time: 9–9:45 a.m.

  • Location: The Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $38

Register

Session 2:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Date: Thursdays, April 27–May 25

  • Time: 9–9:45 a.m.

  • Location: Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $38

Register

You will learn Yang 24 with an emphasis on Qi Gong through patient and gentle movements. Move with ease and bring balance, strength, and flexibility to your practice.

  • Instructor: Sara Cotton

  • Dates: Thursdays, April 27–May 25

  • Time: 10–11 a.m.

  • Location: The Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $60

Register

Register now

This gentle form of yoga is practiced sitting on a chair or using a chair for support during standing poses. Chair yoga helps increase flexibility, lung capacity, circulation and strength, improves balance and relieves stress. Appropriate for all ability levels.

Tuesday

  • Instructor: Valerie Hesslink

  • Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 3–March 7

  • Time: 10-11 a.m.

  • Location: The Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $130

Register

Thursday

  • Instructor: Valerie Hesslink

  • Dates: Thursdays, March 23–May 25

  • Time:10-11 a.m.

  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

  • Price: $130

Register

ReBoot is a community exercise program designed for people with neurological conditions as a way to improve physical health in an accessible environment.

Session 1:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Tuesdays, March 21–April 18 (no class March 28)

  • Time: 9–9:45 a.m.

  • Location: The Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $38

Register

Session 2:

  • Instructor: Megan Lynch

  • Dates: Tuesdays, April 25–May 23

  • Time: 9–9:45 a.m.

  • Location: The Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Price: $38

Register

Aquatic Center

We offer both a 25-yard, four-lane lap pool and a 90-degree warm water pool to meet the needs of both the casual swimmer and those looking for a competitive edge.

We offer one-day passes ($8) that give you access to both pools.

Note: For all classes, participants must be able to enter and exit the pool independently. Those patrons requiring assistance must provide their own qualified attendant.

Aqua Exercise

  • When: 7:30–8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays.

  • Ages: 13 years and older.

  • Cost: $10 per class.

  • Description: Each class will involve activity in the warm pool that will include focus on core strength, balance, mobility and flexibility. Mild to moderate level of activity. You may sign up for one week at a time.

  • Register now

Aqua Core

  • When: 6–7 p.m. Thursdays.

  • Ages: 13 years and older.

  • Cost: $10 per class.

  • Description: Aqua Core meets in the Warm Water Pool. Core stabilization, balance and resistance training are used to strengthen the body's torso. Appropriate for moderate to high ability levels. You may sign up for one week at a time.

  • Register now

Slow Flow Aqua Exercise

  • When: 7:30–8:15 a.m. Thursdays.

  • Ages: 13 years and older.

  • Cost: $8 per class.

  • Description: Gentle movements in the Warm Water Pool help relax and both body and mind. Developed to build on balance and core strength. Mild to moderate level of activity.

  • Register now

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Participants should contact the Fitness and Aquatics staff prior to a missed class. Staff will transfer you into future classes or credit your account. Classes will not be credited if requested after the missed class has taken place. Full refunds will only be issued to participants who miss classes due to illness or injury.

Questions?

Email CCW@uwhealth.org or call (608) 440-6600.

The Learning Kitchen

Our fully equipped classroom kitchen offers both culinary and healthy cooking classes for both cooking demonstrations and hands-on activities. Call (608) 440-6600 or visit our online class registration tool to search for classes.

Fitness

The Center for Wellness offers services to support you on your fitness journey to better health.

  • 1-on-1 fitness consult and assessment

  • Includes fitness testing and an exercise plan

  • Designed to offer guidance and testing

  • 60 minutes: $60 (UW Health employees and patients can receive $20 off)

Personal training provides you with safe exercise guidance and instruction from a certified fitness professional. We also offer partner training for participants of a similar fitness level.

  • 1-on-1 workouts

  • Custom exercise plan

  • Access to pool and weight room

  • Can be tailored for health restrictions

Training package: 60 minutes each

* A fitness assessment is required prior to joining

  • Five sessions: $325 individual/$187.50 partner per person

  • 10 sessions: $600 individual/$350 partner per person

Cost: $25

When you purchase a one-month fitness pass, you will receive a custom exercise program developed by one of our specialists. Throughout the month you can exercise independently in our Therapy Gym during the designated hours. An exercise specialist will always be present for your safety and will be a resource in answering any questions you may have.

Available Therapy Gym hours:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays: 4–5 p.m.

* Fitness assessment required for first-time users

Health coaching

Our health coaching program helps you improve and empower yourself with:

  • Personalized 1-on-1 meetings

  • Realistic plans to help you reach your health goals and make positive changes to your life

  • Positive reinforcement and support throughout the process

Coaching options

Making changes can be hard. Sometimes a little coaching, support and encouragement is just what you need to keep you on track and make the lasting changes you want.

With our three-month session:

  • Meet weekly or bi-weekly

  • First visit is 60 minutes, with subsequent visits 30 minutes or less

  • Most visits via telephone

  • Cost: $325

With our 60-minute session:

  • Meet face-to-face or via telephone

  • Establish a plan that can be worked on independently

  • Cost: $80

Model for wellness

Find support on your journey

Whether you are trying new ways to enjoy physical activity or have been an athlete for a number of years, the UW Health Center for Wellness can support you on your journey to better health through not only exercise, but managing stress and eating better.

Areas of whole health

Includes movement and activities like walking, dancing, gardening, sports, lifting weights, yoga, cycling, swimming and working out in a gym.

Getting enough rest, relaxation and sleep.

Eating healthy, balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables each day. Drinking enough water and limiting sodas, sweetened drinks and alcohol.

Learning and growing. Developing abilities and talents. Balancing responsibilities where you live, volunteer and work.

Feeling listened to and connected to people you love and care about. The quality of your communication with family, friends and people you work with.

Having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Feeling connected to something larger than yourself. Finding strength in difficult times.

Feeling safe. Having comfortable, healthy spaces where you work and live. The quality of the lighting, color, air and water. Decreasing unpleasant clutter, noises and smells.

Tapping into the power of your mind to heal and cope. Using mind-body techniques like relaxation, breathing or guided imagery.

Understand your health concerns and preventive care, care options, treatment plan and role in your health.

  • Acupuncture

  • Massage

  • Healing touch

  • Stress management

Locations

Find wellness near you

    Patient resources

    Helpful information