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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

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 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 specific health problems.

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.

Fall details

  • Provider: Lori Seaborne, PA and Katie Eby, health coach

  • Dates: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7.

  • Time: 1:30–3 p.m.

  • Location: Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

  • Health concerns: Cancer diagnosis, open to all patients during or after treatment

Read about one patient's experience with Yoga 4 Cancer

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.

Fall details

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Practicing mindful awareness is a foundational skill in the kitchen. The focus of this four-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 heart health. This visit 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: Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24.

  • Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.

  • Providers: Lisa Simpson, PA; Matt Plath, chef; Katie Eby, health coach

  • Location: Learning Kitchen, East Madison Hospital

  • High problems: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease

Read about one family's experience with Kitchen Wisdom

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

Imagine creating lifestyle changes that are better for your health and the environment. This six-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 meditations, mindful eating and walking, compassion meditation, breath awareness, and nature appreciation. Participants will be expected to have a smartphone to track physical activity.

Details

  • Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18.

  • Time: 4–6 p.m.

  • Providers: , MD, and Beth Wortzel, LCSW

  • Location: Conference Room 1111A, Science Dr Medical Center

  • Health problems: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, obesity

Please call (608) 440-6600 to register

There are many steps you can take to manage and live well with Atrial Fibrillation. In this Group Medical Visit, you will learn more about atrial fibrillation, hear and learn from others who are living with this chronic condition, and develop a lifestyle-based treatment plan to help you improve your overall health. It is normal to feel nervous and anxious about exercise so each week will include different forms of exercise. This Group Medical visit meets every other week. In between the in-person sessions our Health Coach will call you offering additional goal setting and support.

Details

  • Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 5, 19; Nov. 2, 16, 30; Dec. 14.

  • Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Providers: Renee Bobb, NP; Ellen Houston, CEP, Health Coach; Preventive Cardiology team

  • Location: Conference Room 1920, East Madison Hospital

  • Health problems: Atrial fibrillation

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

  • Strength

  • Balance

  • Core

Call (608) 263-7936

To register for a class:

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

  • Under "Health and fitness" select "Fitness"

  • Under "where" select "East Madison Hospital" to narrow down your search

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

  • For help with registration call (608) 263-7936

Current and upcoming classes

Instructor: Megan Lynch

Whether you are new to exercise or interested in improving your overall movement quality, this class offers a balanced approach to exercise where you will gradually increase your fitness capacity. Exercises are adaptable for a variety of fitness levels. Equipment needed will include a chair, resistance band and light weights.

Instructor: Valerie Hesslink

Yoga As My Body Is, is a gentle sequence designed to meet your body where you are at. This class focuses on restoring mobility, increasing flexibility, building strength and easing achy joints and muscles. This practice may be done from standing, seated, or on the mat making it appropriate for all fitness levels. Participants should be comfortable getting up and off the floor or chair throughout class.

Instructor: Valerie Hesslink

Aerial Yin Yoga is a relaxing practice designed to release tensions deep within the connective tissue and throughout the body. This class utilizes an aerial hammock set low to the ground to help assist with different postures. Leave feeling refreshed and energized. Yin yoga is appropriate for beginners to advanced. Participants should feel comfortable getting up and off the floor throughout class.

Instructor: Megan Lynch

Through a variety of exercises, you will gain better balance, improve body awareness, core strength, coordination and confidence. Good balance can help you feel more stable, strong and prevent falls. Balance Core is a low-impact class for all fitness levels.

Instructor: Megan Lynch

Full Body fitness is a whole-body workout offering great variety. Class will utilize aerobic stationary equipment (ellipticals and bikes) combined with strength training. The focus of this class is to get a full body effective workout while in a fun and safe environment.

Instructor: Jeff Welsch

Senior Yoga for flexibility and strength is a gentle chair-based yoga to help ease your stiff joints and tight muscles. You’ll move in ways that safely enhances your mobility, strength, and balance. This class is appropriate for moderately active people. You should be comfortable moving off and onto a chair.

Instructor: Sara Cotton

Balance, strength and mobility found through drills and progressions and the movements of Yang 24. Interested in learning tai chi or already have a practice? Learn simple drills and progressions to enliven your wellbeing.

Instructor: Valerie Hesslink

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.

Instructor: Sara Cotton

Step into sun salutations, get a fresh take on well-loved poses and settle in for deep relaxation. Vinyasa yoga follows for both breath and movement. Take the time in your yoga practice to rest, relax and restore. Appropriate for all levels.

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.

Aquatic Center program options

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

Fitness

Find support on your fitness journey to better health.

Fitness program options

  • 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: $30

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

We offer a goal-oriented approach to health coaching. Our certified health coaches help you connect with your personal strengths, overcome barriers and make lasting changes that benefit your physical, emotional and mental health.

To register for a session call (608) 440-6600.

Coaching options

Coaching sessions are offered in person or by phone.

Work with a health coach to create a plan that you can follow on your own.

Cost: $80

During the first 60-minute visit you'll work with a health coach to create a plan. Then you'll have 30-minute follow-up visits to check in on progress toward your goals.

Cost: $325

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.

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

  • Stress management

Locations

Find wellness near you

Patient resources

Helpful information