The Highline College Wellness Center, a hidden resource available on the first floor in the biology building (Building 26), offers a wonderful space for exercise, to de-stress, and connect with other members of the community.
The Wellness Center offers a wide variety of equipment and hours, providing the Highline College community with a dedicated space to improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility. From cardio treadmills, to dumbbells and squat racks, and even an area for sports focused workouts, the Wellness Center is equipped for all fitness levels.
“The equipment there is really high quality, they have everything you need to get your health right and it really helps your mental health too,” says a regular Wellness Center attendee.
In the Wellness Center, there are courses offered at like PE 186/286 or PE 123/223. In this course, students have an experienced, fitness-certified instructor that will help guide them through their fitness experience.
When there aren’t classes ongoing in the Wellness Center, there are open hours for all of the Highline College community to utilize. The Wellness Center is accessible to all during open hours and offers an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
Early birds can come for the morning hours (6 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays) or sleep in and come back for afternoon hours (noon – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday). Once inside the Wellness Center, there are two changing rooms available, along with self use lockers to safely store your belongings.
Proper attire is important for a safe and comfortable experience at the Wellness Center. Athletic clothing, like t-shirts, workout shorts or leggings, and athletic shoes are recommended. Open-toed shoes and loose accessories are prohibited, as they can be safety hazards.
There are no drinks allowed in the Wellness Center, the only exception being water. The Wellness Center also enforces a no photo/video policy in respect to others utilizing the Wellness Center.
“You are only new once, so take that first step and you’ll realize how supportive the staff and patrons of the Wellness Center can be,” says Natalie Hughs, Wellness Center Director. If you are hesitant to visit the Wellness Center, know that it’s a welcoming and inclusive space designed for people of all fitness levels.
As the Wellness Center continues to serve the Highline Community as a space for growth and improvement, there are still great visions for the future. “There are always plans for the Wellness Center and progressing it to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive space,” said Natalie Hughs.
She also added, “In the future there will hopefully be special events, but what would need to happen to bring that vision to life is a budget and some hours for a dedicated student ambassador and promoter/marketing for the Wellness Center.”
This goes to show how much more advancement the Wellness Center is yet to experience.
Knowing all this, you are encouraged to stop by the Wellness Center between classes to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with a healthier you. The Wellness Center is an amazing resource offered to the Highline College community as an inclusive and welcoming space for all!