Staff in Marquette’s Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility provide expert clinical care and holistic wellness experiences so every Marquette student can thrive. The facility is rooted in the Ignatian value of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and that caring for yourself across a physical, emotional, spiritual and social domains supports both academic and personal success.
This semester, student access has been expanded on the third floor of the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility in the LOVELLSTRONG Center for Student Well-Being. The space is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a terrace available for relaxation and study. They’ve also introduced new wellness programs designed to build healthy habits and resilience to the challenges students face on their academic journey:
- Wellness classes: In partnership with Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM), Wellness + Helfaer Recreation is bringing in community wellness providers to host a series of expanded wellness classes in the third floor Health Promotion suite. Visit https://campusrec.marquette.edu/ and search the “Fitness + Well-Being” tab to find these new classes:
- Intro to Weightlifting: Curious about weightlifting but not sure where to begin? This beginner-friendly series introduces safe, accessible and trauma-informed lifting techniques in a supportive environment. Learn the basics of form, confidence and body awareness to support overall health and wellness.
- Yoga For Well-Being: To complement the more fitness-focused yoga sessions in Campus Recreation, this class focuses on gentle movement, grounding and mindful awareness. Designed to welcome all bodies and abilities, this trauma-informed approach helps cultivate relaxation, connection and inner strength.
- Breathwork for Mental Health: Guided by a certified SKY practitioner, this class introduces gentle breathing practices to calm the nervous system, reduce stress and build resilience. No prior experience is needed. Simply come as you are and learn tools you can carry into daily life.
- Empower Kickboxing: This class combines simple, non-contact kickboxing moves with upbeat cardio for stress relief, empowerment and fun. Taught in an encouraging, trauma-informed style, it’s about moving your body, building confidence and leaving energized – not competition.
- Gym 101: Getting Started with Confidence: Are you new to the gym or uncertain about how to start a practice of health promoting movement? In this small-group session, you’ll team up with professional staff to tour the facility, learn how to use cardio and resistance machines safely, and explore what movement feels right for you. Together, you and Wellness + Helfaer Recreation staff can build a plan to set up a sustainable, wellness-focused plan that fits your goals.
- Ignatian Mindfulness – Ready, Set, Pause: Wellness + Helfaer Recreation is partnering with the Faber Center to offer some simple practices that can help calm anxiety and ground us to approach the week ahead with greater freedom and hope. Practices within an Ignatian framework include mindful breathing, tending to thoughts and feelings, lovingkindness, and mindful pausing throughout the day. Students can sign up at https://campusrec.marquette.edu/ within the “Fitness + well-being” tab.
- Massage: To increase capacity to provide massages on campus, Wellness + Helfaer Recreation has partnered with the Academy of Health to bring massage to the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility in addition to massages at the Rec Plex. To view available massage appointments and pricing, visit https://campusrec.marquette.edu/. The facility is also planning periodic pop-up chair massages in our W+R lobby throughout the semester. This is a great chance to enjoy a free sample, reduce stress and learn more about the benefits of massage.
There is more to come soon, including sleep pods and a bookable private, sensory-friendly workout and wellness space on the third floor. Wellness + Helfaer Recreation staff invite you visit to explore these new offerings and discover the practices that help you feel balanced, resilient and ready for what’s ahead. As programs continue to grow, the commitment remains the same: caring for the whole student so you can flourish during your time at Marquette and beyond.
