Programs
Couch to 5K is a 9-week program that takes you from little to no running to being able to run for 30 minutes straight. At the end of the program, we run a local 5K! Registration is covered for those who attend 80% of workouts.
When:
Sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The workouts last between 30 to 40 minutes. Offered during Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
Number of sessions and times offered are subject to staff availability.
Thrive! hosts an annual One Million Steps challenge. It kicks off on Mountain Day and ends the last day of classes in April. We host other special step challenges throughout the year with special giveaways.
Students and employees can sign up for these challenges through the MoveSpring mobile app. Download MoveSpring for iOS or MoveSpring for Android to get started!
Any wearable tracking device will connect with our challenge platform. If you don’t already own a device, students can purchase a Fitbit Flex 2 for only $10!
Email Thrive! at wellness@berea.edu for more information on how to obtain a Fitbit.
Sign-up for a guided group hike led by the Forestry Outreach Center. A shuttle takes students from alumni circle to the pinnacles on most Saturdays during the regular fall and spring terms (weather and staff availability permitting). The shuttle leaves at 12:45 pm and returns at 3:30 pm.
Sign-up sheets are at the front desk in the Alumni Building.
As part of the College’s tobacco-free campus initiative, Thrive! offers a smoking cessation class to all students and staff. You must be a current, active smoker to enroll.
Course Description
This course is designed to help people become non-smokers through the use of the Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking curriculum. The Cooper/Clayton Method is an effective smoking cessation method that utilizes nicotine replacement therapy (patch or gum provided for free), provides education and acts as a group support.
Course objectives
- Recognize smoking patterns
- Identify triggers
- Acquire knowledge on how to handle urges to smoke (triggers)
- Learn how to articulate needs as a new non-smoker to friends/roommates
- Recognize effective methods to avoid weight gain
Students may take the course for .25 credit (GST 186: Health Habits). The course is offered for both the Fall and Spring terms. Email wellness@berea.edu for more information on taking the class for credit.
Change Your Relationship With Food
With WW, you can learn to lose weight while enjoying your favorite foods!
Time and Location
Thursdays, 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. in Hafer-Gibson 132.
Cost
- Students: free
- Employees: $50 for a 17-week series
- Spouses/partners on a Berea college medical plan: $50 for 17 weeks
For more information contact wellness@berea.edu.
How it Works
With WW Freestyle, smart decisions are made simpler so you can live your healthiest, happiest life.
Based on a science-backed SmartPoints system, WW Freestyle encourages you to eat more fruits, veggies, lean protein and less sugar and unhealthy fats.
The program has over 200+ ZeroPoint foods you never have to portion or track.
Spend your personalized SmartPoints Budget on any food you like. With rollovers, you can transfer extra SmartPoints to another day, keeping the program flexible and livable.
You may join any week. Fee is pro-rated after week 3.

What is Massage?
It is the manipulation of the body’s muscles and connective tissue in order to improve the health and function of the body. It is often associated with relieving pain and tension within muscles.
Chair massages are a great way to reduce stress while increasing productivity in the workplace. The therapist can easily target problem areas like the shoulders and back. And best of all, this treatment is fully clothed with no oils, so you can walk away relaxed and ready to move forward with your day.
Days and Times
Second Tuesday of most months from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost
$1.00/minute
5 minute minimum, 15 minute maximum
Cash or check only
Location
Hafer-Gibson 131
Appointments are Required
Email Wellness@berea.edu to schedule an appointment.
If it’s your first time having a chair massage on campus; please print, sign and bring the Release Form with you to your massage.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Reduce stress
- Manage or eliminate pain associated with muscle tension
- (including neck, shoulders and forearms from computer work)
- Improve productivity
- Improve posture
- Relieve headaches
- Combat depression
- Ease anxiety
- Boost immune system
Berea student health 101 is a free online magazine subscription written by students to encourage their fellow students to make healthier decisions while appreciating the freedoms and responsibilities that are part of college. This magazine is available to students at no cost to them and covers a variety of college health issues. Including sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress, sexual health, alcohol, colds, allergies, the flu and more.
See an example of student tips from the magazine.

Resources on Demand
Wish you had all the recipes from UCookbook in one place?
Can’t remember that great workout tip in Fitness U from last semester?
Looking for articles on a specific topic or health information specific to Berea College?
Student Health 101 is the answer!
On the go?
Text BEREA to 40691 to receive Weekly Student Health 101 updates
Or read the mobile edition of Student Health 101 on your smartphone or tablet
The Student Advocate
The student advocate is an accompanying edition just for parents and student advocates. It provides a quick –to-read summary of articles, designed to help you support your student through the growth and challenges he or she faces.
You are also invited to read the full student magazine which includes features such as videos and stories from students, reader-submitted recipes and exercise tips, and resources for you and your student.
Both resources are available to you at no cost.
Please register to receive The Student Advocate and Student Health 101.
When you’re healthy, you are happier and more productive at both work and home. Thrive! the Berea College wellness program, is here to help you become the best possible you.
Taking a proactive, informed approach to improving or maintaining your health is likely to have a positive impact on your overall well-being and ultimately can reduce the amount spent on health care. This second part is important since the Berea College medical plan is self-insured. This means that we, the College and employees, collectively pay all the medical bills incurred by plan members.
Go365 is a wellness and rewards program for everyone – no matter your age or health status. With Go365, when you make healthy choices, feeling good is only part of your reward. Your healthy choices are rewarded with Amazon and iTunes gift cards, fitness devices, Apple products and more. By participating in Go365, you can earn up to $300 per year in rewards in the Go365 Shopping Mall. You can even give to others by donating your Go365 Bucks to charity. It will put you on the path to healthier living whether you’re a fitness buff, just working on losing a few pounds, or training for your first 5K race. It will also help you quit smoking, lower your blood pressure, and eat healthier. So starting today, make a change. Eat an apple instead of a cookie. Ride your bike to the store instead of taking the car. And get that health checkup you’ve been meaning to. There are also activities that kids can participate in. Take the first step toward living a healthier life right now.
View a PDF guide on how to earn Go365 points.
Spouses and partners covered on our medical plan are also eligible and encouraged to participate.
To get started, contact wellness@berea.edu to activate your account.
Participation in the wellness program is voluntary.
Wearable activity trackers are a great way to track your activity levels and inspire action. Thrive! is partnering with The Wellness Outlet to offer discounted devices from Fitbit & Garmin. Berea College employees are eligible for a $40 subsidy on top of the already low, discounted prices.
Prices start as low as $29.99 dollars and feature up to 40% off retail. PLUS, get FREE shipping on all orders!
Email wellness@berea.edu to receive your voucher.
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