TTUHSC: Lubbock's Newest Premier Workout Facility

TTUHSC’s Workplace Overall Wellness program, also called WOW!, is living up to its name, according to a dedicated group of employees who regularly attend free fitness classes hosted by the university.

Zumba classes, taught by Ashley Germany, and toning and cardio classes, taught by Mimi Zumwalt, M.D., associate professor of orthopaedic surgery/sports medicine, are offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday on the second floor of the main TTUHSC building in room 2B155.

Allison Kerin, M.D., R.D., director of Employee Wellness and Recognition, said the Human Resources Department started the classes in hopes of keeping employees happy and healthy, and in turn increasing productivity and reducing job-related injuries.

“We know our employees’ time is valuable and very limited so we are trying to make it as easy as possible for them to incorporate some physical activity to their lives,” Kerin said.

Driscilla Storrs said she loves having fitness classes available in the same building where she works.

“I’ve found that so often, I intend to work out, but once I leave the building, I get distracted by things I need to do, and I don’t make it to my workout,” said Storrs, who has lost 10 pounds since she started her WOW! routine. “Since the classes are here, there is less time to get distracted by other things, so I stick with the program better.”

Research has shown losing 10 percent of your body weight can have big payoffs for your health, Kerin said. Lowering body weight can help manage blood sugars, lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; it can improve sleep problems, increase energy levels and improve self-esteem.

Pamela Wormly, senior patient specialist for Texas Tech Physicians OB-GYN at Health Point, said she became motivated to attend the WOW! workouts after she lost about 25 pounds on her own after joining a Herbalife fit camp last summer.

She said the classes not only help her maintain her weight and give her a little wiggle room in her diet, but they also build a sense of camaraderie between her and her co-workers.

“I like it because everybody is all shapes, forms and sizes,” Wormly said. “It’s all everyday people and I think that’s what makes it so great. You don’t feel intimidated.”

Jolinda Westerberg moved to Lubbock from Oregon a year ago. She said moving from the coast to the West Texas heat made maintaining a running schedule difficult. Westerberg said the WOW! classes have allowed her to limit her time at the gym, while still keeping up with strength training.

“I did core exercises at home, but it wasn’t much fun, and my dog kept trying to lick me when I was on the floor,” Westerberg said. “I always look forward to [the WOW!] workouts and have seen a huge improvement to my core strength in just three months.”

Lab Supervisor Debbie Alberts said attending the WOW! classes several times a week not only allows her an opportunity to concentrate on getting stronger, but it also provides an outlet for stress relief.

“The instructors are amazing and keep us entertained, so the hour just flies by,” Alberts said. “You definitely cannot beat the price.”

For information about the free WOW! classes, fitness challenges, and more, visit www.ttuhsc.edu/wow/.