Bring the Gym to You through Virtual Classes
Duke staff and faculty get access to hundreds of Wellbeats fitness classes
Christie McCray spent a beautiful September afternoon hunkered down in her office working on budget and curriculum reviews for the Master of Biomedical Sciences program.
Not wanting to interrupt a productive flow for too long, she took a 3-minute stretch break – virtually. She pulled up a “Neck Stretch” class on “Wellbeats,” an on-demand fitness provider, and got relief in seconds.
“My job is sedentary, so I look for ways to be active during the day,” said McCray, program operations manager in the Master of Biomedical Sciences program in the School of Medicine. “I like that Wellbeats offers very simple stretches and activities I can do anywhere.”
For $5 per month, Duke staff and faculty have unlimited access to Wellbeats' nearly 400 online classes that range in duration from one to 50 minutes. Classes are divided into 28 channels, including circuit and strength training, office breaks, yoga, Pilates and more. There’s also children’s programming.
After enrolling at hr.duke.edu/wellbeats, staff from LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, will be in touch to set up the account and payments. To join, members pay one month in advance and fulfill a three-month commitment before going month-to-month.
Katie MacEachern, fitness program manager for LIVE FOR LIFE, said Wellbeats is a convenient option for people who need to find time for fitness or want a customized workout option.
Many class videos provide varied skill levels, and the website also offers workout plans for new exercisers and people who want to increase cardio capacity and overall fitness and core strength.
“There’s something for any time of day, exercise goal or level of fitness,” MacEachern said.
McCray, the program operations manager, enrolled in Wellbeats before going on a Mediterranean cruise over the summer. She visits Planet Fitness three times a week to lift weights and walk on a treadmill, but she wants options for days when she can’t make it to the gym.
Before leaving for work in the morning, McCray takes a Wellbeats yoga class and participates in daily stretch breaks. She credits the offering for helping her lose 15 pounds since early 2019.
“I feel a difference after using Wellbeats,” McCray said. “My body and mind are more alert after a Wellbeats video. I feel more present.”
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