In a world where innovation is king, Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is again at the intersection where technology and wellness meet. The launch of “Fitness On Demand” (FOD) at the Cleveland Fitness Center means that members of the campus community now have instant access to a virtual service that delivers a broad range of fitness options. The new FOD system is free for all Clevelanders and allows users to expand their training possibilities beyond what is offered by most traditional facilities.
The FOD system is operational, and orientation sessions have been conducted to instruct new users and to share what the system has to offer. Clevelanders can engage in cardio, core, dance, martial arts, strength, mind and body, and high-intensity interval training programs. Each is designed for a specific style of self-improvement, and all are available on demand.
According to Dale Marrant, vice president of human resources and organizational development at CUKC, the new FOD system is a way to deliver more to those who use the fitness center, while strengthening the institution’s commitment to good health.
“Cleveland’s Fitness Center is a benefit for employees and students, which is aligned with the institution’s vision and mission,” Marrant said. “Offering instructor-led health and wellness courses in this fashion allows the institution to bring a much broader range and quantity of classes to students that would otherwise not be possible for an institution of our size.”
Marrant is also a member of the campus “Wellness CREW,” which stands for Clevelanders Reach for Excellence in Wellness. The group promotes healthy lifestyle options to fellow Clevelanders through various programs and activities throughout the year. It was a “Health Needs and Interest Survey” initiated by that group in 2015 that was the impetus for adding the FOD system. The survey revealed that Clevelanders shared a desire to have more health options for things like yoga, stretching, strength training and exercise programs.
After hearing a presentation by the Wellness CREW outlining the benefits of the new technology, the CUKC administration chose to purchase the FOD program. It was thought it offered substantial value to the health needs of students, faculty and staff. The fitness system can be used by anyone with a CUKC identification card and a signed fitness center waiver.
Users will find the FOD system has an intuitive, “touch and swipe” system that offers customizable programs based on class type and level of intensity. The classes are presented by qualified instructors and are conducted in a safe environment right on the Cleveland campus. In addition, FOD requires a minimal amount of equipment and space, along with the ability to be used at any time to accommodate the busy schedules of today’s user.
The Wellness CREW intends for the FOD to empower fellow Clevelanders to strengthen their commitment to healthy living. Classes will be scheduled throughout the year, with the hope that various departments and groups will also use the new system. Scheduling instructions will soon be made available for those who are interested in exploring the next generation of health and fitness training.
