For spring semester 2011, recreation services will be offering free wellness assessments for students.

The assessment, which is taken on an in-house computer program, was developed by the Stanford University School of Medicine, and should take about 30 minutes to complete. It asks about factors such as physical activity, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep and personal safety.

However, Nora Hudson, fitness coordinator for recreation services, said that it will not ask about factors such as spirituality or social habits.  In this way, it is more of an assessment of healthy lifestyles than overall wellness.

After the assessment, participants will have the opportunity to talk to a physical trainer about other resources available.

The free assessments are part of an initiative from recreation services to place more of an emphasis on overall well-being, not just working out.

“We’re still in the infancy stages of developing that,” said Hudson.

Once the State Gym expansion opens in fall 2011, more services such as nutrition counseling, massage and other wellness programs will start to be offered. Hudson said recreation services has been working with a wellness committee from Student Affairs in developing their programs.

In the meantime, Tai Chi classes will be offered for the first time next semester through group fitness. The class will cost $20 for current Lied pass holders and $40 for non-pass holders.