WHAM Classes

Summer 1 Session Classes for Staff and Faculty

Registration will open on Monday, May 12 and will close on Wednesday, May 21. Please register on time. Late registrations are not accepted.  If classes do not meet the minimum enrollment (10 or more people) by the registration deadline, the class may be canceled.  You will be notified and refunded if we cancel the class.  Please note:  Refund requests are only available up to the first day of class.

This 6-week series runs from the week of May 27 to July 3, 2025.  No class on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) and Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth). Participants will receive a meeting invite from their instructor.  

To foster community well-being, spouses or partners are eligible to register for WHAM classes. To gain access to the Leonard Center, staff and faculty must complete the Employee Plus 1 Membership Registration to sponsor their one member guest.  Membership is free.  There is only a $5 fee for an access card.  Learn more about Leonard Center Membership Information.

Masks are no longer expected to be worn indoors for community members or guests.  For a list of exceptions please visit our Mask Policy.

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Simple Registration Process

No login required!   1)  Go to the WHAM Marketplace website, 2)  Select your class, 3)  Complete the registration, add your name, acknowledge the Assumption of Risk and pay by credit card, 4)  Submit your registration and await your email confirmation.

Please note:  Late registrations will not be accepted and the registration period is final.  If you have questions, please contact WHAM at wham@macalester.edu.

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Class Descriptions

Tai Chi

Introduction to Tai Chi/Qigong: Exploring Meditation in Motion – Mondays, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Leonard Center, Studio 1, March 24 – April 28. Cost $25.  Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient Chinese meditative practices that enliven and harmonize mind, heart, body and spirit. When practiced with consistency, openness, joy and mindful intent; strength, flexibility, balance, energy, empathy and capacity for wise and compassionate response are enhanced. Engaging carefully aligned, soft, slow, repetitive and beautiful movements; together we will explore beginning postures and sequences of Tai Chi and Qigong. Instructor: Ruthanne Kurth-Schai has just completed nearly 40 years of teaching, scholarship and service at Macalester College, including 30 years as chair of the Educational Studies Department. Her work at Macalester, in the community, across the U.S and abroad is informed by 30 years of intensive study and 12 years of teaching the Guang Bing Grand Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan and associated qigong through Tilopa Tai Chi/Qigong Center in Minneapolis.

Strength Training

(New Time) Strength Training 101: From Basics to Barbells – Tuesdays 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Deno Fitness Center, March 25 – April 29. Cost $40. Over 6 weeks, you’ll embark on a journey to build a solid foundation for your fitness goals. This program is designed to empower and educate, focusing on fundamental strength training movements and techniques. In this course, you’ll master key exercises such as the goblet squat, pressing movements, a progression to a barbell squat, and finally, the barbell deadlift. With each variation, you will gain knowledge on technique, stance, grip width, as well as common faults and cues, and how to correct them. We’ll also introduce you to staple back exercise and a core movement to support your  progress.

For the low cost of $40, you will get 6 sessions with Angela.  This clinic is recommended for the beginner fitness enthusiast looking to learn the basics, as well as the more experienced lifter who is seeking advice on technique and optimization. Whether you’re new to strength training or seeking to refine your skills, our program is tailored to your needs as Angela guides you through the complexities of strength training. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a solid foundation but also the confidence to take control of your strength training and Angela will provide you with a program to follow on your own. Instructor: Angela Nguyen 

Note: Boot Camp and Circuit Training swap days for the Winter and Spring sessions because of Field House availability.

(New Days) Boot Camp – Monday & Wednesday, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Leonard Center Field House, March 24 – April 30.  A fun, high-energy class with ever-changing routines aimed at incorporating cardiovascular fitness along with total body muscular endurance and strength. This is an advanced class that involves low impact jumping, running, and interval training. Workouts and exercise can be modified for different fitness levels. This class meets twice per week for 6 weeks.  Instructor: Nathan Downey

• $40 Standard 6-week Boot Camp pass
• $40 Flex pass (2 classes per week of either Circuit Training or Boot Camp = 6 weeks)

(New Days) Circuit Training – Tuesday & Thursday, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Deno Fitness Center, March 25 – May 1.  Resistance training that provides total body strength, endurance, core strength, and cardiovascular fitness.  Participants are able to work at their own pace and push themselves based on their goals and fitness level. This class meets twice per week for 6 weeks.  Instructor: Nathan Downey

• $40 Standard 6-week Circuit Training pass
• $40 Flex pass (2 classes per week of either Circuit Training or Boot Camp = 6 weeks)

Yoga

Hatha Yoga – Wednesdays, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Leonard Center, Studio 1, March 26 – April 30. Cost $25.  Learn yoga basics in this beginner-friendly hatha yoga class.  Explore alignment principles of specific poses (asanas) and experience more flowing movement sequences (vinyasa).  Increase strength, flexibility, and body awareness, and leave feeling more calm and refreshed.  Instructor: Ariel Linnerson.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness – Thursdays, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Old Main 4th Floor Lounge, March 27 – May 1 (No class April 24, Make-up Friday, April 25).  Cost $25.  Mindfulness can help us weather the challenges and uncertainty of life with more calm, acceptance and ease. This class, which is open to everyone (whether you are new to mindfulness or if you would like to revitalize or deepen your meditation practice) offers a supportive community in which you can explore ways that work for you, to experience the benefits of mindfulness in your life. Each session offers time away from your busy day to rejuvenate, through guided meditations and the exploration of mindfulness and compassion practices.  Instructor: Marc Anderson 

Cardio

Dance Cardio – Fridays, 12:05 – 12:50 pm, Leonard Center, Studio 1, March 28- May 2. Cost $25.  Improve your endurance, strength, coordination and flexibility in this fun, calorie-burning, dance workout! After a full body warm up, you’ll be led through easy-to-follow moves set to today’s hottest pop, hip-hop and dance music, as well as your favorite throwbacks! This class is great for all fitness levels and no dance experience is required. Please wear indoor sneakers or dance shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready to sweat!  Instructor: Ariel Linnerson.

Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement

Registration and Cancellation Policy

REGISTER for Spring Session 2 between Monday March 10 and Wednesday, March 19 at 4 pm.