A student leads a blance class for senior community members for the Wellness Elevated program.

Recreation, Exercise, and Sport Science

Wellness Elevated

Wellness Elevated: Exercise with Purpose

Wellness Elevated brings together students and community members in a program that’s both impactful and hands-on. Participants living with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, and more benefit from supervised, evidence-based exercise tailored to their needs. At the same time, undergraduate and graduate students gain meaningful experiential learning, applying classroom knowledge to real-world health challenges and preparing for careers in exercise science and wellness.

A student takes a community member's blood pressure.

Student & Community Impact

At Wellness Elevated, we help our clients achieve an improved quality of life through exercise, diet, social connections, and a hefty dose of education and encouragement. Working with the University and Exercise & Sport Science students allows us to effectively remove cost as a barrier to adherence.

Qualified clinical exercise physiologists oversee the program and offer a high level of specialized care to assist clients wanting to prevent or manage limitations, improve general health and quality of life, or return to normal functioning. Wellness Elevated will not only restore client confidence in their general health and physical well-being but also empower and educate them to incorporate healthy choices into their lifestyle permanently.

A student takes the blood pressure of a patient.

Establishing a Baseline and Goals

Wellness Elevated begins with a personalized consultation to identify each participant’s limitations, goals, and specific needs. A full series of assessments—including graded exercise testing as well as flexibility, strength, and balance evaluations—provides a clear starting point and tracks progress throughout the program. From there, participants receive an individualized exercise prescription, ongoing monitoring, and education on health and fitness topics to support long-term wellness.

Aspen walks with Bernie Goldberg during a six minute walk test as a part of Wellness Elevated.

Develop Real-World Skills

Wellness Elevated also serves as a learning lab for students, offering hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. By working directly with clients and collaborating with faculty mentors, students develop practical skills in assessment, program design, and project management. These experiences build confidence and professional readiness while making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the Gunnison Valley community.

Joining Wellness Elevated as a Client

Hours & Dates
Cost
Contact

Our program operates around the academic calendar (semester start and end dates) due to its dual purpose of providing both student learning opportunities as well as medical continuum of care.

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New Client: $250/semester

Returning Client: $200/semester

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Wellness Elevated
Western Colorado University, HAP Lab
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Office phone: 970.943.2179
Office fax: 970.943.7125

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Make an Impact with Wellness Elevated

Wellness Elevated is a cornerstone of Western’s Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science program, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. By working directly with community members living with clinical conditions, students gain professional skills, make meaningful connections, and prepare for careers in health, wellness, and rehabilitation.

Here are just a few of the opportunities students have explored through Wellness Elevated:

  • Conducting initial consultations and health assessments to establish client goals

  • Designing and implementing individualized exercise prescriptions

  • Monitoring client progress in areas such as strength, balance, and flexibility

  • Educating participants on fitness, health, and wellness best practices

  • Collaborating with faculty mentors and community partners to deliver impactful programs

A exercise and sport science student assists two community members in a fitness exercise.

Make a difference in the community.

With Wellness Elevated, you’ll turn your passion for health into real-world experience that changes lives. In Western’s Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department, you’ll study movement, nutrition, and wellness while working directly with community members in a supportive, hands-on environment. See how you can prepare for a purpose-driven career when you visit campus.

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