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Welcome to the wellness class page.

We offer a wide range of classes for all members of the MIT community and all levels of experience,
including new & soon-to-be parents.

Need help registering? Visit this Help Guide for step-by-step instructions.


Have feedback? We encourage you to share your thoughts anonymously anytime
or contact the 
Program Manager, Rachel Bigler, at wellness@med.mit.edu.


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Welcome Visitor
Active Gentle Yoga
 

Many people think gentle yoga is too easy and not an effective form of fitness. Think again! You can practice yoga in ways that are both active and gentle at the same time.

Come enjoy the many known benefits of yoga through:

  • the practice of active yet gentle, rhythmic movement
  • held yoga poses and vinyasa flow (moving from pose to pose via the breath)
  • pranayam (breath work)
  • relaxation and meditation

In this well-rounded class, Celeste LeMieux, 500 hr certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, provides clear instructions and modifications, making it accessible and beneficial to practitioners of all ages and stages of yoga practice and life.

You will leave class feeling both stretched and strengthened while also feeling more calm and relaxed. This class is the perfect mid-week reset for body and mind. Come see how less really can be more!

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/8/2025 5:30 PM
Sessions Sessions: 4
Pricing Pricing:
$42.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$42.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 7 open seats left
Iyengar Yoga
 
Iyengar yoga is Hatha yoga as taught by BKS Iyengar and develops strength, coordination, and flexibility of the body and mind. Participants learn how to use their embodiment as an anchor - a way to find peace and inner strength during busy and difficult times.

Every class is different with a unique sequence based on the theme of the class and the needs of the students. Using physical alignment as a starting point, Iyengar yoga encourages the spread of intelligence throughout the body, the growth of self awareness and asana as a form of meditation.

As a Certified Iyengar Teacher (CIYT) who has studied with renown teachers Patricia Walden and Jarvis Chen for over 16 years, Ashley uses individual pose modifications, props, and hands-on adjustments to support participants of all body types, ages and abilities.

Iyengar yoga is truly for everyone - stiff bodies welcome!

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/9/2025 5:30 PM
Sessions Sessions: 4
Pricing Pricing:
$56.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$56.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 7 open seats left
Mind-Body-Breath Yoga
 

This yoga practice provides the opportunity to relax and de-stress as well as to stretch, strengthen, and balance your body. The practice begins with a meditative centering followed by warm-ups, a posture flow, and a restful final relaxation. We conclude with a closing and some time for connecting with your fellow yogis.

The yoga postures are led at a moderate intensity. Lower intensity modifications are always offered and there is absolutely no obligation to do any posture. The goal is to make the class accessible to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Listening to your body is the key to safety, especially in this online format.

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/7/2025 5:30 PM
Sessions Sessions: 4
Pricing Pricing:
$42.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$42.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 98 open seats left
Qigong Meditation
 
Yang Sheng "Life Nourishing" Qigong is an extremely powerful tool for bringing out one's natural human potential and optimal fitness. Physical health and mental well being are a direct result of the practice.

The core of our training is 'Zhan Zhuang' (Standing Meditation). It is designed to activate 'Zheng Qi' (True or Proper Qi). The effects of this training are rapid with deep therapeutic results producing a unified and balanced 'mind, body, and breath.'

**There is no class on Monday, January 20, 2025.**

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/6/2025 7:00 PM
Sessions Sessions: 3
Pricing Pricing:
$31.50 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$31.50 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 16 open seats left
Roll+Recover
 
Experience the immediate benefits of myofascial release with this simple and effective self-care practice. Learn specialized ball rolling techniques that help penetrate through layers of skin, fascia, and muscle and massage into your high-tension areas.

Each class includes guided exercises using the Roll Model therapy balls, breath work and stretching techniques specifically designed to ease overburdened muscles and encourage deep mind-body relaxation. Explore various muscle groups and needy body areas each week to eliminate strain and discomfort from sitting too long, working on screens and living with stress.

You will find greater self-awareness, freedom, and ease in your body.
Put the power of self-massage into your own hands.

All levels welcome! This is a movement class and workout attire is strongly encouraged.

**There is no class on Friday, January 10, 2025.**

Props for the class include:

  • Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls (modification: two tennis balls in a sock or a mesh bag)
  • A Coregeous Ball (modification: an inflatable ball with a 22" round circumference)
  • Two Yoga Blocks (modification: thick books)
  • A Strap (modification: a cloth belt or towel)

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/3/2025 5:30 PM
Sessions Sessions: 4
Pricing Pricing:
$42.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$42.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 93 open seats left
Tai Chi
 
A martial art known for its many health benefits, tai chi is a moving study in meditation.

Designed for small spaces, this class covers fundamental skills including postures, hand, and footwork. A short Yang style tai chi form will be taught.

Special clothing is not necessary, but athletic shoes and loose fitting pants are recommended.

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/8/2025 12:00 PM
Sessions Sessions: 4
Pricing Pricing:
$42.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$42.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 12 open seats left
Yoga for Every Body
 
Do you think yoga is only for young, slender, super-flexible people? Think again!

Yoga for Every Body with Catherine provides a gentle yoga experience in the Kripalu tradition. It offers a safe introduction for beginners of all ages, shapes, and sizes, as well as an opportunity for more experienced practitioners to share a gentle, mindful practice.

Catherine hopes that this will give everyone an opportunity to turn down the “noise” of daily living and tune in to your own body, mind, and spirit.

**There is no class on Monday, January 20, 2025.**

This class takes place over Zoom. The class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/6/2025 5:30 PM
Sessions Sessions: 3
Pricing Pricing:
$31.50 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$31.50 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 90 open seats left
Tuesday Mindfulness Mini-Couse
 
Learn about and practice mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, stretches, relaxation practices, and skills for daily life to calm mind and body. All experience levels welcome.

Feel free to register even if you are not able to attend all three sessions.

This class takes place over Zoom.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/7/2025 4:00 PM
Sessions Sessions: 3
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 473 open seats left
Noon Unwind
 

This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to mentally reset during the day.

It is offered on as a drop-in session to encourage taking a midday break. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as part of a stress-reduction routine.

*There is no class on Tuesday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 31, 2024.*
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Dates Dates: Class meets on Tuesdays from 12:00-12:15pm.
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 356 open seats left
4:45 Unwind
 

This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind.

It is offered as a drop-in session to help provide an evening transition from “doing” mode to “being” mode. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as a stress-reduction routine.

*There is no class on Thursday, December 26, 2024.*

... more.
Dates Dates: Class meets on Thursdays from 4:45-5pm.
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 363 open seats left
Childbirth Preparation Class
 

This six-week course offers soon-to-be parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice.

Please click the "read more" link before signing up for the class to see details about the cost.

  • Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
  • This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
  • Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques. Handouts are provided.
  • A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
  • One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
  • The ideal time to take this course is during the late 2nd trimester to early 3rd trimester.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • This class is discounted for students/affiliates on the Student Health Insurance Plan.

    • If you are on the Student Health Insurance Plan, enter coupon code "SHIP" at checkout for $100 off.

  • If you are not on MIT's SHIP, which includes MIT's PPO+ and MIT's High Deductible plans, you are welcome to take the class and will be required to pay full price. Check with your health insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.

Questions? Please ask before registeringwellness@med.mit.edu


"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Health is a great resource for soon-to-be parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." -Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife in MIT Health's OBGYN department.

“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participant

Childbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund if you paid. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.

... more.
Starts Starts: 1/15/2025 6:00 PM
Sessions Sessions: 6
Pricing Pricing:
$125.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$125.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Location Location: MIT
Status Status: 3 open seats left
Happiest Baby on the Block - Infant Soothing Techniques
 
New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of extra stress. Learn an approach to calm your baby in our Happiest Baby Class. New parents will learn step-by-step how to soothe fussy infants.

Class information includes:
  • The Missing 4th Trimester
  • The Calming Reflex
  • The 5 S's
  • The Cuddle Cure
This class is open to all soon-to-be parents, new parents of babies birth - 4 months, and other family members and caregivers.

This class is for the MIT community only.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/27/2025 12:00 PM
Sessions Session: 1
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 26 open seats left
Setting Wellbeing Goals
 

In this workshop, you will use a variety of tools to identify and prioritize your goals, and learn effective strategies to tackle them. Please bring writing materials and any ideas or goals that you have in mind for the new year.

Register for this workshop series.

Other workshops in this Performance Coaching series include:
Journaling for Wellbeing on January 17
Stress Management for Wellbeing on January 24

Please register for the workshops in order to receive the materials, even if you are unable to attend.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/10/2025 12:00 PM
Sessions Session: 1
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 500 open seats left
Register through the link in the description.
Journaling for Wellbeing
 

In this workshop, you will learn journaling techniques that can help improve mood and self-talk, increase gratitude and confidence, and deepen your connection with yourself. Please bring writing materials.

Register for this workshop series.

Other workshops in this Performance Coaching series include:
Setting Wellbeing Goals on January 10
Stress Management for Wellbeing on January 24

Please register for the workshops in order to receive the materials, even if you are unable to attend.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/17/2025 12:00 PM
Sessions Session: 1
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 500 open seats left
Register through the link in the description.
Stress Management for Wellbeing
 

In this workshop, you will learn to decrease the stress response and improve the ability to relax, using breathwork, mindfulness practices, and body-based techniques. No equipment needed.

Register for this workshop series.

Other workshops in this Performance Coaching series include:
Setting Wellbeing Goals on January 10
Journaling for Wellbeing on January 17

Please register for the workshops in order to receive the materials, even if you are unable to attend.
... more.
Starts Starts: 1/24/2025 12:00 PM
Sessions Session: 1
Pricing Pricing:
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Status Status: 500 open seats left
Register through the link in the description.