Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teaches participants the principles of mindfulness and how to apply these principles to deal more effectively with stress and the demands of daily life. The program consists of body awareness exercises, meditation, gentle yoga and inquiry (guided discussion) along with daily formal and informal home practices, and is taught in a secular manner.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an evidence-based intervention, with many studies demonstrating effectiveness for multiple chronic conditions, including anxiety, depression and chronic pain. It also improves quality of life for healthy adults.
University Fitness Center is organizing two sessions of the program this fall: one at the fitness center and the other in Penn State Cancer Institute.
The eight-week wellness program consists of a mandatory orientation session followed by eight weekly group classes. Each class is two and a half to three hours long. There is also one seven-and-a-half-hour Saturday silent retreat.
The first half of each class provides an extended period of practice, incorporating different forms of guided meditation as well as gentle standing and lying-down yoga. The second half of each class is dedicated to group discussion (inquiry) – exploring participants’ direct experiences with the formal and informal practices being taught during each class as well as their experiences from daily home practice (45 to 60 minutes). Each week’s practices build upon each of the previous weeks’ lessons.
Cost is $500 for most participants; Penn State students and residents pay $200. Scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship. Additional information is provided during the orientation.
See details regarding the Monday sessions at University Fitness Center here. This session has orientation Sept. 16 and runs Sept. 30 to Nov. 18, with the Saturday retreat Nov. 9.
See details regarding the Wednesday sessions at Penn State Cancer Institute here. This session has orientation Sept. 25 and runs Oct. 2 to Nov. 20, with the Saturday retreat Nov. 9.
Connect with University Fitness Center
Find University Fitness Center at 20 Conference Dr., Hershey, Pa., on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine.
To reach the fitness center, call 717-531-7075 or email ufcfrontdesk@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Other ways to learn more: