HCC Central Wellness & Fitness Center

The Houston Community College – Central Campus Wellness Center is an amenity that serves currently enrolled HCC students and employed faculty and staff. It includes the Weight & Cardio Room, Gymnasium, Mindful Room, and Men’s & Women’s Locker Room. The facility is located on the first floor of the San Jacinto (SJAC) Memorial Building in Room 178.

Our mission at HCC Central College Fitness and Wellness Center is to empower our community to achieve holistic well-being by embracing the six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where every member can cultivate a balanced, healthy lifestyle through comprehensive programs, resources, and services. By fostering growth in each dimension, we strive to help our members thrive both on campus and beyond, leading fulfilling lives of purpose, connection, and resilience.

Our vision at HCC Central College Fitness and Wellness Center is to provide an all-encompassing approach to the six dimensions of wellness that will encourage, teach, and facilitate a healthy process in all aspects of one’s life. The Wellness Center will promote wellness practices to benefit our employees and students.

The Weight & Cardio room offers state-of-the-art resistance and cardio equipment. This includes 14 Precor Cardio machines, including six treadmills; 8 Precor pin-select machines; and nine free-weight racks, benches, and machines. Also included is a Bluetooth Surround Sound System connected to 11 overhead speakers to enhance the listening enjoyment of members, along with 3 56” televisions for members’ viewing pleasure.

The Gymnasium offers a newly renovated full-size court, equipped with basketball hoops, detachable volleyball net & poles, and various other amenities. Ask staff for assistance when wanting to set up different equipment.

The Mindful Room is a peaceful undisturbed space designated to encourage and facilitate the practice of mindfulness to boost the overall wellbeing of our enrolled students, and current faculty, and staff. The space is skillfully designed for the user to focus on the present moment, cultivate a mental state of calm, a bodily state of relaxation and a soulful state of inner peace. Tools and resources are provided in the space to enhance one’s knowledge, understanding and practice.

Rules of engagement:

• Walk-in 
• Only ONE user per session.
• Only ONE session per day.
• Session limited to 15 minutes per day.
• Must check in at Wellness Center reception desk.
• Valid student/employee ID required.
• Mandatory lighting required.
• No food or drinks allowed.
• No handbags, backpacks or duffle bags allowed.
• Lockers are available in the Locker Room to store personal items (must provide own lock).
• Comfortable casual or athletic attire highly recommended.
• Socks are highly recommended.
• Highly recommend removed shoes.
• Shoe rack is provided in the room.

Our locker room is designed with your convenience and comfort in mind. Equipped with spacious lockers and clean, private showers, it’s the perfect place to freshen up before or after your workout. Please note that while lockers are available for your daily use, you’ll need to bring your own lock to secure your belongings. Locks must be removed daily. We encourage all members to take advantage of these facilities to make the most of your wellness experience.

Career wellness, one of the six dimensions of wellness, focuses on finding fulfillment and satisfaction in your professional life. It involves aligning your career goals with your personal values, strengths, and passions, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Achieving career wellness means actively pursuing opportunities for growth, skill development, and advancement in a field that resonates with your sense of purpose. It’s about making informed career choices, setting realistic goals, and cultivating a work environment that supports your overall well-being. By fostering career wellness, you can build a rewarding professional path that contributes positively to your life and the lives of others.

Connecting with Career Wellness Resources

To help you align your career path with your personal goals and strengths, we encourage you to connect with the following:

Career Services: Visit our Career Services department for personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, job search strategies, and interview preparation. They also host career fairs, workshops, and networking events to help you explore opportunities and make valuable connections in your field. Career Services  https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/career-planning/)

Academic Advising: Meet with your assigned Pathway Advisor. They are an essential partner in your career wellness journey and can provide guidance on academic pathways that lead to your desired profession. Pathway Advising: https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/academic-advising/

Social wellness is a vital component of the six dimensions of wellness, focusing on the quality and strength of your relationships and connections with others. It involves cultivating meaningful interactions, building a supportive network, and fostering a sense of belonging within your community. Achieving social wellness means actively engaging in positive social activities, developing healthy communication skills, and maintaining balanced relationships that contribute to your overall well-being. By nurturing social wellness, you create a foundation for emotional support, mutual respect, and shared experiences, which enrich your life and help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Connecting with Social Wellness Resources

To support your social wellness, we offer a variety of resources and departments that help you create strong, positive relationships within our campus community:

Student Life: The Student Life Department is your gateway to getting involved on campus. They offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and events where you can meet new people, share common interests, and develop leadership skills.

Counseling and Ability Services: Sometimes, social wellness means reaching out for support when you need it. Our Counseling and Ability Services offer individual counseling sessions, mental wellness workshops , and resources for building healthy relationships. These services are here to help you navigate social challenges and enhance your interpersonal skills.

Recreational Sports: Participating in recreational sports or intramural leagues is a fun and active way to boost your social wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, these programs provide opportunities to bond with teammates and enjoy friendly competition.

• Counseling

Connecting with Physical Wellness Resources

Physical wellness is a key dimension of overall well-being that focuses on maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and preventive healthcare. It involves engaging in physical activities that enhance cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Achieving physical wellness means making informed choices about your diet, staying active, managing stress, and addressing health issues proactively. By prioritizing physical wellness, you support your body’s ability to function optimally, reduce the risk of illness, and improve your overall quality of life. This dimension is essential for sustaining energy, resilience, and vitality in all areas of your life.

Here’s how you can connect with departments that can support your physical health and fitness goals:

Fitness Center: Visit our on-campus Fitness Center to access state-of-the-art exercise equipment, participate in group fitness classes, and schedule personal training sessions. The Fitness Center staff is available to provide guidance on workout routines and help you develop a fitness plan tailored to your needs.

Eagle Market: The Eagle Market on campus plays a crucial role in supporting student and staff well-being and enhancing the overall campus experience. The Eagle Market provides easy access to a variety of food options at no cost to students and staff.

Recreational Sports: Engage with our Recreational Sports department to participate in intramural sports leagues, outdoor adventures, and fitness events. These free activities are a fun way to stay active, improve physical fitness, and connect with others who share your interests.

Wellness Workshops: Attend wellness workshops and seminars in the Wellness Center offered throughout the year on topics related to physical health, such as stress management, sleep hygiene, and injury prevention. These events provide valuable information and practical tips to enhance your physical well-being.

Connecting with Financial Resources

Financial wellness is a key dimension of overall well-being that focuses on the effective management of your financial resources. It involves understanding and managing your financial situation to achieve stability, security, and financial goals. Achieving financial wellness means budgeting effectively, planning for both short-term and long-term expenses, and making informed financial decisions. It includes aspects such as managing debt, saving for future needs, and understanding financial options and resources available to you. By prioritizing financial wellness, you can reduce stress related to money matters, build a foundation for future success, and enjoy greater peace of mind, contributing positively to your overall quality of life.

Here’s how you can connect with departments that can support your financial goals:

We understand the importance of financial wellness in your overall well-being. To support your financial health and help you achieve your financial goals, we offer a variety of resources and departments:

Financial Aid Office: Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore options for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. They can help you understand and apply for financial aid, manage your financial aid package, and provide guidance on navigating funding opportunities.

Financial Coaching Department: The Financial Coaching Department is a financial outreach and educational program that is administered by the Financial Aid Department.  They offer private, confidential personal, one-on-one coaching sessions about your personal finances.  Participate in financial literacy workshops offered throughout year to learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt to improve your financial well-being.

Career Services: Career Services can offer valuable advice on managing finances related to your career, including budgeting for job-related expenses, negotiating salaries, and planning for financial stability post-graduation. They also provide resources for securing internships and part-time jobs that can help with financial planning. 

Connecting with Cultural Wellness Resources

Cultural wellness is an essential dimension of overall well-being that focuses on the enrichment and appreciation of diverse cultural experiences and identities. It involves engaging with and valuing your own cultural background as well as those of others. Achieving cultural wellness means actively exploring and respecting different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and integrating cultural understanding into your daily life. This dimension encourages participation in cultural activities, fostering a sense of identity, and building connections across diverse communities. By embracing cultural wellness, you enhance your sense of belonging, broaden your worldview, and understanding of others.

To support your cultural wellness, we offer a variety of resources to help you connect with different cultural experiences and perspectives:

Student Organizations: Join one of the many student-led organizations that provide a welcoming space for students to connect over shared cultural interests. These groups often organize cultural events, festivals, and educational programs that enrich your understanding of different cultures. 

Campus Events and Lectures: Participate in campus events and lectures that focus on cultural topics. These events are excellent opportunities to learn from experts, engage in discussions, and broaden your cultural horizons in a respectful and informative setting.