Sonoma State University

January 2026 Employee Wellness Newsletter

Whether you are looking for ways to recharge, stay active or simply take a moment for yourself, this month’s wellness offerings are here to support you with flexibility, encouragement, and community.

Yoga and Pilates Classes

Lunchtime yoga and pilates classes are open to all experience levels and are a great opportunity to meet employees from other units, while also taking a break to stretch and have a midday reset. Please join us in Ives 80 from 12:05 to 12:55pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Yoga mats are available.

  • Mondays: Pilates
  • Wednesdays: Meditative Yoga
  • Thursdays: Meditative Yoga 

Couch to 5K Training!

Please join our 45-minute Couch to 5K Training with Yavé Guzman Valdez (bio)! Training is held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Arbor and Lakes from 12:05 to 12:50pm, beginning January 13, 2026. All levels are welcome, from beginners to intermediate as well as advanced runners looking for some extra workouts.

Suggested items to bring with you: A pair of good running shoes, comfortable clothing to run in, water, post-run snack, and a yoga mat. 

Wellness Webinars

Kaiser Permanente is offering a range of wellness webinars open to all employees, regardless of your health plan. Most sessions are available on-demand for six months after the live stream, with the exception of the Calm Meditation Sessions, which are only available live.

  • Move It Mondays
    These 30-minute classes are designed to boost both your body and your mind and are available for all fitness levels. These classes will include a gentle warm-up, energizing movement, and a cool down. 
    • Date: January 5 & 19, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
    • Register
     
  • Fitting it in: Tips for Being a Regular Exerciser 
    Our days can feel overwhelming. We struggle to find time to focus on what is most important. The good news is, being available for well-being does not have to be another chore. Time spent at the gym working out is great, but consider working our bodies at every opportunity….as a LIFESTYLE! Being thoughtful about creating attitudes and habits we can practice indefinitely.
    • Date: January 13, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Body Harmony
    Successful weight management is more than just cutting calories. Today's webinar invites you to discover how setting realistic goals, coming up with an action plan and practicing new skills over time will help you gain confidence to manage your weight successfully.
    • Date: January 15, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Workday Recharge
    Discover simple, energizing fitness moves you can easily incorporate into your workday to boost focus, strength, and overall wellbeing.
    • Date: January 21, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Ergo Hacks for Your Neck, Shoulders and Wrists
    Learn about physical risk factors with prolonged sitting, identify workstation set-up errors that can cause pain, improve your workstation ergonomics, practice exercises to prevent neck, shoulder, and wrist pain, and understand how to communicate your needs when under stress, to reduce injury risk.
    • Date: January 22, 2026
    • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
    • Register
     
  • Workday Warrior: Desk Strengthen and Stretch
    • Date: January 26, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

Join for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.

  • January 14, 2026 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
  • January 28, 2026 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event

Local Opportunities to Get Moving

Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has once again secured exclusive discount codes for local running events featuring distances for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or wanting to try something new, you are invited to join us and walk, run or even skip your way to the finish line.

Please email [email protected] for the promo codes.

Campus Recreation Center

Employees now have access to the Campus Recreation Center! This initiative promotes physical and mental wellbeing by providing employees access to the outstanding fitness, recreational, and wellness resources available on campus, while also creating opportunities to connect and build community with one another outside of work spaces. More information about the Rec Center’s facilities, classes, and hours of operation can be found at Campus Recreation’s Rec Portal. Instructions for activating your employee access are available on our website.

Faculty/Staff Basketball Group:

Interested in joining a faculty/staff basketball group to play in the Rec Center on Mondays at 5:15pm and Thursdays at noon? Contact Mike Dominguez directly at [email protected] with any questions or to join!