Tom Morris, director of Mesalands’ Health and Wellness Facility, demonstrates a few reps on the LatPulldown exercise machine.

 
 Mesalands Community College has taken its Health and Wellness Facility to a new level with the addition of Tom Morris as the new director of the facility.  Morris who is a former  assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Illinois football team and the Chicago Bulls, has most recently worked in Albuquerque where he was the fitness director for Central New Mexico Community College for 16 years.

He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Club Coach with USA Weightlifting.

He also has experience working with such special conditions as lower back pain, diabetes, orthopedic injuries, high blood pressure and older adults.

He is quick to tell people that he is eager to assist individuals in designing an exercise program that fits one’s personal goals and needs.
“My door is always open, and I invite the community to stop in and visit to discuss individual health, wellness and fitness needs,”  Morris said. 
The recently enlarged and modernized facility at Mesalands offers a wide assortment of equipment and services that can be used when the individual is able to exercise, at any time of the day, any day of the week.

A new MCC course being offered on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Sept. 29-Oct. 20 will give students the opportunity to get assistance designing an exercise program to fit their specific needs.

In HPE 123, Personal Training Assessment, students will assess their muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and body composition. Based on a student’s assessment, Morris will design and implement a systematic, goal-oriented exercise program.   Follow-up sessions with Morris will be available.

Another program, HPE 100, gives students access to the facility 24/7. 

This is an ideal class for those who want to “quick-start” into an independent exercise program, Morris said.

For more information about the new programs and the Mesalands Health and Wellness Facility call 461-4413.