B Well

Wellness at Bates isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about the basics like sleep, breath, nourishment, and movement, all the things that quietly support everything else you do. B Well exists to support those foundations in ways that are realistic, optional, and human.

Our Philosophy: At Bates, we define wellness as a process rather than a destination. It’s about awareness, and small, active steps toward physical, mental, and emotional health. That definition matters because it leaves room for real life. Some weeks you have capacity. Some weeks you don’t. Both are normal and we strive to honor that.

Quick Links:

Space to Move (Facilities)

Bates provides free access to fitness facilities to all faculty and staff. Whether you need a structured workout or just a place to move after a long day, these spaces are yours.

- - Merrill Gymnasium: Indoor track, aerobic room, and Tarbell Pool.
  - Davis Fitness Center: Full weight room and functional training (Underhill Arena).
  - Tarbell Pool: A great resource for swimmers or those looking for aquatic activities. Pool Info/Hours
  - Locker Program: Reduce the barrier of bringing a gym bag every day. We provide lockers and locks for employees on-site. Space is limited; contact Dale Plummer at dplummer2@bates.edu to inquire.
  - Facility Tours: Not sure where to go? Mike Milliken offers personal tours. Email mmillike@bates.edu.

Live Group Classes

Our classes are intentionally inclusive with no fitness baseline required, and modifications are always encouraged. Challenge by choice!

High Energy: B Well Boot Camp, Cardio Dance, Zumba, and Pilates
Mind & Body: Yoga, Qi Gong, and Weekly Meditation
Quick Reset: Stretch and Go (15-minute sessions to relieve tension without a full outfit change).
Format: Classes are held in-person, via Zoom, or Hybrid. Check the B Well Calendar for today’s links.

Exploration & Inspiration

Wellness happens just as often on a trail or in a gallery as it does in a gym.

Lost Valley Ski Resort: Show your Bates ID for free lift tickets. Family members receive a 15% discount.
Bates Morse Mountain: A 600-acre coastal conservation area in Phippsburg with private beach access. Plan your visit.
Ladd Library Passes: Check out free vehicle passes for Maine State Parks, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and the Maine Wildlife Park.
On-Campus Outdoors: Explore Bates’ outdoor walking and fitness routes.

On-Demand & Digital Tools

Can’t make a live session? Use our digital partnerships to stay active at home or on the go.

F45 Training App: Access follow-along workouts, stretching, and nutrition tips. Download the app and sign up with your @bates.edu email to unlock free access. App Store | Google Play.
Wellable: Our habit-tracking platform. Access an array of healthy recipes and “On-Demand” meditations. Earn points and climb the Bates leaderboard. Log in with Bates ID.
Mike’s YouTube Library: Access a massive playlist of at-home, follow-along workouts curated by our in-house coach.

Resilience & Support

Bates provides employees with programs that are designed to address the unique mental, physical, and emotional demands placed on caregivers, while also providing additional tools to prevent burnout, build lasting resilience, and offer immediate support.

Care for the Caregiver: Monthly support group. 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 PM. Zoom Link.
Resources for Living (EAP): 24/7 confidential support. Call: 888-238-6232 or visit resourcesforliving.com (User: 4Bates / Pass: bwell)
Meditation & Qi Gong: Weekly sessions found on the B Well Calendar.

Nourishment

By focusing on how to empower employees to make healthier food choices through education, access, and support, we can foster a culture of wellness that boosts productivity and reduces health risks.

CSA Partnerships: Local Maine farm shares. Details here.
Wellable Recipes: Access hundreds of healthy meal ideas via the Wellable App.
Salad Bar Discount: Download the Wellable App, earn 500 points per day, and receive a 10 cent per ounce discount at the Den’s Salad Bar.