Women's Exercise Research Center

What is WERC?

The Women's Exercise Research Center (WERC) of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Exercise programs offers services designed to enhance well-being through exercise, nutrition and behavior modification and conducts research on exercise and women's health issues. The programs are specialized for areas of concern to women including pre/post natal, weight management, and perimenopausal issues. WERC cooperates with physicians to provide appropriate programs for medical conditions including depression, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, chronic fatigue, premenstrual tension, several forms of arthritis and orthopedic limitations. Committed to helping women achieve healthier lifestyles, WERC provides individualized services based on assessed needs and person al goals.

WERC Works! and Great Expectations Program Design

During program initiation, participants undergo a complete fitness assessment which includes determination of aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility, balance, and various tests of muscular strength and endurance. After completion of the initial f itness assessment, program participants meet three times a week. Each exercise session includes suptervised exercise participation based on individual fitness levels and personal goals. In addition to the exercise activities, each week you will receive a written lesson relative to exercise nutrition and behavioral topics (e.g. safe exercises during pregnancy, prevention of osteoporosis, making lifestyle changes). Upon completion of the program, a post-test fitness assessment is performed to determine your new fitness level. An Updated exercise prescription is provided for you to continue your commitment to exercise.

WERC Programs

Additional WERC Assessments

WERC Staff

Research Projects

Where is WERC?

WERC is located at 817 23rd Street, NW, Building K, room 110, one-half block from the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. Physical fitness assessments and some sessions are held in the Human Performance Lab located in the Smith Center for Recreation and Athletics, 2 2nd and G Streets, NW.

To make an appointment call (202) 994-6927 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We can also be reached via e-mail.