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Thrive@Russell Sage, a team of employees who promote well-being for the entire Russell Sage community, will host a Wellness Break Day on October 13, 2026, for employees of both Russell Sage and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the college’s merger partner.
The day includes activities on Russell Sage’s Albany and Troy campuses. Employees are asked to register online for the activities they would like to attend. Capacity is limited at some of the activities.
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE ALBANY CAMPUS EVENTS
Open Pickleball
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Versa Court by Kahl Campus Center: Equipment will be available for the duration of the day (net, paddles, and pickleballs).
Essential Oils Raindrop Technique
9 a.m., Kahl Campus Center, Room 224: Relaxing wellness experience that combines gentle massage techniques with the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Participants will be introduced to a series of light, soothing techniques designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Join Ruth for a hands-on wellness session exploring essential oils, including the calming Stress Away blend, and an introduction to the Raindrop Technique, which pairs aromatic oils with gentle touch. You’ll leave with practical, everyday tools for staying above your personal wellness line and building a wellness toolbox you can actually use.
Learn more about 211
9 a.m., Kahl Campus Center, Room 224: Dialing 211 connects you to a free, confidential helpline that links people with local community, social, and government resources.
CDPHP Tabling
9 a.m., in front of the Administration Building: Come learn more about your individual and family health plans!
Mat Pilates
9:30 a.m., Science 101: Beginner-friendly Mat Pilates class. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Pilates while focusing on core strength, balance, posture, and controlled movement. No prior Pilates experience is required. Mat will be provided!
Meditation Bus
10 a.m. to noon in front of the Administration Building: A former school bus converted into a mobile wellness and meditation space by creator Kayla Kraft. Gutted interior equipped with vinyl flooring, subway tile walls, lighting, heating, generator power, and essential oil diffusers. Accommodates up to six participants per session. You must sign-up for a slot in advance.
Yoga
11 a.m., Science 101: Participants will learn the fundamentals of yoga, including basic poses, breathing techniques, balance, flexibility, and relaxation. No prior yoga experience is required. Mats will be provided!
Virtual Trivia
11 a.m. and 3 p.m.: Join us for a fun and interactive pop culture trivia session! Log on from wherever you are, and compete while connecting with fellow coworkers. No experience necessary. There will be prizes!
Introduction to Strength Training
12:30 p.m., Armory FitStop: Beginner-friendly class introduces participants to the fundamentals of strength training, including proper exercise technique, equipment use, and basic workout principles. Participants will learn how to safely perform a variety of exercises while working toward improved strength, endurance, and overall fitness. No prior strength-training experience is required.
CDPHP Workshop Effective-Empowering Communication
1 p.m., Kahl Campus Center, Room 224: Stress can get in the way of effective communication, often leading to conflict and further anxiety or misunderstandings. Join certified stress consultant Barbara Stevens to learn practical techniques designed to help you engage in communication in an empowering and successful manner.
Introduction to Spin
3 p.m., ACPHS Fitness Center: Instructor will go over the basics with every participant before class begins, each person will be individually set up on their bike for class as the bikes are custom fit per person’s body type!
Capital Roots Veggie Mobile
3:30 to 4:30 p.m., front of the Administration Building: The Capital Roots Veggie Mobile brings fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables directly to the community. Stop by to shop for healthy produce, learn more about nutritious food choices, and support local access to fresh and healthy foods. It’s a convenient way to add a little more wellness to your day!
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE TROY CAMPUS EVENTS
Open Gym
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Robison Gym: Take some time during the day to shoot some baskets with coworkers! There will be a basketball provided!
Esports
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., McKinstry Student Center: Game systems include Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360.
Winter Blues: Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Seasonal Changes with CDPHP
9 a.m., Shea Learning Center: Learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – it’s definition, symptoms, timeline, and distinction from “winter blues.” Licensed Mental Health Counselor Carly Samach will cover practical strategies to help combat SAD, as well as how organizations and communities can adapt to seasonal changes, fostering an environment of understanding and inclusivity.
Mat Pilates
9:30 a.m., McKinstry 206: Beginner-friendly Mat Pilates class. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Pilates while focusing on core strength, balance, posture, and controlled movement. No prior Pilates experience is required. Mats will be provided!
Yoga
11 a.m., McKinstry 206: Participants will learn the fundamentals of yoga, including basic poses, breathing techniques, balance, flexibility, and relaxation. No prior yoga experience is required. Mats will be provided!
Virtual Trivia
11 a.m. and 3 p.m.: Join us for a fun and interactive pop culture trivia session! Log on from wherever you are, and compete while connecting with fellow coworkers. No experience necessary. There will be prizes!
Strength Training
Noon, McKinstry Fitness Center: Beginner-friendly class introduces participants to the fundamentals of strength training, including proper exercise technique, equipment use, and basic workout principles. Participants will learn how to safely perform a variety of exercises while working toward improved strength, endurance, and overall fitness. No prior strength-training experience is required.
Meditation Bus
1 to 3 p.m., Troy campus: A former school bus converted into a mobile wellness and meditation space by creator Kayla Kraft. Gutted interior equipped with vinyl flooring, subway tile walls, lighting, heating, generator power, and essential oil diffusers. Accommodates up to six participants per session.
Essential Oils Raindrop Technique
2 p.m., Shea Learning Center: Relaxing wellness experience that combines gentle massage techniques with the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Participants will be introduced to a series of light, soothing techniques designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Join Ruth for a hands-on wellness session exploring essential oils, including the calming Stress Away blend, and an introduction to the Raindrop Technique, which pairs aromatic oils with gentle touch. You’ll leave with practical, everyday tools for staying above your personal wellness line and building a wellness toolbox you can actually use.
Learn more about 211
2 p.m., Shea Learning Center: Dialing 211 connects you to a free, confidential helpline that links people with local community, social, and government resources.
Zumba Fitness
3 p.m., Robison Gym: Fun, energetic, beginner-friendly dance fitness class that combines easy-to-follow movements with upbeat Latin and international music. No dance experience is necessary! Participants will learn basic Zumba steps while enjoying a full-body cardio workout designed to improve endurance, coordination, and overall wellness.
Throughout the Day on Both Campuses
Relaxation Room, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wellness Centers: Open sessions over the duration of the day! Enjoy a relaxing massage in our glorious massage chair!
CDPHP Cycles: Available all day! Come learn more about the CDPHP cycles and the benefits available to you as employees. Cycles are located in front of the Administration Building in Albany and the corner of First and Ferry streets in Troy.
Lunch provided by Thrive@Russell Sage: Gozzo Student Center at ACPHS or McKinstry in Troy.
Workout with a friend, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Albany FitStop or McKinstry Fitness Center in Troy: You must have a workout buddy to participate.
Walk with your coworkers! Stroll around the campus, maybe find a local shop to hang out in!
The Great Game Scavenger Hunt: Fun, interactive campus-wide event bringing staff and students from Russell Sage College and ACPHS together for teamwork, exploration, and friendly competition. Participants will work in teams to complete creative challenges, solve clues, and discover different locations across campus.