Programs and services of the UFC are open to all people eligible for membership. Unless stated otherwise, current membership to participate in Specialty programs is not required. Non-members are welcome to participate in these complementary wellness programs at the non-member rate.
How Specialty programs differ from our Group Fitness offerings
Our Specialty classes have a defined start and ending point and are often multi-week sessions, decreasing the intimidation factor of diving into an already established, on-going class. A key focus of each Specialty program is a progressive learning component so participants gain understanding in addition to activity skill-building. Additionally, some Specialty classes may be targeted towards further development of specific training methods or sports skills.
Registration
Unless indicated otherwise, registration for each program will close one-week prior to the start date.
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Specialty Classes Offered
Discover the fun of Pickleball in an engaging two-hour workshop led by Joshua Stouffer, IPTA Level One Instructional Coach. The workshop is perfect for those who are brand new to the game or looking to build a solid foundation in the basics.
The workshop includes:
- An introduction to rules and scoring
- Partner play fundamentals
- Strategy drills
- Supervised live play to apply your new skills
All equipment is provided—just bring yourself and get ready for a fun, skill-building experience,
Workshop is limited to 8 participants, so register early to secure your spot.
- Saturday, December 13 | 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – December 13
Non-Member Fee: $40 – December 13
Take your Pickleball skills to the next level with our Intermediate/Advanced workshops led by Joshua Stouffer, IPTA Level One Instructional Coach. The two-hour session is designed for players who have mastered the basics and are ready to refine their technique and expand their strategic understanding of the game.
Workshop highlights include:
- Improving consistency in serves, returns, and volleys
- Learning intermediate techniques such as dinking
- Exploring basic strategy and court positioning
- Practicing through structured drills and gameplay scenarios
All equipment is provided—just bring yourself and get ready for a fun, skill-building experience.
The workshop is limited to 8 participants, so register early to reserve your spot.
- Saturday, November 15 | 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – November 15
Non-Member Fee: $40 – November 15
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week, evidence-based course developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD at the UMass Medical School in 1979. The primary aim is to develop self-regulatory skills that can be applied in everyday life.
Through experiential learning, class discussion, and daily mindfulness practices, participants will learn and refine a range of skills that support the ability to respond versus react to daily stressors.
Each session consists of eight weekly classes and a day-long silent retreat. An orientation class is held prior to the start of each eight-week session to provide details of the program. The orientation class is provided at no cost and you are welcome to attend regardless of your commitment to follow through with the eight-week program.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DETAILS
Fall session – 2025:
- Orientation: Monday, Sept. 8 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- 8-week session: Mondays, Sept. 15-Nov. 13 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- Silent retreat: Saturday, Oct. 25 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Winter session – 2026:
- Orientation: Monday, Jan. 26 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- 8-week session: Mondays, Feb. 2-Mar. 23 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- Silent retreat: Saturday, Mar. 14 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
TUITION
- Full tuition: $300
- Students, resident physicians and MBSR alumni: $200
*Scholarships are available upon request
* Each eight-week session includes a day-long silent retreat.
CME/CEU credits are available for physicians, psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and nurses.
- Penn State College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per individual class. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- Penn State is an approved provider as defined by Pa. Code Sections 47.36(a)(3), 48.36(a)(3), and 49.36(a)(3). Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors licensed by the state of Pennsylvania can earn 2.5 clock hours of continuing education for completing each class session.
- Continuing Education credits have been approved for licensed psychologists. Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Full attendance at the sessions and evaluation of each individual session attended is required to receive CE credit for psychologists. Partial credit will not be awarded. Late arrivals or early departures will preclude awarding of CE credits.
This comprehensive workshop is designed for women aged 35 and older who want to better understand and manage symptoms from perimenopause through post-menopause. Led by Anne Jamison, the sessions will cover a wide range of topics including:
- Joint pain (including frozen shoulder)
- Heart health
- Stress and sleep
- Weight management
- Mood swings
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Food and beverage choices
- Supplements
- Appropriate movement
- And more
Instructor: Anne Jamison, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (Institute for Integrative Nutrition), Certified Nutrition Coach and Certified Personal Trainer (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Workshop dates and times:
- Tuesday, October 7: noon-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 14: 6-7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18: 10-11 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – October 7
Non-Member Fee: $40 – October 7
UFC Member Fee: $25 – October 14
Non-Member Fee: $40 – October 14
UFC Member Fee: $25 – October 18
Non-Member Fee: $40 – October 18
Are you looking to reverse a pre-diabetes diagnosis or better manage Type II diabetes? Join Anne Jamison for a series of informative workshops covering key topics such as:
- Food and nutrition
- Reading nutrition labels
- Healthy beverage choices
- Blood sugar management
- Physical activity
- Small, sustainable lifestyle changes
Instructor: Anne Jamison, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (Institute for Integrative Nutrition), Certified Nutrition Coach and Certified Personal Trainer (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Workshop dates and times:
- Tuesday, November 11: noon-1 p.m.
- Saturday, November 15: 10-11 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 18: 6-7 p.m.
- Fee: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – November 11
Non-Member Fee: $40 – November 11
UFC Member Fee: $25 – November 15
Non-Member Fee: $40 – November 15
UFC Member Fee: $25 – November 18
Non-Member Fee: $40 – November 18
Looking for the perfect balance of mobility and flexibility? This energizing 4-week series blends the power of the Pilates Reformer with the restorative benefits of foam rolling for self-myofascial release. Each session is designed to stretch, strengthen and awaken your body’s natural alignment and flow.
Limited to just three participants.
Session 1: Lunchtime Series – Sold Out – Returning Early 2026
- Dates: Oct. 23-Nov. 20 (no class on November 6)
- Day/Time: Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Jen Price
- Fee: $125 for UFC Members | $140 for Non-Members
Session 2: Morning Series – Sold Out – Returning Early 2026
- Dates: Oct. 23-Nov. 20 (no class on November 6)
- Dates: November 12 – December 3
- Day/Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 a.m.
- Instructor: Jen Price
- Fee: $125 for UFC Members | $140 for Non-Members
Registration and Payment
Both sessions are full, returning early 2026
Session 1 – Lunchtime Series
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
Session 2 – Morning Series
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
Want to swing more efficiently, hit more consistent shots, and generate greater power to drive the ball farther? These upcoming workshops are designed to help golfers of all ages and skill levels elevate their game. Each participant will receive a golf-specific exercise handout.
Women’s Workshop
Focus Areas:
- Learn warm-up and flexibility exercises tailored to golf to help reduce injury risk
- Master strength-building techniques to improve drive distance and swing consistency
- Enhance your routine with core exercises that challenge balance and control
Ready to level up your game? Sign up now and start swinging with more power, control and confidence!
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
- Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Rob Mikesell
Registration and Payment
Women’s Workshop UFC Member Fee: $25
Women’s Workshop Non-Member Fee: $40
Men’s Workshop
Focus Areas:
- Use dumbbells and resistance tubing for golf-specific strength training to add distance and power
- Incorporate core exercises to improve balance and swing control
- Discover how these exercises can boost stamina and reduce injury risk
Ready to unlock your full potential on the course? Reserve your spot now and start building strength, control and confidence.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
- Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Rob Mikesell
Registration and Payment
Men’s Workshop UFC Member Fee: $25
Men’s Workshop Non-Member Fee: $40
Do you want to start running or be able to run a 5k without having to stop and walk?
Are you already an avid runner looking to improve your running time and technique?
Grab your running shoes and register for this treadmill-based workshop. Participants will start by running their current best mile pace allowing Rachel to determine which of two specific training programs, 5k to Finish Line or 5k to Win, will set you up for race success. You will leave the workshop with a structured training plan to use during weeks leading up to your race. Each plan culminates prior to an upcoming local 5k race with the option to register and participate as a group.
Local Races:
- The Frosty 5 (December 6, at Hoffer Park)
- Santa Shuffle 5k (December 13, at City Island)
Workshop dates and times:
- Thursday, October 23 | 6 p.m.
- Sunday, November 2 | 9 a.m.
- Instructor: Rachel Raby
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
Registration and Payment
October 23, Workshop:
UFC Member Fee: $25
Non-Member Fee: $40
November 2, Workshop:
UFC Member Fee: $25
Non-Member Fee: $40
- Specialty classes take a holistic approach to physical activity at the University Fitness Center. You can expect a progressive learning and skill-building experience over a multi-week session.
- We are unable to issue any refunds, regardless of circumstances, unless the program or session is cancelled.
- Program and class information is communicated exclusively through email and the University Fitness Center’s Facebook page.