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 do these 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
This specialty class will be focused on developing a solid basketball skill foundation, or building on the foundation you already have. This 4-week class will focus on basketball skills such as shooting, dribbling, attacking the basket, and strength training that can be used to help you become a better overall basketball player. Spots will be limited to eight participants to ensure hands-on instruction.
- Thursdays: 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
- September 26 – October 17
- October 31 – November 21
- $45 for UFC Members; $60 for Non-Members
- Instructor, Alex Singer
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Balance plays an important part in daily living and overall well-being. Have you worried about your balance and want to learn how to reduce the risk of injury? This introductory workshop is perfect for you and will cover:
- Foundational balance exercises
- How to test and improve your balance
- Improvement of overall mobility and stability
- Fall prevention & safety tips
This workshop is suitable for people of any age looking to gain better balance and improve their coordination. Balance is important in everyday life, whether it be carrying groceries inside, taking the stairs, or playing pickleball. As we age, our balance and coordination decrease, with studies showing balance can start to decrease around 50 years old. Training balance can improve joint mobility and stability, decrease risk of injury, and increase coordination. During this workshop we will cover exercises such as bodyweight squats, step routines, single leg activities, and many more that you can easily do at home. Come learn how to improve your balance to benefit the whole body.
- Thursday September 26: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday October 8: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
- Thursday November 14: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- *Same workshop offered multiple times
- $25 for UFC Members; $40 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Lindsay McFeaters
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Did you know that cognitive decline is almost twice as common among adults who are inactive as compared to those who are active?
The brain is the most important organ in the body. According to the CDC, 1 in 9 people over the age of 45 have subjective cognitive decline. However, studies show there is approximately a 20-30 % lower risk of depression and dementia for adults participating in daily physical activity.
Brain Health through Fitness will educate participants about the aging brain and how specific types of exercise assist in combatting cognitive decline in this 6-week session, you will learn:
- How exercise improves blood flow leading to better brain health
- How exercise reduces inflammation and stress
- Learn what intensity and how much exercise you need to positively impact brain function
- Come away with exercises that will not only help increase balance, flexibility, and strength, but also improve agility and reaction time
It is never too late to start exercising to improve your body or brain and this class will help get you started safely on the path to better brain health. Come learn more about this upcoming class at the FREE info session!
- Wednesdays
- Information Session: October 2 at 5:00 p.m.
- 6-Week Session: October 16 – November 20
- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- $70 for UFC Members; $85 for Non-Members
- Instructor, Rob Mikesell
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This class will focus on opening the body by holding poses for a longer number of breaths to bring awareness and grounding into your practice. By intentionally holding each pose, rhythmically breathing through each pose, you are able to bring presence of mind. Carefully selected poses will be practiced to release tension in mind and body while addressing common areas of physical achiness and diminished flexibility. Participants will also be guided through an extended meditative state to close your practice and be more at peace when you leave. Harmonious ambient music will accompany the class. This class is suitable for all levels.
- Mondays: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- 4-Week Session: October 21 – November 11
- $45 for UFC Members; $60 for Non-Members
- Instructor, Sandy Wagner
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Join our introductory/beginner Pickleball workshops instructed by Stouffer, IPTPA Level One Instructional Coach. Enjoy an exciting, accessible two-hour workshop designed for those who have never played before or those who want to learn the basic fundamentals. We will cover the rules, scoring, how to play with a partner, strategy drills, and follow-up with supervised live play. All equipment is provided. Just bring yourself for a fantastic fun-filled learning experience. Each workshop is limited to eight people so register today for one of these upcoming dates.
- Saturdays: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- October 12
- November 16
- December 14
- Each workshop: $25 for UFC Members; $40 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Joshua Stouffer
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Penn State Health Mindfulness Programs
We live in a world that has become increasingly distracted. Many of us are juggling busy schedules, trying to keep up with the demands of work or family life. In the face of stress or pain we may find ourselves coping in ways that do more harm than good. Mindfulness offers a different way to meet the challenges that arise in our lives. It is a practice that is beautifully simple and practical, and yet also a radical departure from our mainstream way of living.
Reasons to practice mindfulness are as varied and personal as our individual lives. Over 40 years of scientific evidence shows the effectiveness of mindfulness for stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, among other problems. Better yet, these practices have been shown to enhance quality of life for healthy people. We can all benefit from building these time-honored practices in our modern lives.
Regardless of our motivations, mindfulness offers each and every one of us an opportunity to know ourselves better, so that we might live fuller lives, with less stress and more joy. See which Mindfulness Program at Penn State Health is right for you today.
Upcoming MBSR session on Zoom:
- Session dates: September 16 – November 4
- Orientation: Monday September 9: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday Retreat: October 26: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Course Fees: $300, $200 for Students, Resident Physicians, or MBSR Alumni
- Instructors: Tim Riley, MD & Shelly Ungemach, MSW, LSW
The Alexander Technique is a form of movement re-education that has been around for over 125 years. Developed by F.M. Alexander (1869-1955), it is a way of unlearning harmful habits of movement and posture. When these unconscious habits are not addressed and left unchecked, they gradually and continually come to distort the body and mind. By learning how to not interfere with the body’s natural coordination the Alexander Technique fosters long-term change.
Benefits of this workshop include lessening of daily aches and pains, improved posture and alignment, a better sense of balance and body awareness, increased confidence and well-being, and freedom and ease in movement.
- Thursday October 17
- 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
- $25 for UFC Members; $40 for Non-Members
- Instructor, Joe Schaefer
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This Women’s Health and Wellness Program is a transformative experience aimed at optimizing well-being and embracing feminine strength. Some benefits participants will receive include:
- Education on pre and post-menopausal health and pelvic floor anatomy
- Learn practical tools and exercises for maintaining pelvic health
- Experience a variety of activities tailored to women such as Kegel exercises as well as exercises for balance, core strength, and posture
Ladies, come gain valuable knowledge to improve your health and wellness throughout many life stages in this 6-week session.
- Thursdays: 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
- 6-Week Session: October 3 – November 7
- $70 for UFC Members; $85 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Shruti Ramekar
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Is your body ready to play pickleball? This workshop will teach how to properly warm up for play, preventive measures to reduce your risk from injury, core building exercises, specific Pickleball strengthening exercises, as well as cool down and flexibility techniques.
- Saturday October 26
- 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
- $25 for UFC Members; $40 for Non-Members
- Instructors: Rob Mikesell & Lindsay McFeaters
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Did you know Joseph Pilates originally designed his exercise method to help rehabilitate wounded soldiers? Only after he came to the U.S. and dancers discovered the therapeutic tendencies of the Pilates method did it become popular with women. We’re taking this class back to its roots. Join Lori for an athletic Pilates mixed equipment class limited to six men (or wo-men) only. Build your stability, stretch, and strength all in one class guaranteed to make you work!
- Mondays: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- 6-Week Session: September 30 – November 4
- $160 for UFC Members; $175 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Lori Chubb
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Matwork is a crucial component in the Pilates Method, using bodyweight and a mat to complete exercises designed to challenge control, coordination, concentration – hallmarks of the Pilates Method. Come experience the Pilates difference in this invigorating 8-week session with Lori. This class is open to all levels as exercise modifications will be given when appropriate.
- Thursdays: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- 8-Week Session: September 26 – November 14
- $95 for UFC Members; $110 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Lori Chubb
Sold out! Contact the UFC for waitlist.
New to Pilates and intrigued by the Pilates Reformer? This brand new 4-week class will introduce you to the benefits of the popular Pilates Reformer apparatus starting first with basic and introductory exercises in the classical Pilates system. This class series is designed for those who have little to no prior Pilates Reformer experience. Our class will be limited to only three participants, meaning each participant will get important corrections as well as hands-on instruction. Come build a better body with strong foundations.
- 4-Week Session: $125 for UFC Members; $140 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Jen Price
Join Jen for this 6-week session featuring beginner to intermediate level exercises from the classical Pilates system. This session of classes will be limited to only three participants, meaning each participant will benefit from the combination of group comradery and hands-on corrections in the small group atmosphere. Participants should have a basic understanding of Pilates Reformer exercises from either participation in the Pilates Reformer Fundamentals class or private Pilates sessions.
- Wednesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 a.m.
- 6-Week Session: October 9 – November 13
- $185 for UFC Members; $200 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Jen Price
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Are you ready to take charge of your personal safety? This introductory workshop is a great first step! We will engage in discussion and training on how to avoid and de-escalate dangerous encounters. You will gain a better understanding of how these situations can unfold and develop awareness on how to minimize them. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. This class will be limited to 12 participants.
- Saturday November 16
- 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- $25 for UFC Members; $40 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Andres Gutierrez
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- 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.