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Older adults participate in a fitness class at Penn State Health's University Fitness Center in Hershey, PA. The group members are seen holding dumbbells.

Specialty Classes

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

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Expand answer

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

  • Orientation: Monday, Sept. 8 | 6-8:30 p.m.
  • 8-week course: Mondays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3 | 6-8:30 p.m.
  • Retreat: Saturday, Oct. 25 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

TUITION

  • Benefactor: $600 – To support those with a financial need
  • Full tuition: $500 – Scholarships are available upon request
  • Students, residents and MBSR alumns: $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.

Learn more about MSBR and register online

Nutrition Workshop: Women’s Health & Menopause Expand answer

A program for women ages 30 and beyond wanting to manage peri-menopause, menopause, stress and excessive weight gain.

  1. Hot flashes
  2. Mood swings
  3. Hormone replacement therapy
  4. Stress reduction
  5. Weight management
  6. Meaningful movement
  • Tuesday, June 24: 11 a.m. – noon
  • Fee: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
  • Instructor: Anne Jamison, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

Registration and Payment

UFC Member Fee: $25

 

Non-Member Fee: $40

 

Pilates Matwork – All Levels Expand answer

Matwork is a crucial component in the Pilates Method, using bodyweight and a mat to complete specific exercises. Challenge your control, coordination, and concentration – hallmarks of the Pilates Method – and target those pesky deep core muscles. If you think your core is already strong, come feel 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. All participants from beginners to experts will be challenged within their own limits.

  • 8-Week Session
  • Thursdays, 5-6 p.m.
  • March 27-May 15
  • Instructor, Lori Chubb
  • Fee: UFC Members: $95 | Non-Members: $110

Registration and Payment

UFC Member Fee: $95

 

Non-Member Fee: $110

 

University Fitness Center Specialty Class Policy Expand answer
  • 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.