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
Free Introductory Session on Brain Wellness
Your brain is your most vital organ—but did you know it needs a specific kind of exercise to stay strong and resilient throughout your life?
- Is your brain aging faster than it should?
- Do you experience memory gaps or brain fog?
- Are you feeling overstressed by work, family, or daily life?
- Could you be doing more to protect your brain?
Join us for this special FREE class to get your questions answered and learn more about the upcoming 4-week course, ‘Brain Health for Everyone’, class starting in March.
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Fee: FREE
- Instructor: Rob Mikesell
Registration
Email Rob at rfm6@psu.edu to sign up for this special session.
The most important organ in the body needs its own focus
Come learn specific exercises designed and sequenced to build a healthier, more resilient brain in this 4-week session.
- Learn specific multi-joint, multi-planar exercises that will improve your brain fitness.
- Determine the intensity and amount of exercise you need for a healthier brain.
- Discover how exercise reduces brain inflammation and amyloid plaques, which contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Understand the role between diet and exercise to create a healthier brain.
It’s never too early—or too late—to adjust your fitness routine and improve your brain’s longevity.
- 4-Week session
- Mar. 4-26
- Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $45 | Non-Members: $60
- Instructor: Rob Mikesell
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $45
Non-Member Fee: $60
6-Week Support and Education Series for Cancer Survivors
This program supports individuals during or after cancer treatment by promoting whole-body wellness. Each week includes group discussions and educational sessions on key wellness topics such as community, sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise. Participants receive handouts, practical tips and tools to build healthy habits in a supportive setting, all aimed at improving quality of life during recovery and survivorship. A friend or family member may join to learn alongside participants and strengthen their ability to help their loved one.
- 6-Week Session
- Thursdays: 6-7 p.m.
- March 5-April 9
- $70 for UFC Members | $85 for Non-Members | $25 for Support Person
- Instructor: Julia McAlexander, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and is certified as an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Cancer Exercise Specialist. She is also a Certified Natural Health Practitioner (CNHP), Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (CHHP) and Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP).
Registration and Payment
UFC Members: $70
Non-Members: $85
Support Person: $25
Enjoy an exciting 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 to immediately put these newfound skills to use. All equipment is provided. Each workshop is limited to eight people so register today for one of these upcoming dates.
- Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- March 7
- May 9
- Fee per workshop: UFC Member: $25 | Non-Member: $40
- Instructor: Joshua Stouffer, is an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Level One Instructional Coach.
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – March 7
Non-Member Fee: $40 – March 7
UFC Member Fee: $25 – May 9
Non-Member Fee: $40 – May 9
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
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.
If you’re curious about the spring resistance utilized on the popular Pilates Reformer and Tower apparatus, or if traditional private Pilates training is not an affordable option for you – this is the perfect solution. Our class will be limited to only three participants, meaning each participant will benefit from hands-on instruction within a small group atmosphere. Come build a better body with the fundamentals – the Pilates way.
- 4-Week session
- January 21-February 11
- Wednesday mornings: 5:30-6:30 a.m.
- Fee: $125 for UFC Members | $140 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and payment
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
Golfers, we know you are gearing up to hit the green but what have you done during the winter off-season to stay in top form? Before you tee off on the upcoming season join Jen for this small group equipment class utilizing Pilates equipment for golf specific movements to strengthen your core, decrease muscular imbalances, and improve flexibility to power you through the summer! Limited to only three participants.
- 4-Week Session
- Wednesday Mornings: 5:30 – 6:30 a.m.
- March 4-25
- UFC Members: $125 | Non-Members: $140
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and Payment
UFC Members: $125
Non-Members: $140
Join Jen for a different kind of March Madness – the Pilates version. In the Pilates community, each day of March represents an exercise (or for some days two exercises) from Joseph Pilates original “Return to Life” matwork order. Each week we will break down the daily exercises for that week. By the conclusion of March, you will be able to take this multi-level mat order anywhere your mat takes you. This class is open to all levels. Advanced exercises will include modifications so everyone can participate and enjoy the fun.
- 4-Week Session
- Thursdays: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- March 5-26
- Fee: UFC Members: $45 | Non-Members: $60
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $45
Non-Member Fee: $60
Are you bored with Pilates matwork? In this 90-minute workshop we’ll explore how the use of small, inexpensive props such as a foam roller, Power Circle, and resistance bands can add an extra layer of intensity to classic Pilates exercises. Pilates experience is recommended.
- Saturdays: 9:30-11 a.m.
- February 21
- May 2
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – February 21
Non-Member Fee: $40 – February 21
UFC Member Fee: $25 – May 2
Non-Member Fee: $40 – May 2
Looking for the perfect blend between mobility and flexibility? Look no further. This 4-week series will use the Pilates Reformer to stretch and strengthen before incorporating the foam roller for self-myofascial release. You’ll leave class feeling rejuvenated, restored and moving with better awareness. Limited to only three participants.
Morning Series:
- Wednesdays, April 8-29 (4-weeks)
- 5:30-6:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $125 | Non-Members: $140
- Instructor: Jen Price
Lunchtime Series:
- Thursdays, January 29-February 19 (4-weeks)
- Thursdays, April 9-30 (4-weeks)
- 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Fee for each series: UFC Members: $125 | Non-Members: $140
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and Payment
Morning Series
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
Lunchtime Series – January
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
Lunchtime Series – April
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? Open to all ages and skill levels, these workshops will focus on gender-specific aspects to help you elevate your game. Each participant will receive a golf-specific exercise handout.
Men’s Workshop
Focus Areas:
- Use dumbbells and resistance tubing for golf-specific strength training to add distance and power to your shots
- Incorporate core strengthening exercises for improved balance and swing control
- Experience how these exercises will improve your stamina and reduce the risk of injury
Ready to unlock your full potential on the course? Reserve your spot now and start building strength, control and confidence.
- Date: Saturday, January 24
- 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
Women’s Workshop
Focus Areas:
- Learn golf-specific warm-up and flexibility exercises to reduce risk of injury
- Master specific strength exercises to improve your drives off the tee and swing consistency
- Supplement your routine with core strengthening exercises to challenge balance and control
Ready to level up your game? Sign up now and start swinging with more power, control and confidence.
- Date: Saturday, February 7
- 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
Do your daily activities require a combination of strength and speed? Are you a recreational or competitive athlete looking for more explosiveness and quicker reaction timing in your sport? Plyometric training has become an integral part of functional and sport-specific training as it increases neuromuscular performance through muscle activation and the stretch reflex within a particular range of motion. This high intensity 75-minute workshop will cover a combination of strength and jumping movement patterns for optimal power development. You will leave with tools to incorporate plyometric training into your regular fitness program to increase mobility, decrease pain and withstand the forces of everyday life and sport.
To ensure proper assessment of each participant’s movements, each workshop will be limited to 6 participants.
- Tuesdays: 6-7:15 p.m.
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
- Fee per each workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and payment
February 10: UFC Member Fee: $25
February 10: Non-Member Fee: $40
March 10: UFC Member Fee: $25
March 10: Non-Member Fee: $40
April 14: UFC Member Fee: $25
April 14: 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.
Workshop dates and times:
- Sundays: 9 a.m.
- January 11
- February 8
- March 8
- Thursdays: 5:30 p.m.
- February 12
- March 12
- April 9
- May 7
- Instructor: Rachel Raby
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
Registration and Payment
Sunday Workshops:
January 11 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
January 11 – Non-Member Fee: $40
February 8 – UFC Member Fee: $25
February 8 – Non-Member Fee: $40
March 8 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
March 8 – Non-Member Fee: $40
Thursday Workshops:
February 12 – UFC Member Fee: $25
February 12 – Non-Member Fee: $40
March 12 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
March 12 – Non-Member Fee: $40
April 9 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
April 9 – Non-Member Fee: $40
May 7 – UFC Member Fee: $25
May 7 – Non-Member Fee: $40
Are your dumbbells sitting in a corner collecting dust? Would you like ways to maintain your strength while traveling and using hotel gyms? Do you want to safely learn the fundamentals of working with dumbbells to add variety into your existing strength training routine or get away from relying on the resistance machines? Don’t discount what a simple pair of dumbbells can do!
Join Bryan for this dynamic dumbbell workshop where he will cover exercises that are effective and efficient in hitting all the major muscle groups. This workshop is appropriate for all fitness levels, including those who are already familiar with dumbbells but are looking for feedback on technique and form.
- Fridays: 5-6 p.m.
- February 6
- April 17
- May 8
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and Payment
February 6 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
February 6 – Non-Member Fee: $40
April 17 – UFC Member Fee: $25
April 17 – Non-Member Fee: $40
May 8 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
May 8 – Non-Member Fee: $40
Dive into the foundational weightlifting movements of the “Big 3”, the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift in this one-hour workshop. Whether you are unsure of how to get started with barbells, do not know proper technique, or just want to feel more comfortable and confident in your barbell skills, this workshop is the perfect start.
Bryan will instruct participants on how to effectively perform each exercise and provide feedback on technique so you can build safe strength training habits with confidence. Appropriate for all fitness levels as modifications will be given if needed. This workshop will be limited to six participants.
- Saturdays: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- January 17
- January 31
- February 28
- March 28
- April 25
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and Payment
January 17 – UFC Member Fee: $25
January 17 – Non-Member Fee: $40
January 31 – UFC Member Fee: $25
January 31 – Non-Member Fee: $40
February 28 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
February 28 – Non-Member Fee: $40
March 28 – UFC Member Fee: $25
March 28 – Non-Member Fee: $40
April 25 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
April 25 – Non-Member Fee: $40
The humble resistance band is often overlooked in the weight room, but this tiny tool can really pack a punch. Especially effective for glute engagement and shoulder stabilization, resistance bands can be used to improve the strength and range of motion of almost any joint and are equally appropriate when it comes to improving athletic performance or facilitating injury recovery.
Join this full body workshop with Rachel to learn more about this uniquely portable and complementary tool for enhancing strength and mobility. Appropriate for all fitness levels.
- Saturdays: 8:15-9:15 a.m.
- January 24
- February 21
- March 21
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Rachel Raby
Registration and Payment
January 24 – UFC Member Fee: $25
January 24 – Non-Member Fee: $40
February 21 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
February 21 – Non-Member Fee: $40
March 21 – UFC Member Fee: $25
March 21 – 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.