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
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.
- May 9, Saturday: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- 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 – 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
Fall 2026 session – 2026:
- Orientation: Monday, Sept. 14 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- 8-week session: Mondays, Sept. 21-Nov. 9 | 6-8:30 p.m.
- Silent retreat: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 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.
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.
- April 25, Saturday: 9:30-11 a.m.
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Jen Price
Registration and Payment
UFC Member Fee: $25 – April 25
Non-Member Fee: $40 – April 25
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, 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 – April
UFC Member Fee: $125
Non-Member Fee: $140
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.
- April 14, Tuesday: 6-7:15 p.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and payment
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:
- Thursdays: 5:30 p.m.
- April 9
- May 7
- Instructor: Rachel Raby
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
Registration and Payment
Thursday Workshops:
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.
- April 17
- May 8
- Fee per workshop: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and Payment
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.
- April 25, Saturday: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Fee: UFC Members: $25 | Non-Members: $40
- Instructor: Bryan Combary
Registration and Payment
April 25 – UFC Member Fee: $25:
April 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.