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
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.
- Tuesdays
- October 17 – November 21
- 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- $70 for UFC Members, $85 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Rob Mikesell
$70 for UFC Members
$85 for Non-Members
Class cancelled due to low enrollment.
Learn the fundamentals of Pilates Matwork in this 6-week session. Each participant will learn the foundational movements gaining a better understanding of how Pilates can increase core strength while improving flexibility, stability, and posture. This introductory session will be fun, friendly, and inviting to anyone at any fitness level. Experienced Pilates student? You are welcome to enroll to refresh and review your technique. Classes will be limited to 10 participants to ensure each participant gets the corrective instruction needed in this mind-body discipline.
- Tuesdays
- October 3 – November 7
- 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
- $70 for UFC Members, $85 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Emily Tobias
Functional Training Small Group – UFC Member ($70.00)
Functional Training Small Group – Non-Member ($85.00)
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:
- Mondays
- September 18 – November 6 with Saturday Retreat on October 28
- 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday Retreat: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Orientation: September 11 at 6:00 p.m.
- Registration Deadline: September 15
- Course Fees: $300, $200 for Students, Resident Physicians, or MBSR Alumni
- Instructors: Tim Riley, MD & Shelly Ungemach, MSW, LSW
Come experience the best of both mind-body disciplines as Jen and Kira team up to lead you in this blended format Pilates and Yoga workshop. Have fun and embrace the challenge as you move through a mix of breathing, stretching, flowing movement patterns, and concentrated core work. All levels welcome as both instructors will be able to provide modifications as needed.
- Saturday November 4
- 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
- $25 for UFC Members, $40 for Non-Members
- Instructors: Jen Price & Kira Putt
$25 for UFC Members
$40 for Non-Members
Have you been curious about how yoga could benefit your health and wellness, but intimidated to drop in or join a regular class? This upcoming multi-week session is ideal for you! Learn about yoga basics, and benefit from the focus on yoga postures and proper alignment. Leave the 4-week session with more confidence, knowledge, and ready to join into a regular class setting.
- Thursdays
- October 19 – November 9
- 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
- $45 for UFC Members, $60 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Kira Putt
$45 for UFC Members
$60 for Non-Members
Golf is a mental as well as physical game. It requires balance, strength, flexibility, and concentration. Since golf puts so much strain on the back and spine, yoga postures bring vitality and energy to the spine and stretch the entire body.
This four (4)-week program will give you the opportunity to develop a mind-body connection that can help bring your game to the next level through postures to strengthen and lengthen the spine, open the hips, and reinforce the core. Additionally, you will learn breathing techniques that will help you be present and respond peacefully over a misguided putt or tough round of golf.
- Wednesdays
- October 18 – November 8
- 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
- $45 for UFC Members, $60 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Sandy Wagner
$45 for UFC Members
$60 for Non-Members
Spring is around the corner! Get ready to run! Planning or training for upcoming Spring races? Now is the perfect time to learn and experience how yoga can benefit and enhance your training. Join Kira as she takes you through a Vinyasa flow designed to balance, lengthen, and stretch the muscles to make you a better, more efficient runner. By the end of this workshop you will be able to create pre and post stretches to support your runs.
- Saturday December 2
- 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
- $25 for UFC Members, $40 for Non-Members
- Instructor: Kira Putt
$25 for UFC Members
$40 for Non-Members
- 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.