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
Join our introductory/beginner Pickleball workshops, instructed by Hershey Medical Center researcher Dr. Brett Gordon, an expert in the mental health benefits of exercise. Enjoy an exciting, accessible, 2-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: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- April 20 – FULL
- May 18 – 1 Spot Remaining – Call the UFC Front Desk at (717)531-7075 to register
- June 15 – FULL
- Instructor: Dr. Brett Gordon
Join our newest Pickleball workshop, Introduction to Advanced Pickleball, instructed by Hershey Medical Center researcher Dr. Brett Gordon, an expert in the mental health benefits of exercise and certified Pickleball instructor. Enjoy an exciting, accessible, 2-hour session, designed for those who play regularly recreationally, but want to learn the fundamentals and tactics to improve their play. In the session we will cover serve and return strategy, court positioning, shot selection, dinking, and how to work well with your partner. All equipment is provided – just bring yourself for a fantastic, fun-filled learning experience.
- Saturdays: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- April 27 – FULL
- May 11 – 1 Spot Remaining – Call the UFC Front Desk at (717)531-7075 to register
- June 22 – FULL
- Instructor: Dr. Brett Gordon
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
Coming in Fall 2024 – for more information please contact Jen Price at jprice2@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
- 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.