Group Fitness
UBCO Recreation offers a wide range of fitness classes in an open and welcoming environment to all levels and abilities. In person classes are held in the lower level of the Hangar Fitness Centre in one of the three functional studio spaces or in the Gymnasium.
Join UBCO Recreation this January and Find Your Fit! We are starting the year off with Free Fitness Week which includes Group Fitness Classes, Hangar Fitness Centre and the Gymnasium. Check-in at the Customer Service Desk for your class pass or drop-in for the facility.
group fitness schedule
Check the schedule below for the most up-to-date information
Follow @ubco_recreation on Instagram for more tips on how to stay active in your own space and to stay informed on new events!
Class descriptions
Need an extra push while you are at home? Push the coffee table aside and join us for our virtual boot camps. These workouts are designed to keep you on your toes! We want to keep you guessing – each class is designed to be different and push you out of your comfort zone! We will challenge you every class! Our goal is to offer encouragement rather than intimidation. We want you to have tons of fun – but be prepared for some high intensity training!
Looking to set the tone of positive intention for your week? Or want to unwind after a tough week/weekend? These well-rounded yoga classes are great for beginners but also offer options for the seasoned yogi to feel challenged. Develop breathing techniques while improving your balance, flexibility, core strength, and endurance through various postures and breathing techniques. Participants will enjoy a satisfying workout while practicing a flow of postures to create internal heat while developing strength and concentration.
Power Yoga takes its inspiration from ashtanga—a more intense, fast-paced style of yoga. It was developed as an attempt to make ashtanga yoga more accessible to Western students. It is sometimes referred to as “gym yoga” because it was designed to be intense enough to be attractive for Western athletes and gym-goers. Like vinyasa, power yoga is not a set series of poses which gives the instructor the ability to make each class a bit different which, we hope, will keep you coming back for more.
Rise & Shine is gentle yoga flow to get the body moving and set the tone for the rest of your day. Vinyasa based, synchronizing breath with movement, students will work through a series of poses, moving smoothly from one posture to the next. Participants can expect to developing breathing techniques, improving balance, and flexibility through the various postures.
“Get ready for the road”. Group cycling has never been better. Each class is individualized by the instructor but they’re designed for you to spin your way through a series of intervals, hill climbs and sprints that is intended to train your body for cardiovascular and endurance and keep your body guessing. Each bike is controlled individually by the operator so you’re welcome to push yourself or work within your individual limits—it’s up to you!
Similar to the spin description, above, but just a little bit shorter and a little more sweat. Which also means that you get a great workout in a slightly shorter time frame.
This class is fit for all skill levels—you are welcome to work at your own pace and intensity level. It will be focused on a full body circuit training workout, using a variety of exercises and interval times. Each class will offer something new and fun. Come join us for H.I.I.T. (high intensity interval training) strength circuit.
This quick, 45 minutes is all the time we need to get you working hard. Tabata and circuit-style drills using a fun variety of equipment will make time fly and sweat drip. A great little lunch break workout.
Whether you’re a mountain biker, trail runner, rock climber, hiker, or just a generally active person – this yoga is for you! Yoga for Athletes incorporates vinyasa flow to work those muscles that don’t get activated in your chosen sport, yin for deep release of the fascia (connective tissue), and restorative poses to calm the nervous system. Injury prevention, therapeutic benefit and agility are held top of mind throughout this class. Beginner Yogis are WELCOME, no experience required. Please inform the instructor at the beginning of the class of any pre-existing injuries and your sport of choice!
Yin yoga balances the nervous system, helps the body let go of tension and tightness and has a calming effect on the mind. Make time for yourself to breathe, release tension, and learn tools to regulate stress in your life on and off the mat! Beginners are WELCOME, no experience required. Bring a sweater, a yoga mat, and an eye pillow if you have one – prepare to decompress, chill out, and leave feeling renewed.
If you need a lift or are feeling fatigued at midday, this noontime stretch and renew class is for you. This 50-minute yoga class, appropriate for all levels, links movement with breathing and focuses on lengthening the spine and stretching hips, legs and arms. You will leave feeling energized and recharged and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
Come invigorate your body and mind with yoga before brunch. This 50-minute class flows through various poses at a semi-fast pace. Each class includes core and spine strengthening, balancing and mindfulness and is appropriate for all levels. You will leave feeling energized, empowered and perhaps a bit hungry.
Yoga is an excellent way to strengthen your core. This class will specifically focus on poses to improve abdominal strength. While balancing and crunching, you’ll have the opportunity to tone your belly, relieve back pain and find stability. The class will wind down with a few restorative postures to melt away stress and leave you invigorated.
Fitness instructors
What does Senja teach: Flow Yoga.
When Senja’s not on a yoga mat, you can find her: hiking, snowboarding, weight-lifting, reading, taking photos and socializing!
About Senja’s practice: Senja strongly believes in using yoga and mindfulness as tools for reducing stress and managing anxiety. Senja’s practices focus on meditation and connecting the breath with movement. In all her classes she strives to cultivate a safe, relaxing environment where students can feel comfortable challenging themselves.
What does Maria teach? Spin, Cardio & Core, Bums & Tums, Pilates, Bootcamp.
Maria’s Certifications: CFES Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Pilates Instructor, Bachelors of Human Kinetics.
When Maria isn’t teaching, you can find her: skiing at Big White in the winter, hiking and backpacking in the summer, and hanging out with her dogs in between!
What does Josée teach? Friday Flow Yoga
Josée’s Certifications: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), 300 Hour YTT (in progress), Bachelor of Science.
When Josée isn’t teaching, you can find her: exploring Kelowna (likely in search of a waterfall or view), at the gym, or studying! Josée is currently in a Masters of Social Work and has a passion for mental health, social justice, and multidisciplinary wellness.
Josée enjoys leading her students to connect with mind, body, and soul through her carefully crafted yoga classes.
What does Randy teach? Yoga and Spin
Randy’s Certifications: BCRPA Fitness Theory.
When Randy isn’t teaching, you can find him:
What does Jessie teach? Power Yoga and Yin by Candlelight.
Jessie’s Certifications: Registered Yoga Instructor (RYI), Certified Nutrition Practitioner, Bachelor of Education & Bachelor of Arts.
Fun facts about Jessie: Jessie’s an avid rock climber, hiker, and loves sleeping in a tent more than just about anything. If she’s not teaching little ones, climbing rocks, or at home cooking, she’s probably out in the woods with her rescue pup Honey!
What classes does Stuart teach? Upper body & Lower body strength.
Certifications: ISSA Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Coach.
When Stuart isn’t teaching you can find him: hiking, kayaking, or doing mixed martial arts!
What does Joella teach? Spin & strength training.
Joella’s Certifications: CFES Group Fitness Instructor, Bachelor of Human Kinetics & Bachelor of Education.
When Joella isn’t teaching, you can find her: hiking with her dog, snowboarding, playing basketball, or teaching high school.
Jennifer teaches: Spin class!
Certifications: Group Fitness, Spin, CFES Personal Training, 200 hour Yoga Certification
When Jennifer isn’t teaching you can find her: camping, hiking, boating or chilling on the nearest beach in the summertime! In the winter you’ll find her snowboarding with her family up at big white or snowshoeing in the trails near their house.
Favourite part about teaching: “What I love most about teaching is being able to be a positive part of someone’s day and watching their health and confidence grow.”
virtual fitness classes
- Power Flow with Nikki (45 mins)
- Bootcamp with Nikki (45 mins)
- Full Body Workout with Nikki (45 mins)
- Power Yoga with Josee (60 mins)
- Yin Yoga with Josee (45 mins)
- Morning Yoga Flow with Josee (50 mins)