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.
Join UBCO Recreation and Find Your Fit! 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
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.
This hour-long class is designed to help you wind down from your day and transition toward anything that makes you feel good. Use it to recover from a day of school and use it to shake off bad energy!
Pilates is a mind body workout designed to create space and alignment in the body while strengthening the deep core and local stabilizing muscles. By regularly participating in Mat Pilates class, participants can expect to improve posture, core strength, coordination, body awareness and full body strength. This class is for all levels as the exercises can be modified to decrease or increase in difficulty.
Similar to the spin description, but just a little bit longer and a little more sweat.
“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 are 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 individuals limites – it’s up to you!
Yoga is an ancient system of physical, mental and spiritual practices that have been passed down through the generations from teacher to student. Yogic practices include breathing techniques, postures, relaxation, chanting, and other meditation methods. Many yoga poses require you to bear your body weight in new ways, including balancing on one leg (as in tree pose) or supporting yourself with your arms (as in downward facing dog).
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.
POUND is a full-body jam session that combines cardio, conditioning and core work with the excitement and euphoria of drumming. Designed for all fitness levels, POUND provides the perfect atmosphere to let loose, get energized, tone up and rock out!
Making your workout feel less like “work” and more like a dance party! Zumba is a fun dance style class combining low-intensity and high-intensity moves, perfect for everyone of all skill levels to come out and enjoy!
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.
Power vinyasa yoga is a fast-paced style of yoga that focuses on building strength and endurance. It is also known as power yoga and is a fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Power vinyasa yoga is physically demanding and emphasizes dynamic movement over meditative movement. It incorporates continuous movement and breath and focuses on strength and flexibility rather than holding poses for extended periods.
Bums & Tums is an interval-based strength class with some cardio. Various exercises will be provided that focus on both glute and core strength. Exercises may involve using dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands or mats.
A great mix of 30 minutes of cardio movements to get your heart pumping and 30 minutes of simple weighted exercises to help improve your strength, all to some up-beat music to keep the energy high!
This dynamic class incorporates 30 minutes of spin, finishing with 30 minutes of mobility and yoga movements. Similar to the Spin 30 description, with the added-on benefits of a yoga class.
Fitness instructors
What do you teach? I typically teach slow flow, vinyasa, or power yoga classes.
What certifications do I have? I have my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training as well as my 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training.
A fun fact about yourself? I moved from Vancouver area to the Okanagan in 2017 to complete my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UBCO in 2021. In 2023 I returned to campus and am currently working toward my Clinical Master of Social Work to become a certified counsellor!
Why Do I Love Teaching? “My motivation for teaching yoga is share with students how yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can be used as tools for reducing stress and managing anxiety. My classes focus on connecting movement with the breath and they encourage students to tune into their bodies to challenge themselves and take rest as they need. I love supporting my students in exploring new postures, resting, and connecting inwards.”
What do you teach? Spin, Pilates, Strength, Bootcamps.
What certifications do you have? B.H.K, CFES Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Educator, Certified Pilates Mat & Reformer Instructor, BCAK Kinesiologist.
A fun fact about yourself? I have the cutest cat in the world!
Why do you love teaching? “I love getting to know the participants and helping them reach their goals in a fun and safe environment!”
What do you teach? Multilevel vinyasa yoga.
Certifications: YTT 500-hours from Sadhak Yoga Institute
A Fun Fact about yourself? Fatima is currently pursuing a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at UBCO. She’s been into yoga for more than a decade now, and one of her passions lies in spreading the joys of yoga to all. Beyond her academic pursuits, she loves being active, and you can find her practicing outdoor sports all year around.
Why do you love teaching? “I have a deep love for teaching yoga because it brings profound fulfillment to my life, and she is happy to share this experience with others. Witnessing people enjoy and progress in their practice is truly rewarding. The versatility of yoga and its applicability to various areas of life is truly phenomenal.”
Classes 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.
Favorite 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.”
What do you teach? I will be teaching a Strength Circuit class and an Athletic Mobility class.
What certifications do you have? CSEP-CPT and CFES Group Fitness Instructor Certifications.
A fun fact about yourself? I was born in Chicago!
Why do you love teaching? “I love to teach because it allows me to positively impact people’s lives :)”
What do you teach? I teach Strength (full body, splits of upper, lower, glutes and cardio, core, etc), HIIT, LIIT, Spin (not fully certified), Personal Training
What certifications do you have? Strength Training, Personal Training
A fun fact about yourself? I am obsessed with dogs, the sunshine, beaches, live music, and dancing like no one is watching! And my guilty pleasure is a good glass of wine and some delicious pizza!
Why do you love teaching? “I am wildly passionate about creating an enjoyable & sustainable wellness practice in life. My goal at every single session is to leave my clients feeling strong as I believe that is the most empowering feeling and everyone should experience it.”
What do you teach? Spin and Strength training (such as Bums & Tums)
What certifications do you have? Joella has her Bachelors of Human Kinetics with a major in Health Promotion and a Bachelor of Education as well as she has her CFES Group Fitness Certificate
A fun fact about yourself? Joella ran a half-marathon in 2023, she’s also a huge biology nerd and loves animals.
Why do you love teaching? “I love providing people with an “escape” from their busy everyday lives, where they can just focus on nurturing their body and jamming out to music.”
What do you teach? Cardio & Curls and Sweat & Shine!!
What certifications do you have? NASM Certified Personal Trainer, CFES Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and Canadian Red Cross Certified in Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C!!
A fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I am a Ski Instructor and mountain biker. I also have an obsession with iced coffee and chocolate chip cookies!!
Why do you love teaching? “I love teaching because it’s a great way to connect with the community and inspire others to enjoy moving their bodies while having fun and feeling good!”
What do you teach? Spin and stretch & 45-minute country cycle!
What certifications do you have? CFES group fitness instructor certificate
A fun fact about yourself? I love hiking, camping, paddle boarding and anything outdoors. I’m also a big bookworm.
Why do you love teaching? “It’s such a fun way to work out and meet new people at the same time!”
What does Bre teach? Yoga! Typically vinyasa flow or yin 🙂
Bre’s Certifications: YTT 200 hours, 95hr- Children’s YTT, 70hr Yoga Tune Up, 40hr Yin YTT
Fun Facts: Bre recently left a 9 year career in the t.v/film industry to go back to school at UBCO to pursue her Masters in Social Work. Health and wellness are where her passions lie (physically, emotionally, mentally). In her spare time she can be found paddleboarding, hiking, snowboarding or scoping out where to get the best treats in town!
Classes Lily teaches: Zumba and Circle Mobility
Certifications: Zumba Instructor, Circle Mobility Certification
When Lily isn’t teaching you can find her: Creating her own unique choreographies, hiking, stand up paddleboarding, rock climbing, and eating pizza while watching House of Dragon.
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)