Participants standing in a weight training class performing stretches.

GROUP FITNESS

Our instructors lead fun and motivating group workouts designed for all fitness levels. Whether you want to connect to your breath with yoga or pump up the beat with Zumba, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our wide variety of classes.

Reservations are encouraged but not required for Cycling, Rhythm Ride, Cycle Strength, Train360, Shallow water, Deep water and Bags & Bells. All other classes are drop-in and access is on a first come, first served basis.

VIEW SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE (MAY 22 – AUGUST 11)

PURCHASE A GROUP FITNESS PASS

Get access to all your favorite classes—or try something new!

COUNT ME IN

GROUP FITNESS HIRING

Inspire, energize, and motivate your fellow Badgers as a group fitness instructor. We follow a “try, train, teach” model when hiring: you’ll try leading a mini-workout (don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly what to do!), train with our veteran team members in our mentoring program, and then teach your very own class when you’re ready.

Cycling instructors teach Cycling, Cycle Strength, and Rhythm Ride.
Floor instructors teach classes like Group Strength, HIIT, Core, Tabata, Barre, and more.
Mind-Body instructors teach classes like Yoga, Powerflow, Yoga Strength, and more.

Questions? Email us at gftryouts@recwell.wisc.edu.

Learn More

TODAY'S CLASSES

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View today's classes

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are available but not required for Cycling, Rhythm Ride, Cycle Strength, Train360, Shallow water, Deep water and Bags & Bells. All other classes are drop-in and access is on a first come, first served basis. Please note that pre-registration is required for Terrace Yoga and no drop-in’s are allowed.

We encourage all participants to check-in with themselves 3 hours before attending a group fitness class to ensure they are feeling their best prior to attending a class. If a participant does not feel their best, they are responsible for canceling their registration online and can do so up to 2 hours prior to the start of class. Failure to cancel will result in a no-show/late cancellation fee.

Reserve your spot for all Group Cycling classes, Bags & Bells, Train360, all Water Fitness, and Terrace Yoga

 

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How to cancel your reservation

  1. Go to services.recwell.wisc.edu.
  2. Click Log In in the top right corner of the page and log in using your NetID or Guest credentials.
  3. Once logged in, click your name in the top right corner of the page and select Profile from the drop-down menu.
  4. From the menu on the left side of the page, click Programs.
  5. Find the class registration you’d like to cancel. Click the three dots on the right side of the class listing, select Cancel Registration, and follow the on-screen prompts.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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All classes

  • Participants must be 18 years or older to participate in group fitness classes.
  • Athletic footwear is required for all group fitness classes except Mind-Body classes
  • All personal belongings should be secured in a daily use or rental locker
  • A Rec Well employee will start checking in participants outside of the studio 10 minute before class begins.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes early to class to allow for equipment set-up
  • To avoid interruptions, late entry will not be allowed 5 minutes after class start time.
  • No exit/re-entry permitted.
  • At the end of class, please clean and put away your equipment and exit the studio.
  • A minimum of three participants is required for all classes to be held
  • Please avoid using your cell phone when class is in session; if necessary, make calls and texts outside of the room
  • Out of respect for the instructor and participants, please avoid conversations while class is in session
  • Taking photos or videos during class is strictly prohibited unless approved in advance by our Marketing & Communications department (click here to submit a Marketing & Media Request)
  • Group Cycling classes, Bags & Bells, Train 360, Tread & Flex, Water Fitness and Terrace Yoga: Secure your spot ahead of time.  Reserve at services.recwell.wisc.edu and arrive at least 10 minutes before class start time to claim your spot. Unclaimed spots will be given to drop-in participants. No-shows will be subject to a no-show fee. Reservations open 48 hours in advance and closes 15 minutes before class begins. You may cancel your reservation online up to 2 hours before class starts. Cancelling after that will result in a no-show/late cancellation fee. We encourage all participants to check-in with themselves 3 hours before attending a group fitness class to ensure they are feeling their best prior to attending a class. If a participant does not feel their best, they are responsible for canceling their registration online & can do so up to 2 hours prior to the start of class. Failure to cancel will result in a no-show/late cancellation fee.
  • Bags & Bells: Handwraps are required for punching on the bag. If you do not have wraps, you will be asked to punch off the bag for your own safety. Should you want to purchase wraps, they are sold at the Member Services desk.
  • Terrace Yoga:  Reservations are required.  No drop-in’s allowed.
  • Please note: Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program many result in injury. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it, or if you have a medical or physical condition that may increase your risk of injury or death. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Please be sure to check that any equipment or space in which you use to exercise is safe and not at risk of causing harm to you or those who may be around you. Those following the workout routines do so at their own risk. Programming is intended for audiences 18 and older.

GROUP FITNESS PASS

Purchase a Group Fitness Pass

You can purchase a Drop-in at the Nicholas Recreation Center front desk. Non-members wishing to attend a group fitness class will also need to purchase a Guest Pass (sponsor may be required). Entry to class will be dependent on capacity limits. Some classes may not have spots available.

Prices will take effect on May 15, 2023.

Drop-in $10
Spring
January 24 – May 5, 2023
$40
Summer
May 22 – August 18, 2023 
$35
Fall + Spring + Summer
August 29, 2022 – August 18, 2023 
$95
Guest Audit Students included.

Prices will take effect on May 15, 2023.

  • The Non-Student group fitness pass is available to current Campus Affiliate and Community Rec Well Members.
  • Non-Student Group Fitness Pass gains access to all group fitness classes at both the Nicholas Recreation Center and the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. Group fitness classes at Bakke begin in the fall of 2023.
  • Unique offerings like outdoor terrace yoga (included in pass) & Stand-Up Paddle Board yoga (reduced rate for pass holders) during the summer months.
Drop-in $10/class
Monthly recurring* $20/month

No end date; renews automatically until member cancels. One automatic renewal charge is required before cancellation. Please review our full cancellation policies before purchasing a monthly recurring group fitness pass. If you would like to cancel your monthly recurring Non-Student Group Fitness Pass please fill out this form.

TYPES OF CLASSES

CARDIO

Fun energetic workouts designed to get you moving and get your heart pumping. Enjoy Zumba, group cycling, water fitness and more!

A photo of a cycling class at the Nick

HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING

Reach new levels of fitness and HIIT your goals during our interval-based classes like HIIT, Tabata, Tabata Core, and Train360.

A photo of a group fitness class at the Nick

STRENGTH

Build strength and muscle in Group Strength, Barre, HardCORE, and Glute Strength.

A photo of a group fitness instructor

MIND-BODY

Align mind and body in classes like Powerflow, Yoga, and Yoga Strength. Workout mats are provided, but we encourage you to bring your own yoga mat.

A photo of someone doing yoga at the Nick

WATER

Explore new depths of fitness in our Shallow and Deep Water Fitness classes.

Members gather for a swallow water fitness class in the Nicholas Recreation Center pool. A female instructor is standing in the pool with participants chatting.

GOLD

Gold Classes are intended for the active aging population and for individuals looking for a low-impact group fitness class.

FITNESS WITH OUTDOOR UW

A photo of people doing Terrace Yoga.

During the summer, we partner with Outdoor UW to offer yoga at the Terrace. Access to Terrace Yoga is included in your Group Fitness Pass. Access to SUP Yoga classes require an extra fee.

CURRENT OFFERINGS

Let us bring the workout to you.

We offer private group fitness classes for UW student organizations, UW residence halls and UW departments. Request a class in our facilities (internal event) or in a space provided by your group (external event). Please submit requests at least three weeks prior to the date of the event.

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Internal Events (held in Rec Well facilities)

Available class formats include Zumba, Yoga, Powerflow, Core Training, Tabata, HIIT, Group Cycling and Group Strength. Rates include instruction, space rental, fitness equipment and sound system. Users must have appropriate athletic footwear. Only water is permitted in the activity space and must be in enclosed containers. No other food or drink will be allowed. If you wish to photograph or video record the class, you must obtain prior permission.

Submit Event Request form

Please visit the Reservations & Rentals page to review policies, rental rates, and to fill out the special event request form.

External Events (held in a space provided by the group)

Class formats available include Zumba, Yoga, Powerflow, Core Training and Tabata.

News

  • A Look at Summer 2023 Staff Intramural Sports

    Hello Active Badgers! I’m Parker Goss, the Coordinator of Intramural Sports here at Rec Well. We’re happy to announce that we’ll be offering Staff Intramural Sports this summer. For those unfamiliar, in the summer, UW-Madison …

  • A photo of open recreation fitness on the third floor of the Nick.

    Avoiding Excessive Exercise

    The month of January often ushers in feelings of motivation and excitement around new goals and routines for many of us. People often make resolutions involving their activity levels or exercise habits, but this can …

  • Staff Intramurals are BACK!

    I hope everyone is in the midst of a great summer. My name is Christian Ramirez and I serve as the Intramural Sports Intern for Rec Well. We are thrilled to announce that in-person Staff …

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