Fun and energizing group workouts.
Experience a wide variety of class formats to stay motivated as you pursue your fitness goals. Our instructors provide modifications and progressions for all fitness levels.
COVID-19
Due to reduced campus operations and workforce as well as growing public health concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, all Rec Well facilities are closed and all programs, services, and events are cancelled indefinitely. We are currently working on at-home group fitness options. Follow us @uwrecwell for updates.
Our top priority is always the health and safety of our community. Please visit covid19.wisc.edu for the most current information for campus.
Schedule
Today’s Classes
Please note that the group fitness schedule is subject to changes and breaks due to the academic and campus calendar.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Group fitness policies
- Participants must be 18 years or older to participate in Group Fitness classes
- Athletic footwear is required for all Group Fitness classes except Yoga, Powerflow, and Deep Water classes
- Please arrive on time for class; in order to keep all participants safe and avoid disruptions, entry into class will not be permitted more than 10 minutes after class has started
- Classes in Room 1065 are limited to 49 participants
- A minimum of five participants is required for all classes to be held
- This is a no phone zone. Please avoid cell phone use while class is in session; if necessary, please make calls and texts outside of the room
- The use of mobile technology at any time for photo or video purposes is strictly prohibited unless approved in advance by the Marketing & Communications department (click here to submit a Marketing & Media Request)
- Out of respect for the instructor and others, please avoid conversations while class is in session
Online reservation policies
Registration Policy
- Student Group Fitness Pass or Affiliate Group Fitness Pass required for registration, except during Free Group Fitness weeks and Stress Relief Week
- Registration opens 48 hours prior to class start time and will close 1 minute prior to start time
Check-in & Cancellation Policy:
- Check-in for class is required and begins 15 minutes before class and ends 5 minutes before class starts
- Any reserved spots that are not claimed at least 5 minutes before class will be given to drop-in participants
- Please bring your Wiscard or Rec Well membership card to check in
- Check-in begins 15 minutes before class
- Participants can cancel their registration for class online up to 2 hours prior to the class start time
- A participant with a “no show” or “late cancellation” will be assessed a $5 fee, which must be paid within 10 days of receiving the invoice
- If this fee is not paid, the participant will be suspended from Rec Well programs, classes, and facilities until the fee is paid; failure to pay this feel may result in a hold on an individual’s student account
How to register for Cycling, Rhythm Ride, and Train360
- Go to services.recwell.wisc.edu and click Log In in the top right corner
- Log in using your NetID (if you do not have a NetID, use the login below the red button)
- Click on Programs
- Under Classification on the left, select Group Fitness
- Select the type of class you want to register for
- Click the Register button for the specific class (day and time) you want to register for; follow prompts to complete registration
Types of Classes
Cardio
Ditch the treadmill while we drop a beat in classes like Cycling, Rhythm Ride, and Zumba.
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.
Strength
Build muscle and lose excuses in Group Strength, Barre, and CXWORX.
Mind-Body
Align mind and body while finding your zen in classes like Powerflow, Yoga, and Yoga Strength.
Water
Explore new depths of fitness in our Deep Water class.
When the Nicholas Recreation Center opens in 2020, we are excited to grow our group fitness offerings with the following classes: Barre, Boxing, Cycle Strength, HardCORE, Heavy Bag Boxing, Kickboxing Intervals, Les Mills GRIT, Les Mills CXWORX, RPM, Unplugged, and more. Stay tuned!
Meet Our Instructors
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Group Cycling
jill
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I started taking group fitness classes in high school and was so excited to try classes through Rec Well right away freshman year! I had actually looked into all of the group fitness class offerings and instructor tryout process even before I had moved into my dorm room!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
At this point of my journey, group fitness is the number one way I move my body, because I thrive off of the energy of those around me! The people I have met through group fitness are 110% the best part. I love connecting with participants during and after classes and bonding with my coworkers both in and out of the gym.
how do you live well?
I live well by listening to my body. For so long, I was distracted by outside noises and pressures to look, act, and be a certain way. Once I broke down those externally driven beliefs about who I should be and started listening to my internal cues, I best understood what health and wellness truly looks like for me.
julia S.
How did you get involved in group fitness?
I got involved in group fitness through one of the student organizations I was in! We did a cycling class as a social, and after taking the class I was hooked! I ended up trying out that same semester.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
My favorite part of group fitness is working with others to achieve a common goal, improving our fitness and wellbeing! I also really enjoy creating music playlists for my classes.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” – Charles Bukowski
Madeline
how did you get involved in group fitness?
After stepping away at rowing here, I still wanted to feel part of the University through my fitness so I decided to join the Rec Well community as an instructor!
What do you love the most about group fitness?
I love that Rec Well welcomes all people, and it mainly is students teaching other students no matter their age.
Share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” – Marianne Williamson
mariah
how did you get involved in group fitness?
When I first got to UW-Madison I struggled to find a routine in order to stay active, but when I found out about group fitness classes I knew that I had to try it out! After taking a variety of the classes we offer at Rec Well, I decided to try out to be an instructor. It was definitely the best decision I could have made!
how do you live well?
I live well by staying active through group cycling classes and intramural basketball. I also love to find fun new recipes that I can grab and go during a busy week!
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Growth is a process. You cannot just wake up and become the butterfly.” – Rupi Kaur
Floor
clara
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I spent my entire freshman year attending group fitness classes and loving them. At the beginning of sophomore year I was made aware of the opportunity to try out and become a teacher for the Rec Sports (now Rec Well) program. I was sitting in Gordon’s Dining Hall on the Sunday of tryouts and 20 minutes prior to them starting, I spontaneously decided to go and give it a shot. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
The people who are involved in Rec Well are the people who make this program so special to me. In my time working for Rec Well, I have formed many amazing relationships with the other fitness instructors, Rec Well employees, and students and faculty who have become regulars at my classes. While I have so much fun teaching group fitness classes, it’s being able to come to work and see all of these people empowering themselves and those around them to live well that makes this job my favorite.
how do you live well?
In my opinion, living well is much more than just being fit and eating healthy but is an overall approach to life where we take proactive steps to promote physical and mental well-being. Every day I make sure to do something for myself that I term as my “self-care step of the day.” Some days that can be going to a group fitness class, others it can be baking and eating a boatload of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, or sometimes it is something as simple as going to bed an extra 30 minutes early.
Jamesetta
how did you get involved in group fitness?
Started out as a gym member and tried group fitness—then LOVED IT!!!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
Helps to keep me motivated and accountable. LOVE seeing the friendships made!
how do you live well?
I really try to have a life/work/fitness balance—it’s challenging at times! I listen to my body and recognize when I need a break.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
johnny
how did you get involved with group fitness?
I got involved in group fitness because I love attending the Zumba classes and wanted to learn how to teach them as well as share the enjoyment all the instructors expressed.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love seeing the smile on someone’s face during a class when they are enjoying themselves or accomplished something new!
how do you live well?
I live well by finding balance. While I love working in the lab, taking the time to read a good book, bake, go outside, and move make me even happier.
lauren
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I started with taking Zumba classes back in high school. I absolutely loved them and regularly went to classes with friends all of the time. As group fitness became more popular, I developed a love for it, with barre classes and boxing classes as well. When I saw there were tryouts to be an instructor with UW, I felt that I might as well would give it a try. It is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the overall empowerment it gives both the instructors and participants as we come together to embrace fitness. As a participant, it allows me to challenge myself while also gaining insights from other instructors. As an instructor, being able to make any kind of impact on someone’s day is incredibly fulfilling.
Share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.” – Beyoncé
lexie
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I got involved in group fitness during my freshman year of college. I started attending Zumba classes and saw that Rec Well was hiring. I had danced for several years and saw that no teaching experience was required. So I took a leap of faith and tried out. It was the best decision of my college career.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
What I love most about group fitness is the sense of accomplishment the whole class feels. No matter what you are going through outside of class, you come in and check working out off your list. The participants and instructor alike can feel good about completing a workout where they challenged themselves and took 45-60 minutes to focus and do something for themselves.
how do you live well?
I live well by doing different types of workouts throughout the week, fueling my body with nutritious meals, and trying my hardest to drink enough water and sleep at least 8 hours.
marita
how did you get involved in group fitness?
Ever since I was a freshman, I would attend Group Fitness classes and loved the way they challenged me and made me feel empowered. After two years I decided to take a leap and attended tryouts to become an instructor and haven’t looked back since!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love being able to help others live well and feel their best. It’s so awesome when participants share their personal accomplishments and goals with me.
how do you live well?
I choose to move every day in a way that makes me feel good, surround myself with people I love, and smile often!
megan
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love how versatile and inclusive the classes are. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never stepped foot in the gym or you’re a very experienced athlete, you can adapt the workouts to fit your experience level and accomplish the goals you’ve set for yourself.
how do you live well?
I live well by setting aside time for myself every day. Ironically this time often involves being at the gym, where I am able to relax and forget about all the daily stresses of college life.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
melissa
how did you get involved with group fitness?
My first experience with group fitness began in middle school; every Monday night my mom and I would go to a Zumba class. I fell in love with it immediately. I now look forward to every type of group fitness class I go to.
what do you love most about group fitness?
The thing I love most about group fitness is the community it builds. Being with others makes all of us feel like we’re part of something. Being with others makes me stronger in multiple ways. Being with others helps me do one more rep I wouldn’t have otherwise done by myself. My love for group fitness stems from the relationships I’ve made, and the excitement that I have before every class.
how do you live well?
I live well by doing things that promote a healthy mindset. Whether it be taking the Lakeshore Path back from the Nat, sipping a good cup of coffee, or going to an amazing workout class.
molly
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love how group fitness classes give participants and the instructor the feeling of being a part of something larger than yourself.
How do you live well?
I live well by holding myself to the standard of staying active every day. In the rest of my life, I live well by keeping positive vibes; everyone could use a little sunshine, and I love to deliver that.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Push yourself, because nobody else is going to do it for you.”
natalie
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I started taking the classes at the Nat during my freshman year!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the different types of people that get to come together to enjoy fitness!
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Appreciation, not expectations.”
taylor
how did you get involved in group fitness?
As a freshman I was looking for ways to be active since I was no longer playing sports competitively, and I tried a few Group Fitness classes and eventually attended regularly and decided to try out to be an instructor!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love all of the different options of class styles and the group atmosphere. I have always disliked working out alone and doing repetitive workouts, so group fitness gives me the opportunity to work out in a group of people and experience different class formats.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Every sunset is an opportunity to reset.” – Richie Norton.
Mind-Body
alexis
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I started coming to group fitness classes because I was looking for a fun way to stay active in the winter months and learn some fun ways to spice up my workouts!
how do you live well?
I live well by eating fresh foods that fuel the body, taking time to meditate when my mind is buzzing, and making sleep a priority. Treating the body kindly is important to finding balance in the rest of my life. I try to do things that make me feel good—whether it is a tough workout at the gym, or a cozy cup of tea, I give my body and mind what it needs.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Become the person that your younger self would have been inspired by.” – Claire Wineland
allison b.
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I saw an ad to be an instructor and I randomly decided to try out.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love meeting new people.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“It’s a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up.”
ally
what do you love the most about group fitness?
We create an inclusive environment for all participants! Classes are filled with people of all ages and ability levels and our classes are formatted to provide an effective workout for all.
how do you live well?
I like to live a balanced lifestyle. School and extracurricular activities can become overwhelming, but it is important to dedicate time to your total health—mind, body, and soul.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.” – Albus Dumbledore
cole
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love that I get the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with others.
how do you live well?
One way that I live well is taking some time to read for fun. Often, this means you will find me with a book in hand, ready for a few minutes of reading on the bus or walking around campus/town.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Be more committed to your calling than to comfort.” – Coby Kozlowski
emily j.
how did you get involved in group fitness?
During my first year of school I ended each week with a Friday night yoga class at the Nat. It kept me grounded and gave me a sense of constancy among all the changes I was facing as a first-year college student. After that experience, group fitness became embedded in my weekly routine and has remained so ever since!
what do you love the most about group fitness?
What I appreciate most about group fitness is that it offers a space for my peers and me to be something other than students. My world is dominated by academics, so I find it comforting that in the context of group fitness I’m able to set my academic identity aside and be a less intense, albeit sweatier, version of myself.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life.” – Buddha
jordan
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I was a competitive dancer all of growing up, so when I moved to Madison I was searching for a way to be active that was enjoyable, challenged me, and easily fit into my schedule. After attending a few classes, I was drawn to yoga and all the benefits it brings.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the environment of group fitness. Every class is very welcoming, so whether you have a lot of experience or little experience you will have a place in the class.
share a quote that resonates with you.
“Don’t just exist, live.”
lien
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the feeling of togetherness that people develop when they participate in activities together.
how do you live well?
I live well by listening to my body. If I feel like I need to take a break, I will. If I feel like I need to jog to clear my mind, I will. I think a big part of living well is being in tune with your own body.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
morgan
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love group fitness because I believe that surrounding yourself with people that have the same mindset as you can benefit you in the highest regard and reach limits you never thought you could before.
how do you live well?
I live well by always making sure that I take time out of my day for myself. Our lives are so busy that sometimes we forget to just take a reset breath, so taking that personal time really helps me throughout my day.
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Cultivate kindness wherever you go, you never know who may need it.”
paulina
how did you get involved in group fitness?
I have always been a very active person. When I came to UW, group fitness gave me the opportunity to work out around my busy schedule. Eventually, I branched out to yoga and I’ve never looked back.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the community of Active Badgers that I have become a part of and the lifelong friendships that group fitness has given me.
how do you live well?
I live well by taking care of my mind and my body everyday through mindfulness and meditation, balanced eating, and exercise.
olivia r.
what do you love the most about group fitness?
I love the feeling of being active together with others. I love experiencing the same movements as a class and seeing the effect class can have on their mood and day overall. Exercise is a powerful tool and I love being able to experience it with others as a community!
how do you live well?
I live well through consistent exercise routines filled with variety, balanced nutrition, but also through time for myself set aside for rest and self-care. Being a busy student, it is hard to schedule that time in, but it is so important to listen to your body and take the time to rest!
share a motivational quote that resonates with you.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”
Fitness with Outdoor UW
Throughout the year, we partner with Outdoor UW to offer yoga and fitness classes at various locations including the Memorial Union, Allen Centennial Gardens, the Terrace, and Alumni Park. Access to all Outdoor UW fitness classes are included in your Group Fitness Pass. Members with a Group Fitness Pass will receive a promo code within 24 hours of purchasing a Pass.
Classes include: Winter Yoga, Alumni Park Yoga, Bootcamp, Sunrise Yoga, Sunset Yoga, SUP Yoga, and Terrace Yoga.
Group Fitness Pass
| Drop-in | $5 |
| Fall 2019 August 26 – December 19 |
$30 |
| Spring 2020 December 20 – May 8 |
$30 |
| Summer 2020 May 9 – August 23 |
$25 |
| Fall + Spring August 26 – May 8 |
$50 |
| Spring + Summer December 20 – August 23 |
$50 |
| Fall + Spring + Summer August 26, 2019 – August 23, 2020 |
$70 |
| Recurring | $8/month |
| 12-Month | $85 |
| 4-Month | $35 |
| 1-Month | $15 |
| Drop-in | $5 |
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).
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
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.
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
Stay Home and Stay Active
Photo from obé fitness Now more than ever, it’s important to take time for yourself and do what makes you feel good. We are putting together workouts (like this one!) from our group fitness instructors …
An Anytime, Anywhere Workout
We know that staying active is part of your routine and it’s even more important during times of stress and anxiety like these. While our facilities are closed, we’re hoping to offer more resources for …
5 Ways for New #ActiveBadgers to Start Living an Active Lifestyle
We want every Active Badger to feel welcome, safe, and able to achieve their mind and body goals. Still, we know fitness spaces can be intimidating for new #ActiveBadgers who are just starting to live …
Grocery Stores Near Campus for Healthy Food Options
Madison is lucky to have so many delicious takeout and quick bite options around campus. But, this can also make it tempting and a bit too easy to grab a pizza or a burger and …
Creating a Sustainable Future: The Nick
The Nick is going to be huge. 240,560 gross square feet to be exact. That’s about 50,000 more square feet more than the SERF was and includes more than three times the amount of usable …
- More Get Fit posts