University of Wisconsin–Madison
Members participating in a Zumba group fitness class.

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. Our Group Fitness pass gives you access to all of our group fitness classes at both the Nick and Bakke. Admittance is first-come, first-served, while spots are available. 

Fall 2026 Schedule | Nick | September 2 – December 9
Fall 2026 Schedule | Bakke | September 2 – December 9
A photo of someone doing yoga at the Nick

Purchase a group fitness pass

Get access to all your favorite classes—or try something new! We have over 100 classes every week between the Nick and Bakke.

Work Where You Shine!

Join our team! Apply to become a Group Fitness Instructor.

Join Our Team!

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 Intervals, 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.
  • Water Fitness instructors teach classes like Shallow Water, Deep Water, & SUP Fitness.
  • Zumba instructors get licensed and trained to teach classes like Zumba or Zumba Gold.

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

Learn More

 

What to Expect

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in group fitness classes.
  • Athletic footwear is required for all group fitness classes except Mind-Body and Water classes.
    • Barre: Participants can wear athletic footwear or take class barefoot. Wearing only socks or grippy socks is not allowed.
  • 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 minutes before class begins.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes early to class to allow for equipment set-up.
  • To avoid interruptions, late entry will not be permitted.
  • No exit/re-entry permitted.
  • At the end of class, clean and put away your equipment and exit the studio.
  • A minimum of three participants is required for all classes to be held.
  • 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, 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).
  • Food and gum are prohibited.
  • All drinks must be in a sealed container.
  • Revolution and Cadence: No beverages other than water allowed.
  • Strike360: Gloved hand protection required to make contact with the bags. If you do not have gloves, you will be asked to strike off the bag for your own safety. You can purchase light gloves at the Nicholas Recreation Center Member Services desk.
  • Some studios have limited capacity (see below). Capacities are subject to change.
    • Revolution: 42
    • Cadence: 23
    • Balance: 30
    • Momentum & Serenity: 27
    • Spark & Halo: 16
  • 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.

 

Strike360 – What to Expect

Participants must provide their own gloved hand protection to strike the heavy bags in Strike360. Hand wraps are not allowed. Please see the photos to the right for examples of glove styles.

Participants with no gloves can participate, but they must shadow box (no contact with the heavy bags).

 

Two hands wearing boxing gloves.
Two hands wearing boxing gloves.
Two hands wearing special gloves for gripping during a workout.

Group Fitness Pass

You can purchase a Drop-in at the front desk of the Nicholas Recreation Center or Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. Non-members wishing to attend a group fitness class will also need to purchase a Day Pass. Entry to class will be dependent on capacity limits. Some classes may not have spots available.

Purchase a Group Fitness Pass

 

Types of Classes

Cardio

Fun energetic workouts designed to get you moving and get your heart pumping. Enjoy Zumba, Group Cycling, Cardio360 and more!

See all cardio classes ​ ​
Wheels of the cycling machine.
Members participating in a Group Fitness class.

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.

See all high intensity interval training classes ​ ​

Strength

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

See all strength classes ​ ​
A photo of a group fitness instructor
A photo of someone doing yoga at the Nick

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.

See all Mind-Body classes ​ ​

Water

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

See all water 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.

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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Available class formats include Zumba, Yoga, Powerflow, Core Training, Tabata, HIIT, Group Cycling, Group Strength, Train360, Strike360, and Water Fitness. 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.

 

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

Event Request Form

 

Submit a reservation request

 

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