People working out

Fitness Classes

Find your fit

Whether you are looking to try something different, meet a new sweat buddy, or build a fitness routine there is truly something for everyone at UCalgary Active Living! Every class is led by a qualified instructor who is ready to welcome participants of any ability or experience level. Workouts can be adapted to meet the needs of anyone from beginners to seasoned pros. At UCalgary Active Living our goal is to guide you in learning, growing, strengthening and exploring the joy in all activities!

Deadline passed to register? Reach out to Client Services (403-220-7749, active@ucalgary.ca) to receive a pro-rate for class.

person doing yoga
a women doing weights

Group Fitness Classes

No classes on stat holidays.

Tracks are a great tool to change up your regular routine. Come and spend an hour walking, lunging running and planking (maybe) on the track for you mid-day break. Although some equipment may be used, this class will primarily use bodyweight and our 200-meter track to get your heart pumping and your muscles working. Suitable for all levels.

TRX suspension training gives participants an edge over conventional strength training. Every exercise builds functional strength, improves flexibility, balance, and core stability. By working with your own bodyweight and using our NEW TRX RIP trainers, this class focuses on the human body as an integrated system and provides a versatile and effective training method for all fitness level. Suitable for all levels.

This sweaty, strength and cardio mixed class will leave you feeling strong, successful, and amazed at the variety of movements you can do with minimal equipment like the TRX! Meet us upstairs on the West-End of the Track for a fun high energy class that will use the support of TRX straps, as well as dumbbell/ kettlebells, the track, and of course your own bodyweight! Suitable for all levels.

"I really appreciate how much correction Amy provides-it's so helpful. Plus, she makes the class challenging (if you want it to be) and she's very funny and entertaining."

HIIT Happens, so why not join us to build your strength, endurance and lifting know-how. Using bars, plates and free weights in this group weight training program, the weight room comes to you to work specific strength-based movements and increase cardio capacity. Focus is on technique to ensure you get your sweat on in a fun, safe and informative environment! Suitable for all levels.

"Gretchen is amazing, her energy is contagious and every week I came out of her class re-energized and feeling like a better version of myself! Thanks GC!"

Build your strength, endurance, and confidence in this fun, and energetic class. Expect the use of bars, plates, and free weights in this weightlifting focused group class. Using the music to enhance your experience you will notice progression throughout as the instructor guides you through a full body workout. Suitable for all levels.

"Great workout, great instructors who are open to feedback, other participants are friendly, there are always some laughs. I enjoy Shawna' style of teaching, making sure the class knows the proper technique and makes the class challenging."

Enjoy this full-body workout with a focus on core, strength, and endurance. This workout will incorporate cardiovascular training on the bike with variety of interval drills of hills, sprints, climbs and more. Plus, off-the-bike resistance training to improve your strength. Get the best of both worlds by combining indoor cycling and strength training. Suitable for all levels.

An interval training class that mixes muscle strengthening exercises and cardio to get your heart pumping. With a new workout every week, these classes are designed to challenge participants in new ways and to always keep the body guessing. Suitable for all levels.

Get strong with minimal to no equipment. Strengthen your core beyond the abs. Build a strong foundation to support your life and goals. Get all of that in 50 minutes with our new BodyWeights Burn. Spend this time working on building overall strength using mainly your bodyweight with minimal additional equipment such as gliding discs, dumbbells, and resistance bands. This class is a great way to start your week. Suitable for all levels.

Step is BACK! This high-energy cardio focused class helps increase endurance, conditioning and coordination. We will spend the entire semester working on routines that will challenge your body, your mind, and will gradually build up intensity and complexity.

Never Stepped before?! Don't worry, by the end you will know how to Up Dance, Mambo, Over-Turn, Repeater and more! Step up your fitness, your heart rate, and your mood! Suitable for all levels.

"This is really the best step class ever! The build up is always perfect."

Are you looking for a way to Get Moving after a long day of sitting at work? Enjoy this lower-intensity fitness class that combines cardio and simple low-impact movements including strength, core conditioning and flexibility. This program is for all fitness levels and will give you a full-body workout to help you Get Moving into your later years. While this class is designed for newer exercisers, it is open to all fitness levels. 

Enjoy this lower-intensity, traditional fitness class that combines cardio and simple low-impact movements including strength, core conditioning, flexibility, stability, mobility and balance work. This program is for all fitness levels and will give you a full-body workout that will keep you moving in a non-intimidating environment. While this class is designed for older adults it is open to all ages and fitness levels. 
Participants who are over 60 and are not University staff or students may purchase a Senior's Parking pass from Client Services.

"In addition to the regular exercise, class participants have formed a highly valued social community. This time, we had two instructors (usually just one), each with different styles. They complemented each other, and we benefited from their varied approaches. We certainly got a good workout each time!"

In this class, you will get an effective full-body workout that combines strength, cardio, and flexibility. Bodyweight, free weights, kettlebells, slam balls, stability balls, BOSU’s and more will be used to improve strength and endurance. Get you heart pumping and muscles moving and still have time for lunch. Suitable for all levels.

Pilates is a full body workout as the exercises develop the body through muscular efforts that stem from the core. This class focuses on repetitive exercises performed on a yoga mat along with other equipment to build strength, mobility, and flexibility. Suitable for all levels.

With a combination of movements on and off the barre, this class offers a mix of exercises that promote muscular endurance, posture development, core conditioning, and balance! Classical ballet training mixes with Pilates and resistance training to bring you a class that will provide progress in strength, flexibility, coordination, and stability. Suitable for all levels.

Barre for Non-Dancers is a unique approach to a traditional barre class. Using range-of-motion, static holds, full-body movements, and minimal equipment, this class delivers a fun and challenging workout for those who want to experience dancing-inspired training without the grace and terminology. Suitable for all levels.

Learn practical self defense moves and get a great cardio workout with the help of our high-energy, dynamic instructor. You will develop skills through targeted drills done on your own and with other participants in a safe, non-competitive environment. 

Please note that 180" hand wraps are required for this class, however not for week 1. These can be purchased from Client Services from most sporting goods retailers. Suitable for all levels.

"Phil was so knowledgeable and gave easy to follow instructions. He explained everything in the class with great detail and ensured that each student understood. I was expecting to enjoy kickboxing, but Phil's excitement and instruction style made it even more enjoyable."

Give us 50 minutes and we'll give you sweat, stress release and a community! Join your instructors for Boxing Fit to learn elements of kickboxing techniques, in a full body workout using various equipment in a HIIT (high intensity interval training) style format. Expect shadow boxing, work with stationary heavy bags, bodyweight moves, weights and more. Each class offers variety to keep you on your toes while you progress throughout the semester! Suitable for all levels.

"Gretchen is really energetic, and her positive mode is infectious! She also encourages each of the students and provides constructive feedback."

This exciting new class is designed to keep you guessing. Cycling through four of your Active Living instructors, each week will be a different format they like to teach. This class will be held in KNB70 which means you could be biking one-week, boxing the next, BOSU, kettlebells, yoga, the options are endless. Full class schedule will be available when registration opens. Suitable for all levels.

Ditch the workout and join the party! Easy to follow steps coincide with a celebration of Latin and world music to provide a workout that will leave you sweaty and smiling!

Gymnasts have amazing overall fitness. Come and train in the Gymnastics Centre using the same kinds of exercises we use to condition our athletes. Exercises will utilize the various apparatus in the gym to build strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and co-ordination utilizing body weight exercises. Some light resistance may be achieved  with resistance and therapy bands and sliders. This 45 minute structured class will utilize a variety of training techniques such as circuits and intervals ensure a workout that will be dynamic, engaging and challenging to any fitness level. 

Learn the basics of self-defense in this 90-minute, dynamic class. From how to spot potential dangers, to what to do to protect yourself, you'll get an in-depth demonstration of how best to defend yourself in various scenarios.  

*Note that this class is mixed gendered and will involve physical contact. Class is ONLY 4 weeks 

"I feel like I learned a lot and the class had a very nice and supportive atmosphere. Maya was absolutely fantastic. She is extremely sweet and caring, and she always made sure that we were feeling comfortable and that we were respecting our boundaries. She made the classes super fun and I loved having her as my instructor."

Intervals, rolling hills, sprints, climbs, runs, surges and jumps all to music hand-picked to motivate and inspire! This is a great sweaty ride that will leave you feeling strong, successful and amazed at what you can accomplish. 

Yoga Classes

Core and restore is your perfect mix of spicy core strengthening followed by relaxing yoga and stretching. If you have a busy schedule and want to get best of both worlds in one, then this class is for you! With your favorite blend of strength and stretch, expect a variety of core strengthening movements using weights, gliders, blocks, and more plus a yin yoga style cool down/ stretch. Suitable for all levels.

This dynamic flow class incorporates traditional sun salutations and yoga poses while allowing for more varied practice. You’ll focus on breath, building full body strength, core stability, flexibility, and proper body alignment. Options will be given for all levels, from beginners to those looking for more challenge. Suitable for all levels.

"I really enjoyed this class. It was the best yoga experience I have ever had in a class setting. Iva is a thoughtful and accepting instructor." 

A strong core enhances your yoga practice immeasurably and promotes healthy posture off the mat too. In this class you'll strengthen the core by combining traditional yoga moves you know with core focused moves. Move, strengthen, lengthen, and breathe is this invigorating class. Suitable for all levels.

Explore both dynamic and warmth building (yang) poses, along with restorative, longer held (yin) poses. Yin-Yang yoga provides you with benefits from the strength-building, active yoga flows you love, with the mindful, stretch-based sequences you crave. Suitable for all levels.

Mondays are always tough so why not start your week off with an awakening and invigorating 50-minute yoga class. Move through salutations, hold longer poses and build that inner power to set yourself up for an energized start to your week. Suitable for all levels.

After a long week, letting go of the work week challenges can be difficult. Join us in our Power Down yoga class and experience longer holds, deeper breathing and a clearing of the mind to reset and refocus for the weekend. Suitable for all levels.

Based on the science of functional movement, CIRCL Mobility™ focuses on flexibility, breathwork, and mobility exercises. Release stress, restore your range of motion, and renew your ability to move better, with this new approach to traditional yoga. Suitable for all levels.

Small Group Training

Join a community of likeminded people as you work toward your goals! Led by a qualified personal trainer, small group training is a great way to meet others, hang out with co-workers, learn about technique all while getting a sweat on!

Learn lifting technique, proper form, injury prevention, and more in a small-group workshop. With a limited number of people in class, our certified personal trainer will guide you through the basics of lifting by focusing on technique, form and safety. Expect instruction on the core lifts, including squats, deadlifts, lunges, bench press, overhead press and rows while using barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment. Each term offers 3 to 4 sessions in the Fitness Centre learning fixed and cable machine exercises. Suitable for beginners.

If you are ready to take your lifting to the next level and test your abilities, then this is the class for you. Our certified personal trainer will guide you through technique, variations and progressions of lifting that will improve strength and increase confidence. You are stronger than you think, and this is the perfect environment to learn this. 

This program is for intermediate lifters looking to improve their technique and try new progressions in a safe, trainer-lead environment. 

It’s time to see what you can do. With our certified trainers guidance, you will explore new ways to lift while testing your limits. Technique will be the focus as you up your workout with more advanced lifts and movements. 

This program is for advanced lifters looking to improve their technique and try new progressions in a safe, trainer-lead environment. 

Adaptive Fitness

“Beast Mode Fitness" is an exercise program for young adults with autism who want to learn how to become more physically active in their lives. The program seeks to provide motivated individuals with the opportunity to learn about personal fitness, health, and well-being by building self-confidence through goal development and achievement. Suitable for all levels.

Beast Mode is an exercise program youth with autism who want to learn how to become more physically active in their lives. The program seeks to provide individuals with the opportunity to learn about personal fitness, health and well-being by building self-confidence through goal development and achievement. Suitable for all levels.

Have Questions? Call 403.220.5029 or Email Us