Living Well Classes
Mix and match a variety of fun and engaging classes to reach your wellness goals. Come As You Are—our classes are for everybody and every body.
Classes
What’s the difference between GX and SGT Classes?
Group Exercise (often referred to as “GX”) is a program that allows for flexible attendance to a variety of large group exercise classes on a drop-in basis through the purchase of an all-access GX pass.
- Class sizes up to 40
- Unlimited classes with Campus Recreation membership and a GX Pass
- Schedule includes a wide variety of days, times and class types
- Best value ($45/quarter, $115/year)
Specialized Group Training (often referred to as “SGT”) is a program that helps you develop a specific skill by progressing with your instructor and classmates over the course of 10 weeks.
- Smaller class sizes (max capacity ranges from 12 to 30 depending on the format)
- Set schedule
- Accountability partners
- Progressive learning
- $65 per quarter ($6.50/1-hour class)
Note: The “Specialized Group Training” program encapsulates two previous programs within Living Well - “Small Group Training” and “Series (Martial Arts/Dance)”. These two programs’ names were consolidated in September 2026 for simplicity’s sake - programming is otherwise unchanged.
Group Exercise (GX)
Quick Links
With the purchase of a Group Exercise Pass, you can sign up for a variety of classes. Whether you like cardio, resistance training, cycling, or mind-body classes, all classes are welcoming of every experience level!
Cardio
Feel the difference cardio training can make as you dance, step and jump through our inventive cardio classes.
ZUMBA® (60 min)
A fun fast-paced dance class that combines Latin music in varying rhythms to tone the entire body.
Stretch and Sweat (60 min)
Stretch and Sweat is a dance-inspired class that blends deep, flowing stretches with rhythmic movements to improve flexibility and mobility. Combining grounded strength with dynamic flow, we will build heat and feel a full-body burn while moving with power and intention. All levels welcome, no dance experience needed.
Cycling
Hop onto one of our twenty-eight custom Keiser bikes and let our motivational instructors help you run, sprint, climb and jump your way through an exhilarating ride in the comfort of our indoor cycling studio.
Cycle (45 min)
Get those pedals moving! This class will get your heart pumping by combining strength and endurance components associated with cycling.
Party Cycle (45 min)
In addition to all the components of a regular Cycle class, you'll find yourself riding to the beat of music and some fun party lights!
Resistance Training
Our strength and resistance classes increase muscular strength and endurance using a variety of equipment and exercises.
Core Fusion (30 min)
Devote 30 minutes to strengthening your abs and lower back to improve posture and core strength.
Total Body Strengthening (60 min)
Improve the strength of your whole body using resistance and weight training equipment.
Mind Body
Increase balance, flexibility, and strength while building a mind-body connection.
Barre-Inspired Strength
Utilizing the ballet barre, this class aims to strengthen muscles. Calling upon slow exercises that focus on body form, this class aims to strengthen all muscles in the body, particularly the legs and core. No dance experience is needed.
Tai Chi (60 min)
The ultimate slow-burn, mindful martial art, this beginner-friendly Tai Chi class starts with basics designed to teach hip movements and postures for strength and balance. This is then followed up by form practice and two-person partner training called “push hands.”
Vinyasa Yoga (60 min)
Vinyasa is a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. Vinyasa aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow.
Yoga Sculpt (60 min)
The traditional practice of yoga meets modern fitness. In this class we focus on building both physical and mental strength through dynamic poses and movements. Think yoga but with reps, and lots of added eccentric and concentric movements to build muscle. Leave this class feeling empowered and embrace a holistic approach to strength.
Specialized Group Training (SGT)
Join us for a series of progressive classes in the format of your choice! SGT programs include ten classes during the main academic quarters and six classes per summer session.
Dance
Ballroom, Latin, and Swing
Learn to dance like the stars! Make new friends as you learn the basic fundamentals of East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Nightclub Two Step, and Salsa as well as gain an understanding of what makes each dance unique. You will also learn a variety of patterns in each dance, giving you all the tools you need to light up the dance floor anywhere you go.
Salsa and Bachata
Learn the fundamentals of this fun and energetic style of dance, then advance your skill set with styling, partnering, and learning patterns.
Scottish Country Dance
Scottish Country Dance is the traditional social dance of Scotland. It is similar in many ways to American square or contra dance, and to English Country Dance, as made famous in Jane Austen movies. A prime difference is SCD is done with an energetic skipping step to vigorous traditional and contemporary Scottish reels, jigs, and strathspeys. This class is geared towards new dancers, concentrating on basic steps and figures to develop skills and proficiency for this exciting dance form. No previous dance experience needed.
Martial Arts
Practical Self-Defense
This self-defense class is designed to teach students skills and techniques to mitigate dangerous situations and defend themselves against a multitude of attacks. Techniques are specifically selected and adjusted to be effective against stronger attackers. Frequent review and repetition of all techniques will reinforce learning and increase students’ ability to call upon them should a situation require it.
Boxing
Our Boxing class teaches the boxing stance, footwork, and how to throw a punch while also gradually building up your stamina, strength, and endurance!
Hapkido
Hap means coordination, Ki, power or energy and Do is the way or a path to follow through life. Hapkido is a Korean self defense system, not a sport. The system specializes in joint locks, throws, pressure points, submission techniques, kicking and strikes. Students will learn to harness their own energy (or chi) to defend themselves from any attacker. Through Hapkido students learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, creating a unity between the mind, body, and spirit. This intro class is a great way for newcomers to start Hapkido and for seasoned participants to hone their skills. All levels encouraged. Please bring water.
Want to learn Hapkido? Check out this video and register for a class today!
IMPORTANT: Martial arts can be dangerous. People can and do get hurt. Do not attempt the techniques shown in this video except under the supervision of a skilled martial arts instructor.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Learn grappling techniques for self-defense, sport, and recreation in this Brazilian and Japanese martial art. Want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Check out this video featuring a guard sweep to an arm bar by Pedro and register for a class today!
IMPORTANT: Martial arts can be dangerous. People can and do get hurt. Do not attempt the techniques shown in this video except under the supervision of a skilled martial arts instructor.
Judo
Learn authentic Judo – the Olympic martial art founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Master efficient throws, pins, and ground techniques while building strength, balance, confidence, and practical self-defense skills. We follow the traditional Kodokan curriculum, suitable for beginners, taught by Sensei Daniel Pfister, a certified black-belt instructor.
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art system for self-defense that employs a variety of arm strikes, kicks, joint locks, and trapping techniques. It emphasizes relaxation, sensitivity, and speed, rather than brute strength, to allow a practitioner to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent. Simple and easy to learn, practitioners become effective extremely quickly through Wing Chun’s unique and innovative teaching system.
Muay Thai
Experience the “Art of Eight Limbs”: In this Muay Thai class, you’ll learn to use punches, kicks, knees, and elbows in a powerful and effective striking system. You will build a strong foundation through proper stance, strike technique, and defensive skills, while also gaining strength, stamina, and coordination.
Perfect for beginners and experienced fighters; this class includes shadowboxing, pad work, and optional light sparring in a supportive, ego-free environment. Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, or for the “Art of Eight Limbs”, this is the perfect place to start your journey. Bring water, hand wraps, and a positive mindset!
Resistance Training
Glutes and Core
Learn the basics of weightlifting with an emphasis on strengthening your posterior chain: glutes, back, core, and hips! Improve your posture, strengthen common areas of weakness, and gain flexibility, all while engaging in a fun workout attuned to your needs.
Intro to Powerlifting
This course will focus on outlining the importance of proper programming, flexibility and technique for safe and effective training. Participants will not only get hands on coaching, but they will also be provided with specific techniques to improve their lifting. With the focus being on the three classical lifts: Deadlift, Squat, and Bench Press.
Athletic Foundations
Train like an athlete—no sports background required! This introductory class delivers a dynamic fusion of total-body strength and explosive cardio intervals through simple, easy-to-learn movements. Step in to build your athletic foundation, unlock practical power and agility for any sport, and elevate the way you move!
Fit for Life
Fit For Life
The Fit For Life program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of the UC Davis community through a variety of aerobic, strength, and flexibility classes. Fit For Life passes are available for purchase by all Campus Recreation members age 55 and older. To enroll, please complete the steps below.
- Purchase a Campus Recreation membership. (Fit For Life members who are not eligible for Campus Recreation membership by affiliation with UC Davis can now join as a community member.)
- Download and complete the Fit For Life enrollment packet. (Please allow two to three weeks for review. Physical copies are available at the Living Well center in the ARC.)
- New participants will need to schedule a consultation and orientation with the Living Well Department via email at [email protected].
- Purchase a quarterly Fit For Life pass at the ARC membership desk.
Schedules will be sent out to members once cleared and registered for the program