Health, Fitness, and Lifestyle Courses

Our Health, Fitness, and Lifestyle (HFL) courses are taught by qualified instructors, and are open to students in all majors. We have online and in-person HFL options offered each semester, and all courses carry normal grading options. See course descriptions and additional information below.

A group of students posing on a basketball court

Undergraduate Courses

Student working out in fitness class

Hip Hop Dance - HFL 1042

  • A beginning/intermediate level dance course with no experience required. Hip-hop dance is a vibrant form of dance that combines a variety of freestyle movements to create a cultural piece of art. Through its three main styles of popping, locking, and breaking, hip-hop dance has evolved into one of the most popular and influential styles of dance. This class is designed to teach the fundamentals of Hip-Hop through choreographed dances. Individual work, floor work, and partner work will be emphasized.

Beginning Strength Training - HFL 1055

  • This course is designed to help students improve their knowledge and understanding of strength training. Students will, with the help and approval of a fitness instructor, develop their individualized strength training program. Significant class time will be spent implementing this program. Students will receive regular input and feedback from the fitness instructor. The importance of proper warm-up, cool down and stretching will be emphasized.

Physical Conditioning (1) - HFL 1053C

  • This course is designed to help students improve their fitness levels in accord with their own personal physical fitness goals. With the help and approval of a fitness instructor, students will  develop and execute their individualized physical conditioning program. Students will receive regular input and feedback from the fitness instructor, and the importance of proper warm-up, cool down and stretching will be emphasized.

Half Marathon and Marathon Training (2) - HFL 1054

  • This course is designed to provide the basic knowledge for setting up a half-marathon or marathon training schedule and setting individualized goals for race participation. Students will also learn proper running form, warm-up and cool down exercises, and stretching exercises. The role that hydration, nutrition, and recovery plays in marathon training will also be addressed. This course approaches half-marathon and marathon training holistically, focusing on core strengthening, hip mobility, body stability, S.O.S. (something of substance) running, and aerobic development.  Open to runners and walkers of all skill levels as students may choose to run, walk, or run/walk.

Walking for Fitness (1) - HFL 1055C

  • This course is for students interested in learning how to incorporate walking into their fitness program. The course will cover proper form for fitness walking as well as warm-up, cool-down and stretching exercises appropriate for walking.

Running for Fitness (1) - HFL 1056C

  • This course is for students interested in learning how to incorporate running into their fitness program. The course will cover proper form for running as well as warm-up, cool-down and stretching exercises appropriate for running.

Barre Fitness (1) - HFL 1088

  • In this class, students will learn how to incorporate a mix of Barre exercises, which blend the latest exercise science with the Lotte Burke method (the genesis of the Barre movement), into their fitness routine. Barre delivers a fusion of ballet, Pilates, yoga and strength training movements designed to strengthen the muscles and enhance overall flexibility. A focus will be placed on proper alignment and improving posture, and class will utilize a mix of both class instruction and student participation.

Pilates (1) - HFL 1089     

  • This course is designed for students interested in taking a more focused approach to Pilates. Students will learn how to incorporate a mix of Pilates exercises into their fitness routine. Potential benefits of Pilates can include, improved flexibility, increased muscle strength, and improved physical coordination and balance. A focus will be placed on proper alignment and improving posture, and class will utilize a mix of both class instruction and student participation.

*Number in parentheses indicates credit hours

Introduction to Ultimate Frisbee - HFL 1043

  • This course explores the relatively young sport of Ultimate Frisbee through a comprehensive format that goes beyond the basic rules of the game. This blended activity class will introduce students to the evolution of Ultimate Frisbee and understanding its impact on the current sports and social landscape. This course will also cover the fundamental and advanced mechanics of throwing, offensive and defensive strategies, and an emphasis on community and “Spirit of the Game.”

Sport Officiating Football and Basketball

  • Sport Officiating Football and Basketball- Learn the fundamentals of sports officiating to step on the field or court with confidence. This course engages learners in the fundamental definitions, rules, and mechanics of sports officiating needed to take the first step in becoming a sports official. There is a $50 fee associated with this course that will allow students access to RefReps Officiating Education System.

Tennis I (1) - HFL 1040C

  • This course is for students interested in learning the basics of tennis. The course will cover the rules of tennis, keeping score, forehand, backhand, volley, overhead and serve. Students will practice strokes and play both singles and doubles matches throughout the class. Students will be required to purchase a tennis racquet and one can of balls for each course.

Pickleball (1) - HFL 1041

  • This course is for students interested in learning the fundamentals of pickleball including basic rules of singles and doubles, stroke technique, parts of the court, and basic playing strategies. Students will learn how to volley with proper footwork and body alignment and will have the opportunity to play both single and double games throughout the class.

Basketball (1) - HFL 1044C

  • This course is for students interested in learning the basics of basketball. The course will cover the rules and basic skills of basketball. Students will practice skills and play recreational during class time.

Snow Sports (1) - HFL 1046

  • This is a physical activity course designed to instruct students in the fundamentals of snow skiing and snow boarding. The class is conducted at a local snow sports recreation facility.  Students will be responsible for an additional fee that includes lift pass and rental of all necessary equipment.

Beginning Swimming (1) - HFL 1071C

  • This is a beginning swimming class. Basic swim strokes will be taught and students will use classtime to practice the strokes. Students are required to be in the water for all class periods. Appropriate warm-up and cool-down activities will be stressed and students will be expected to follow all water safety rules both in and around the water. Students will be required to purchase goggles for this course.

Swim Conditioning (1) - HFL 1072C

  • This class is intended to teach students how to use swimming as a conditioning exercise. Each student will develop an individualized swim work-out plan with the assistance of the course instructor. Class time will be spent improving swim strokes and swimming for improved physical fitness. Students are required to be in the water for all class periods. Appropriate warm-up and cool-down activities will be stressed and students will be expected to follow all water safety rules both in and around the water. Students will be required to purchase goggles for this course.

Social History of Baseball (3) - HFL 2001

  • This online course provides a historical and analytical study of a sport through social change and cultural assimilation into American society. As they relate to baseball, such themes as urbanization, education, race, ethnicity, legal issues, literature, mass marketing, and popular culture will be discussed and defined. Baseball will be examined in terms of American and global issues from the 19th century to the present, including war, economics, religion, health and recreation, and community development. This course does not focus on sports trivia, nor does it glamorize sport. Rather, it considers baseball, and sport, as integral parts of human culture and as important aspects of American life.

Issues in Global Sport (3) - HFL 2003

  • This online course examines the varieties of sport throughout the world and in the United States, showing how sport is interrelated with race, gender, politics, religion, urbanization, education, economics and cultural assimilation. It is not a course on sports trivia, nor does it glamorize sport. Rather, sport is examined as an integral part of human culture and as an important part of global life. In particular, this course explores current themes that form contemporary issues in several countries, such as educational programs, health concerns, violence, global stages for sporting events, gender equity, and the treatment of ethnic minorities within nations.

Sport and Community (3) - HFL 2004

  • This online course examines the idea of "community" in a local geographical context and how sport contributes to social cohesion. How sport functions in terms of boundaries and divisions at all levels of society, and how communities are formed and re-formed in response to the integration of sport into the lives of individual and social groups, are explored with a view to the function of sport as a method of education.

Philosophy of Sports (3) - HFL 2005

  • This online course examines concepts related to the institutionalization of sports. Included will be an assessment of the cultural history of American sports from the age of folk games to the era of the spectator and the on-going development of the media and television age. The course is accompanied by a series of recorded interviews of professionals in the world of sports including coaches, institutional administrators, athletes, media professionals and representatives, and professional sports figures. Consideration is also given to contemporary print and electronic materials. Under review are the concepts of competition, winning and losing, game, violence, hero, and legend among others and the dimensions of every day life and the human experience.

*Number in parentheses indicates credit hours

Yoga for the Common Good - HFL 1063

  • This course explores the practice of yoga from the perspective of collective well-being and common good. The purpose of this course is to gain a better understanding of the practices of yoga “off the mat.” In this course students will take a deeper look at yoga’s history and how it has evolved. Drawing on a variety of different resources, this course offers topics and themes related to social justice and accessibility, increasing students awareness to how yoga was colonized and a genuine path forward as practitioners. Expect an opportunity to slow down, pause in mindfulness, and meditate. Students will be encouraged to take their yoga practice off the mat and into their relationships, community, and the world to benefit the common good.

Yoga Flow Studies: Strengthen the Body and Mind - HFL 1066

  • Strengthen the Body and Mind- In this yoga course, students will practice vinyasa yoga sequences, while learning about the principles of yoga that help improve mental health and alleviate stress. Half of this yoga will involve the movement side of yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a style that involves moving through a sequence of postures that are linked together with breathing. Students will gain strength and flexibility with the weekly yoga practices that are accessible to all students. The other half of the course will teach more about the concepts of yoga off the yoga mat, and in the real world. These studies are considered as a map for self study and understanding the way we look at the world around us. All levels are encouraged.

Yin Yoga Studies (2): Stretching the Body and Mind - HFL 1067

  • This course will introduce students to a gentle Yin Yoga practice that focuses on stretching connective tissues and physical energy. Most of the postures are from the floor and are held anywhere between 3-5 minutes. With focused breathing and allowing gravity to do the work, students are taught ways to release stress. Along with class time of practicing yoga, requirements include reading in a group and journaling around yin topics. Students will also learn other yoga practices such as vinyasa yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Yin Yoga studies will not only focus on postures for the physical body, but also the vast benefits yin yoga has on the organs and emotions.

Modo Yoga Studies: Practice and Pillars - HFL 1071

  • Life is beautiful. And, it can also be challenging. Some days we feel great, but others days may feel stressful, confusing and overwhelming. This can take a major toll on your nervous system. This Modo Yoga Studies course will provide students with simple tools to navigate through life’s obstacles. Spending time on your yoga mat can cultivate more joy and self-love into daily living. Founded by Modo Yoga teachers, Ted Grand and Jess Robertson, this 2-credit online yoga course combines yoga, breathwork, meditation and weekly writing reflections.

Modo Yoga: Rest and Reset - HFL 1072

  • Life moves fast, and that constant pace can take a toll on both body and mind. We often place high expectations on ourselves, driven by a culture that encourages us to always strive for more. Some days, it feels like there simply aren’t enough hours to get everything done. The Modo Yoga Studies: Rest and Reset course offers a chance to slow down. Through a combination of yin and yang yoga practices, guided meditation, and mindful movement, students will learn how to pause, reflect, and reconnect. This course will help students cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, while also developing a personalized home yoga practice that supports their unique needs.

Yoga I (1) - HFL 1062C

  • This class is for beginners who have little or no experience in yoga. The philosophy of yoga, importance of breathing, and various yoga poses will be covered in the class. Each yoga pose will be carefully introduced and students will be given the opportunity to practice the pose throughout the term. Students are required to purchase a Yoga mat for this course.

Yoga II (1) - HFL 1064C

  • This class is for individuals with intermediate to advanced-level experience in practicing yoga. Students will learn how to incorporate correct postures and breathing techniques into performing more complex yoga poses and movement sequences. Students will also be introduced to a variety of types of yoga practices, such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin. Recommended prerequisite: HFL1062C (Yoga I). Students are required to purchase a Yoga mat for this course.

Mindfulness (1) - HFL 1065

  • Mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness to one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surrounding environment in the current moment. In this class, students will learn how to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their daily lives to improve various dimensions of personal well-being and life satisfaction.

Yoga Teacher Training I (3) - HFL 2071            

  • This is the first course in a two-course series that prepares students to become Yoga instructors. In this course you learn the foundations of becoming a yoga teacher, including yoga posture alignment, assists, props, and modifications as well as posture sequencing and anatomy as it relates to yoga. You learn and practice teach various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. This course serves as a pre-requisite for Yoga Teacher Training II (HFL 2072).

Yoga Teacher Training II (3) - HFL 2072

  • This is the second course in a two-course series that prepares students to become Yoga instructors. In this course, students will go deeper into the foundations of becoming a yoga teacher and continue to delve into yoga posture technique and teaching, breathing techniques, and meditation. Subtle anatomy, yoga philosophy, and yoga as a business are also covered as part of the course. - Prerequisite Definition: To take this course you must: Have taken the following Course HFL2071 min grade D-.

*Number in parentheses indicates credit hours

Healthy Lifestyle Courses - HFL 1051

  • First Aid, CPR, and AED- This course will teach students how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), confidently use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and respond to sudden injuries and medical emergencies in a safe, effective, and timely manner (First Aid). This will enable students to help victims of any age – adults (about 12 years and older and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Obtaining First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification is important if you want to be prepared for a wide range of emergencies - either in your personal life or based on your participation in certain professional settings (e.g., sport, fitness, health, education). Successful completion of the course will require both an online education component and the passing of a live (in-person) skills check held on UC’s Uptown Campus. The successful completion of all course requirements will allow students to obtain the American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification which is valid for a period of 2 years. Students will be required to pay the certification fee in order to become certified.

Healthy Living for the Busy College Student - HFL 1053

  • Designed for busy college students, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of the essential components of a healthy lifestyle, specifically focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. Students will examine how daily choices impact both physical and mental well-being and learn to apply evidence-based strategies to enhance their overall health. Additionally, students will explore various forms of exercise, understand the critical role of sleep in academic and cognitive performance, and practice effective stress management techniques. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to make personalized, sustainable lifestyle choices that promote long-term wellness.

Financial Wellness for College and Beyond (1) - HFL 1075

  • Finances can be one of the top personal stressors, both in college and beyond. With a focus not only on personal finance concepts and knowledge, this course employs practical application that leads to behavior change which can positively influence personal wellbeing. The material enables to students to save, budget, avoid debt, and spend wisely.

Happiness in Action (1) - HFL 1080 

  • This course focuses on applying the science of happiness to everyday life. Students will learn how to develop action-oriented strategies and implement research-based skills for improving their own happiness. It is intended that through this class, students will gain a better understanding of the science behind experiencing a meaningful life, while heightening personal well-being and reducing stress.

Building Resilience (1) - HFL 1081

  • Resilience is an individual’s ability to positively cope with stress and adversity. Through this course, students will gain a better understanding of how to thrive in the face of life's challenges. Students will develop action-oriented strategies and implement research-based skills for improving resiliency to enhance personal growth and overall wellbeing.

Healthy Cooking Basics (1) - HFL 1090

  • This course will provide basic cooking knowledge and skills to promote a healthy lifestyle.  Students will learn how to read recipes and scale them (e.g., cut them in half or double them), measure ingredients properly, use knives efficiently and safely, and use a variety of cooking techniques.   Information about healthy eating and cooking will also be provided so that the student can plan healthful weekly menus and navigate the grocery store to identify the healthiest choices.

Stress Management (1) - HFL 1094

  • This course provides a basic comprehension of human stress including definitions, effects on the body, and a variety of techniques to help control and manage stress.

Adult Mental Health First Aid (1) - HFL 2032

  • In this course, students will complete three micro trainings: Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Crisis Intervention Training (CRIT) as part of UC's Awareness, Screening, Support, and Intervention Skills Training for Students (ASSISTS). As such, students gain the knowledge and skills to respond to a person in mental distress and refer them to appropriate professional resources.? This course combines live online training with individual, asynchronous online pre-work.? Students who complete the training will be certified in the evidence-based program, Adult Mental Health First Aid, and will be equipped with foundational SBIRT and de-escalation skills and resources.

*Number in parentheses indicates credit hours


Graduate Courses

Yoga class

Adult Mental Health First Aid (1) - HFL 6032

  • In this course, students will complete three micro trainings: Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Crisis Intervention Training (CRIT) as part of UC's Awareness, Screening, Support, and Intervention Skills Training for Students (ASSISTS). As such, students gain the knowledge and skills to respond to a person in mental distress and refer them to appropriate professional resources.? This course combines live online training with individual, asynchronous online pre-work.? Students who complete the training will be certified in the evidence-based program, Adult Mental Health First Aid, and will be equipped with foundational SBIRT and de-escalation skills and resources.

Yoga I (1) - HFL 6062C

  • This class is for beginners who have little or no experience in yoga. The philosophy of yoga, importance of breathing, and various yoga poses will be covered in the class. Each yoga pose will be carefully introduced and students will be given the opportunity to practice the pose throughout the term. This course is geared toward gentle stretching, strength building, and flexibility for beginners.

Yoga II (1) - HFL 6064C

  • This class is for individuals with experience in practicing yoga. Students will learn how to incorporate alignment of foundational postures and breathing techniques with more complex yoga poses and movement sequences. Students will also be introduced to a variety of types of yoga practices, such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin. An overview of subtle energy, meditation, and creating a home practice will also be covered. Recommended prerequisite: HFL1062C (Yoga I)

Mindfulness (1) - HFL 6065

  • Mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness to one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surrounding environment in the current moment. In this class, students will learn how to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their daily lives to improve various dimensions of personal well-being and life satisfaction.

Ashtanga Yoga Studies (2) - HFL 6066

  • In this course, students will be introduced to a physical yoga practice called the Ashtanga Modified Primary Sequence.  Students will be expected to explore their physical journey in class, as well as commit to journaling and practicing yoga outside of class.  Students will also learn other practices such as yin yoga, rocket yoga, mindfulness and meditation.  This course will not only focus on the physical postures, but also the vast benefits yoga has to offer in daily life.  Students will read and journal about self and ethical observations, as well as explore yoga skills off the mat to look at the world with a more positive lens.

Yin Yoga Studies (2) - HFL 6067

  • This course will introduce students to a gentle Yin Yoga practice that focuses on stretching connective tissues and physical energy.  Most of the postures are from the floor and are held anywhere between 3-5 minutes.   With focused breathing and allowing gravity to do the work, students are taught ways to release stress. Along with class time of practicing yoga, requirements include reading in a group and journaling around yin topics.  Students will also learn other yoga practices such as vinyasa yoga, mindfulness and meditation.  Yin Yoga studies will not only focus on postures for the physical body, but also the vast benefits yin yoga has on the organs and emotions.

Rocket Yoga Studies (2) - HFL 6069

  • The Rocket is a style of yoga that was developed by Larry Schultz in San Francisco during the 1980s. Rooted in the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa, the sequence is composed of poses from the beginner, intermediate and advanced postures of Ashtanga Yoga. Although this is a challenging sequence, it allows for anyone to practice it, as long as they listen to their body. Rocket Yoga was created with Larry and the band, The Grateful Dead. Bob Weir named it “The Rocket” because he said, “It gets you there faster.” This is something a rocket yoga student finds through the dedication of the practice.   - Prerequisite Definition: To take this course you must: Have taken the following Course HFL1062C min grade C-.

Yoga Teacher Training I (3) - HFL 6071

  • This is the first course in a two-course series that prepares students to become Yoga instructors. In this course you learn the foundations of becoming a yoga teacher, including yoga posture alignment, assists, props, and modifications as well as posture sequencing and anatomy as it relates to yoga. You learn and practice teach various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. This course serves as a pre-requisite for Yoga Teacher Training II (HFL 2072).

Yoga Teacher Training II (3) - HFL 6062

  • This is the second course in a two-course series that prepares students to become Yoga instructors. In this course, students will go deeper into the foundations of becoming a yoga teacher and continue to delve into yoga posture technique and teaching, breathing techniques, and meditation. Subtle anatomy, yoga philosophy, and yoga as a business are also covered as part of the course. - Prerequisite Definition: To take this course you must: Have taken the following Course HFL2071 min grade D-.

Happiness in Action (1) - HFL 6080

  • This course focuses on applying the science of happiness to everyday life. Students will learn how to develop action-oriented strategies and implement research-based skills for improving their own happiness. It is intended that through this class, students will gain a better understanding of the science behind experiencing a meaningful life, while heightening personal well-being and reducing stress.

Attire

For physical activity courses, proper exercise attire is expected. Specific dress requirements for each class will be explained in the course syllabi. For any class taking place in the Campus Rec Center or at an off-site location, students are responsible for following any additional protocol set forth by the facility.


Contact

Headshot of Kaitlin Fossi McGeeney

Kaitlin Fossi McGeeney

Program Manager, CECH Human Services

460A Teachers College

513-556-1379