Fitness Special Events and Programs

The RWC’s 5k Training Program is a running program designed to create community and support for students interested in running a 5k. This program is for novice runners interested in learning how to run 3.1 miles for the first time and for experienced runners looking to improve their time, form, and training routine.

• This program will take place at the UCF Main Campus.
• 6 week long training program runs from October 1^st, 2021-November 12^th, 2021
• Free for all UCF and Downtown Valencia students (must be currently enrolled in the Fall semester)
• No experience required. All fitness levels are welcome.
• To accommodate different skills and experiences, we offer two groups at Main Campus: Knightro and Pegasus
  • Knightro: For novice participants who have little to no experience with running.
  • Pegasus: For athletes who have ran a 5k before and would like to improve their time and/or be held accountable for training
• Students are required to bring water, athletic attire, and proper running shoes.

The AFAA Group Exercise Certification Course is a prep course that teaches you what you need to know for the AFAA Group Exercise Certification Exam and how to become a Group Exercise Instructor at the Recreation and Wellness Center.

• The course is free, but for the materials (textbook, online module access, practice exam, and Group Exercise Certification Exam enrollment) it is $219 per student.
• We offer this course in the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Registration opens 1/31/22

Cycle into Spring is a month-long cycle challenge to complete 8 Cycle45 classes in the month of February. Participants who complete the challenge will win a prize at the end! Participants can sign up in person at one of our Cycle45 classes prior to 3/1/22.

Our semi-annual Group Exercise Mash-Up is an evening of back to back group exercise classes. Try several different class-styles all in one 1 hour long session. No experience required!

This 12-week running program will prepare participants to run a 13.1 miles! Both new and experienced runners are welcome to join this program. We require in-advance sign ups and host educational sessions to maximize your effort on race day!

The Knights Transformation challenge is a 6-week program designed to help students improve exercise and nutrition habits in order to improve total wellness, along with reducing the risk of chronic disease. Students will receive assistance and guidance from certified trainers to help implement healthy behavioral changes that will increase their quality of life. Benefits of participating include but are not limited to: Learn how to maximize gains from physical activity, Small Group Training Sessions, Education on healthier food choices, and having fun in the process!

Criteria for selection:

• Current University of Central Florida or Downtown Valencia Student, and a recent physical examination.
• Sedentary lifestyle: not participating in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity
• Body mass index: > 30kg/m^2 or waist girth > 102 cm (40 inches) for men  and > 80cm (35 inches) for women
• Must provide current height and weight
• Committed to 3 hours of personal training sessions and 3 hours of individual training per week (sessions with trainers will be in the early morning)
• Meeting times TBD.
• Attend weekly weigh ins and competitions.
• Complete application and essay describing why you should be selected to participate.

Have you ever wanted to run 3.1 miles at midnight with hundreds of your closest friends? The RWC’s MidKnight 5K is a fun run through the UCF Campus. The top two winners (male and female) will be awarded awesome prizes! Walk-ins are welcome the night of the race, but registration is highly recommended. 

The NASM Personal Training course is a five-week course that consists of lectures and in-person labs, where you are provided an opportunity to receive hands-on personal training experience. This course is great for anyone interested in becoming a certified personal trainer at the Recreation and Wellness Center or wanting to learn more about exercise programming.

• The course is free, but the materials cost $499 per student.
• Materials include Access to online resources, textbook, practice exam, and PT examination enrollment. 
• We offer this course in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Our semi-annual Night of Zen is a peaceful evening of back to back mind body classes like Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Pilates. Try several different class-styles all in one 1.5 hour session. No experience required!

Students who are serious about power lifting are encouraged to participate in the RWC’s annual Power Lifting Competition. Each participant will be given three attempts on squat, bench press, and deadlift to earn their highest total (the sum of the three lifts) and a chance to be the UCF RWC’s power lifting champion! This is a raw lifting competition.

In this workshop, we will cover the basics of competition style powerlifting. We will go through all three lifts and talk about the rules and regulations of powerlifting. This workshop is designed to benefit both those who are experienced and looking to further sharpen their skill set, and those who are new to resistance training and would like to learn more about the squat, bench, and deadlift. 

This 8 week program will prepare participants for the Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Sprint Triathlon (swim 1/4 mile, bike 12.5 miles, run 3.1 miles). There is a bike requirement for the race, but not for the training. Both new and veteran triathletes welcome; however, previous fitness experience is recommended.

Want to learn how to lift weights and get stronger? Our Women on Weights program is for you! All female-identifying persons are invited to this 2 day informational program on how to use fitness equipment and how to program your own workouts.