Specialty Fitness Workshops and Classes

Specialty Fitness Workshops and Classes

Try something new and stimulate physical and emotional growth in a group setting! Try one of our specialty fitness classes, attend a workshop, or join a club at the Eugene Family YMCA! These offerings change over time and are the perfect way to break out of your routine, challenge yourself in a healthy way, and discover your potential alongside members of the community. Make sure to check back periodically as this page is updated!

Cancellation Policy: Requests for class refunds must be submitted no later than 72 hours prior to the start of the session. In the event that the Y must cancel a session, the participant will receive a refund for the canceled session. Refunds will not be issued for sessions missed by participants. Email requests to Kayla Mathers, Associate Director of Health & Wellness.

Looking for fitness opportunities for tweens and teens? Check out our Youth, Teens & Families page!

WORKSHOPS

Our specialty fitness and wellness workshops offer the perfect environment to delve deeper into your practice, beyond what an hour-long class can provide. These boutique experiences cater to both seasoned practitioners and newcomers, allowing everyone to explore and discover new passions. Workshops are open to both Y members and community members.

Turning Inward

Awaken the direct inner experience of joy during your workouts. This is no special technique but a practiced attitude, a way of cultivating an inner orientation of direct experience that brings balance to our often externally oriented workouts. Let’s spend an evening reviewing and considering how we can all benefit and experience more of the inner joy of being alive as we care for ourselves through training.

• DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• TIME: 6 to 7 p.m.
• LOCATION: Patterson Room
• COST: $8 for Y members | $16 for community members
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before the event.

Yoga and the Pelvic Floor

This is a workshop for anyone interested in understanding and supporting their pelvic floor — a foundational part of core stability, posture and daily function that's often misunderstood or overlooked. You don't need any yoga experience, and this class is open to all adult bodies, regardless of sex or gender. We'll move through breathing exercises and visualization as well as specific and common asana or movement to target that area of the body. A well-functioning pelvic floor supports posture, everyday movement, and physical performance, and this focus is as much about learning to release tension as it is about building strength.

• DATE: Saturday, Nov. 7
• TIME: 11:50 a.m to 1:50 p.m.
• LOCATION: Yoga Studio
• COST: $8 for Y members | $16 for communiy members
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before the event.

Arthritis and Yoga

This is a 2-hour gentle yoga class designed specifically for people managing arthritis or joint pain. This is not a flexibility class, and you don't need any yoga experience. We'll move through a few main strategies to manage arthritic joints: gentle range-of-motion work, simple strength-building to support the muscles around the joint, and restorative poses using props for rest rather than stretching. The focus will be on the knees, hips, and spine, but we will also touch on considerations for other joints. We will incorporate breathing practice and discuss how yoga philosophy supports this type of practice, and how to make it "more, not less, yoga." All levels of practice welcome. Chairs and props provided. Please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program if you have concerns about your specific condition.

• DATE: Saturday, Nov. 14
• TIME: 12 to 1:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Yoga Studio
• COST: $8 for Y members | $16 for communiy members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before the event.

SPECIALTY FITNESS CLASSES

Our Specialty Fitness Classes are unique opportunities to explore health and wellness in small group settings. These classes include multiple sessions, allowing you to discover new practices, build strength and connect with yourself and your community. Sign up for multiple classes or commit to just one to start! Registration for specialty classes opens 2 weeks before the class begins.

Please note: Some classes are only available to Y members. Check individual series' details below.​​

October Specialty Classes

Restorative Nidra Sound Bath

Feel restored and relaxed with this three-part workshop, co-led by Carla and Candy.

• DATE: Saturday, Oct.  17
• TIME: 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Yoga Studio
• COST: $25 for Y members | $32 for community members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class!

Playful Partner Yoga

Explore supportive postures, mindful connection, and the joy of shared movement in pairs and groups. No prior partner yoga experience needed. We'll create trust with eachother as we encourage and support one another, sparking new connections and deepening existing bonds. Come solo, with a partner or as a group—our instructors will ensure everyone has a match.

• DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24
• TIME: 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Yoga Studio
• COST: $8 for Y members | $16 for community members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! 

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is Back!

This 8-week training is based on the personal practices of mindfulness, progressive relaxation, contemplative presence, letting go of reactivity, mindful movement (yoga, etc), and enhancing emotional intelligence. These are integrated into daily life via home practice to help folks cope with stress and improve well-being. Weekly in-person classes and excellent learning materials will guide participants through the course.

• DATE: Saturday, Oct.  3 to Nov. 21
• TIME: 2 to 4 p.m.
• LOCATION: Yoga Studio
• COST: $175 for Y members | $250 for community members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! 

Run to Stay Warm 5k Training with Run Hub - Starts Sept. 12

Our 11-week training program is geared towards beginning runners and those new to running. Certified coaches will provide guidance and suggestions for weekly training as we build toward running the Run to Stay Warm 5K. Participants can expect to start with walking and jogging and build toward continuously running for at least 5 km. The first practice is on Saturday, September 12, at 8:30 AM. We will meet weekly on Saturdays to run and will have an occasional guest speaker. Saturday time commitment will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30-9:45 a.m. but may end closer to 10:00 a.m. on days that include guest speakers. The YMCA will be the primary practice location, but local parks and trails will also be utilized. Participants will receive a free t-shirt, complimentary socks, and a discount at Run Hub for the duration of the training program.

*Returning runners from the 5K program will have the option to do an intermediate workout on Saturdays and work towards the Run To Stay Warm 10K. You must be able to run on your own 3 times a week in addition to the Saturday morning team practice. Registration cost does not include the Run to Stay Warm registration fee.

• DATES: Saturday, Sept. 12 to Nov. 21
• TIME: 8:30 to 10 a.m.
• LOCATION: Kalapuya 
• COST: $99 for Y members | $109 for community members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! 

Aerial Yoga Play

Aerial Yoga Play combines all the benefits of traditional yoga—flexibility, strength and balance—with a unique approach to conditioning for an exhilarating new way of approaching yoga. Sculpt your body in the air using our special yoga swings, as you tone muscles, find balance and increase flexibility. We offer a selection of levels for all abilities! Aerial Yoga Play for Teens & Tweens is designed specially for youth ages 10 to 16.

Aerial Flow Yoga enhances traditional yoga by incorporating our specialized swings that enhance flexibility, strength and balance in a unique suspended environment. This approach allows members to sculpt their bodies through dynamic movements that tone muscles and increase flexibility. Beyond physical benefits, Aerial Yoga Play promotes mindfulness and concentration, offering a refreshing and exhilarating way to engage with yoga while exploring creativity and achieving mental clarity.

Current Offerings

Price per session
$8 per class for Y members | $16 per class for community members
REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before a class begins.

Small Group Circuit Training

Join a small group ready to get it, get it done and get going! This is a 30-minute, no-nonsense circuit workout led by one of our certified personal trainers. In this workout, functional training meets full-body strength and bursts of cardio. The small size means you get more attention while still feeling motivated by working as a group. Currently only being offered for Y members.

Current offerings

Price per session
$8 per session for Y members | Y membership required
​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before a class begins.

TRX Classes

Come join a small group focused on balanced strengthening from the core out. This small group experience will be able to modify for individual needs and provide all the motivation you need to get to your fitness goals.

Current offerings
Various sessions each week:

Price per session
$8 per session for Y members | $16 for community members
​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class! Registration opens 2 weeks before a class begins.

Small Group Boxing

A family-friendly, non-contact introduction to the sport of boxing! This class is designed to build essential boxing skills in a safe and supportive environment. We focus on proper stance, footwork, head movement, punching techniques, defensive strategies, and practical applications through live drills. Our aim is to foster friendship and teamwork through the art of fighting, all while avoiding hard sparring.

Current offerings

• DATES: Weekly on Tuesdays
• TIME: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Spencer Terrace 
• COST: $8 for Y members | $16 for community members 
• ​REGISTER through the Y app, as you would a Group Exercise class!