Fitness Services FAQs

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Should my trainer give me dietary advice?

Trainers are limited on the nutrition advice they can give. Our personal trainers’ expertise lies in physical activities; however, the trainers receive little training related to nutrition-related topics. This means your trainer could give you general advice but should not tell you specifically what you should or should not eat. There are campus resources outside of University Recreation for nutrition help and information. Please contact the Student Health Center and Pharmacy at 205-348-2778 for more information on their Nutrition Clinic provided by Registered Dietitians.

We do not give refunds for unused sessions. If you are unsure whether you will be able to complete training over a long period, try purchasing a smaller package of sessions, and you can renew if you decide to continue training.

You and your trainer will discuss your personal fitness goals and the style of training you enjoy, and your trainer will come up with a personalized program that fits your specific needs. This individualized programming gives you the best chance of reaching your goals.

Our trainers have experience working with people of all ages, from freshman students to long-time University faculty. No matter what your age is, we have trainers who can assist you in reaching your personal fitness goals.

You must complete the New Personal Training Client packet found on the UREC website or visit the Membership Office in the Student Recreation Center to complete the packet in person. Once you turn this information into Membership Services, it will be given to the Fitness Coordinator who will contact you and schedule your appointment with a personal trainer.

You do not need to purchase an assessment separately. You and your trainer will discuss the best assessment for you and use it as your first training session.

All of the classes on the Group Exercise schedule are free, and grab a pass for the class you would like to take from the equipment check out desk. You must have a pass for entry, and passes are given 30 minutes before the class starts.

Our instructors teach at an intermediate level and always give modifications for new participants as well as more intense options for our advanced-exercise enthusiasts. Let the instructor know if it is your first time or if you have any injuries or medical conditions, and they will happily provide modifications.

We have a wide range of fitness classes focusing on cardio, strength, and flexibility. Check out our class description page to find a class that works for you.

The schedules for the Student Recreation Center and Witt Center can be found on the University Recreation website and as a handout at the front desk

Group exercise classes are rarely canceled except in the event of holidays and inclement weather. The schedule will list class cancellations throughout the semester for holidays, and for cancellations related to inclement weather, please follow UREC on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The location of each class is listed on the Group Ex calendar, and there are signs located in the facility directing participants to the studios. If you need additional help, our Facility Operations support staff will be glad to point you in the right direction.

While it is not encouraged that participants arrive to class late, as they will miss critical warm-up time, participants may enter the studio up to 10 minutes late. If a participant enters a studio 10 minutes after the class has started, that participant will be turned away.

Pilates Reformer is a specialized class using equipment to strengthen and elongate muscles increasing functional movement, stability and spinal alignment for all participants. Please visit our Pilates Reformer page for pricing. If you would like to try a free 30-minute introduction class, contact us at urecgroupexercise@ua.edu.

We encourage participants to purchase individual sessions allowing for a more flexible schedule. Once you have purchased sessions, an instructor will contact you to set up your first initial session.