Activity Focus: UFIT Classes

UFIT classes are a big hit in Atlantic Canada. These fun classes attract up to 200 people in Charlottetown, PEI, “Which is not exactly known as the fitness hub of the world,” says instructor Gord McNeilly.

We spoke with McNeilly about what exactly UFIT is, and the benefits of doing these classes.

What are UFIT classes?

UFIT classes are a fun, dynamic and exciting atmosphere that allows people to work at their own pace along to some of the best music in the world. People come to the classes knowing that they’re going to get energized; it’s just like going to a big fitness party. It is circuit training in the military boot camp kind of style but with a lot of fun intervals in between.

We have cardio intervals and people go do exercises for 30 seconds then we change the music and do something different to energize and excite the group. They work in groups of 4 or 5 and go to various stations that have about 15 people in each and work to complete a task for the night.

Every class is different and everyone knows that at UFIT, our big thing is that everyone can do it at their own pace, and they enjoy that aspect of it. It really motivates and energizes people just by moving their bodies. It is more about fun and excitement, with the exercise being more a byproduct of the class. People get a sensational workout at the end, but really enjoy the workout along the way.

Do you need a basic level of fitness to do this class?

Not really, when people come in to the class as beginners they are welcome to go at their own pace and rest whenever they want. It’s a really user friendly system. We recently got these 1 pound weighted gloves, and if you want to take up the intensity, you can wear those or you can carry light dumbells. There are levels that people can strive up to and go back down to when they need to.

How easy is it for people to start this activity?

The classes are not complicated at all. We always start with a basic warm-up, we don’t get into complicated routines much like floor aerobics would - its much simpler than that. The class is very easy and very attainable. Instead of having to intensely follow what the instructor is doing, participants can almost relax and keep their heart rate up to a good level and get a great workout.

What kind of equipment do people need to do this activity?

People of all shapes and sizes are coming to UFIT, and they usually just wear comfortable clothing and indoor shoes.

What kind of a workout do you get from this activity?

It gives the body a complete workout that is never really allowing the body to hone in on one thing.  Every station is set up with a different exercise that will target a certain part of the body. There is a large cardio component. These classes are not designed for rapid weight loss, but they are designed for consistent weight loss. After the first month of attending these classes people usually drop 5 to 6 pounds. One big thing that people get from these classes is a growth in their confidence levels, people leave the classes believing they can do anything they want to do. (UFIT has had some amazing success stories, check out their YouTube channel to see some videos.)

How much does it cost to do this activity?

From the very start, we’ve only ever charged $5 per class (tax included). We wanted to make UFIT accessible to everybody.  

Check out the UFIT website for more information on the classes. 

This post is a repeat, but look forward to more original content to come in the future.