Small Group Training (SGT) is a fitness format led by a certified trainer for a small, consistent group of participants, typically 3 to 6 people. It combines the personalized attention of one-on-one training with the motivation and cost-effectiveness of a group class.
Each one-hour class offers structured, goal-focused workouts that include a guided warm-up and cool-down, with exercises progressing over time to keep sessions effective and engaging. Instructors provide personalized feedback and modifications within a supportive group setting, helping participants maintain proper form, stay motivated, and reduce injury risk. The small group environment builds accountability and social connection while offering professional coaching at a more affordable cost than one-on-one training.
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UC Berkeley students are RecWell members and are eligible to register for offerings at the student price.
- Log into CalCentral and look for the RecWell Waiver under Notifications or Tasks.
- Review and accept the waiver.
- Student pricing and access to our facilities will be enabled the following day by 7 am. If you continue to experience issues, please email RecWell@berkeley.edu for assistance.
If you have already accepted your waiver and it has been more than 24 hours, there may be an issue with your registration status. Students must maintain official registration status to keep their student membership active. Please review your CalCentral account to clear any holds and avoid interruptions to your access. For more information about holds, visit Cal Student Central.
Summer 2026 Sessions:
| Dates: | Days | Times: | Instructor: | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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6/15/26 – 7/22/26 |
Mondays & Wednesdays |
5:30pm – 6:30pm |
Fitness Staff |
Canceled |
|
6/16/26 – 7/23/26 |
Tuesdays & Thursdays |
6:30pm – 7:30pm |
Fitness Staff |
Canceled |
Location: Court 14, Recreational Sports Facility (RSF)
Price: Students $358, Eligible Staff & Members $398, Non-Members $438
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Warm-up and cool-down: A session typically begins with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare the body and ends with stretching to aid recovery and flexibility.
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Personalized attention: A key feature of SGT is that the coach can provide individual feedback on form, correct technique, and modify exercises for different fitness levels or injuries. This makes the workout safer and more effective for each person.
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Varied and goal-focused workouts: Workouts are structured and progressive, with a focus on a specific area like strength, endurance, or flexibility. The trainer designs routines that evolve as the group progresses, preventing boredom. Exercises often involve circuits, resistance bands, or bodyweight movements.
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Group dynamic: A supportive and encouraging atmosphere is created as participants work toward similar goals. This builds camaraderie and accountability, which can boost motivation and adherence.
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Clear communication: The coach explains the focus and structure of the workout and provides encouragement throughout the session. There is also time for feedback and discussing goals. Benefits of small group training
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Cost-effective personalized training: SGT provides expert coaching at a fraction of the cost of one-on-one personal training, making professional guidance more accessible.
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Enhanced motivation and accountability: Training with a consistent group fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. This social commitment makes participants more likely to attend sessions and stay consistent with their fitness routine.
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Improved form and reduced injury risk: The trainer's ability to provide personalized corrections on form helps ensure exercises are performed safely and correctly, reducing the risk of injury.
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Workout variety: Trainers can incorporate a diverse range of exercises and training methods, keeping workouts fresh and challenging. This prevents boredom and works different muscle groups.
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Social connection: Small group settings offer a valuable social outlet, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and build relationships that extend beyond the gym.
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Program Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Applies to all RecWell programs except Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Youth Programs.
Program withdrawal requests must be submitted via email to RecWell@berkeley.edu or through the Action Request Form and are processed by RecWell Customer Service Center staff.
- Refund requests received more than 3 business days before the program start date will be approved, minus a 15% administrative fee deducted from the program registration fee.
- No refunds will be issued within 3 business days of the program start date or after the program has begun, regardless of when the registration was completed.
- Refunds are processed Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., excluding UC holidays. Requests submitted outside these hours will be reviewed the following business day.
- Example: If your program starts on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, your refund request must be submitted no later than the Tuesday of the prior week to meet the 3-business-day deadline.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & WFR Recertification
Please note: Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Wilderness First Responder Recertification courses are offered in partnership with NOLS and are subject to the NOLS Cancellation, Payment, & Attendance Policies. Please contact NOLS for more information.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is not eligible for RecWell’s standard refund or transfer policies, and it requires at least 15 days’ notice for requests due to administrative processes with our external partner.
15 days or greater prior to the start of the WFA course, you may email us at RecWell@berkeley.edu or submit an Action Request Form to cancel the course. A refund less a $50 processing fee will be issued. The WFA course is non-refundable and non-transferrable less than 15 days prior to the course start date. -
Please review program dates carefully before enrolling. Program fees are not prorated or adjusted for missed classes. Credits, refunds, or make-up classes will not be provided for missed classes, partial attendance, tardiness, or non-attendance.
Full attendance is essential for participant success and may be required to complete the program or qualify for sequenced offerings (e.g., Sailing 1-A to Sailing 1-B).
Participants who arrive late may be unable to join the class if safety briefings or required instruction have already begun.
For safety reasons, the Instructor and Program Manager reserve the right to remove participants from the program if attendance requirements are not met. Removal from a program due to attendance or safety concerns does not qualify for a refund or credit.
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All programs will need to meet a minimum number of participants at least 72 hours before the program start date. If an offering does not reach that number, it may be canceled. This approach helps us ensure a high-quality experience for all participants and allows our team to plan effectively.
If a class is canceled, we will update the website and notify affected patrons via email with options in advance of the program start date. -
- Student Rate: Available to officially registered UC Berkeley students. Please accept the RecWell Waiver in CalCentral prior to registering. Student eligibility will update in our system the day after the waiver is accepted.
- Alumni Rate: Available to UC Berkeley graduates with a degree conferred. If your eligibility is not reflected in our system, please contact the Customer Service Center with your full name, month and year of graduation, and major. Verification may take up to 72 business hours and must be completed prior to registration to receive the alumni rate.
- Faculty/Staff Rate: Available to UC Berkeley faculty and staff with an active campus appointment. If this pricing option does not appear at checkout, please contact the Customer Service Center for eligibility verification.
- Member Rate: Available to active UC Berkeley RecWell members, including UC Berkeley student members. Membership must be active at the time of registration.This rate does not apply to UVA Access Pass or Golden Bear Pool Pass holders.
- Non-Member Rate: Available to members of the broader community who meet the program’s requirements.
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Eligible customers may register for programs through our online portal or in person at the Customer Service Center. Full payment is required at the time of registration. Participants must accept the RecWell Waiver at the time of purchase to participate in RecWell programs and access RecWell facilities.
If an enrolled participant requests to move a card payment from the original credit or debit card to a different credit or debit card, a 5% processing fee will apply.
Price Adjustments
- Students: Each academic year, students must accept the RecWell Waiver in CalCentral before their student RecWell membership is imported into our system, typically 1-2 days after acceptance. Students may request one retroactive price adjustment per academic year if they paid the non-student rate before their membership imported. The request may be submitted up to 3 business days after the program start date.
- Non-students: Please confirm your membership status before registering. The rate paid at the time of purchase is final and cannot be adjusted.
- Students: Each academic year, students must accept the RecWell Waiver in CalCentral before their student RecWell membership is imported into our system, typically 1-2 days after acceptance. Students may request one retroactive price adjustment per academic year if they paid the non-student rate before their membership imported. The request may be submitted up to 3 business days after the program start date.
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Transfer requests must be submitted via email to RecWell@berkeley.edu or through the Action Request Form at least 3 business days before the program start date. Approved transfers are processed by Customer Service Center staff.
Some programs may be ineligible for transfer due to program age restrictions, certification requirements, waiver acceptance limitations, enrollment capacity, or other reasons.
Transfers to a program of equal value will incur no additional fee. Transfers to a program of greater value require payment of the difference at the time of the transfer. Transfers to a program of lesser value are subject to a 15% processing fee for the any refund.Late Transfers
Transfer requests submitted less than 3 business days before the program start date are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Assistant Director of Customer Service, Associate Director or Programs, or their designee. Late transfers may be subject to a 15% processing fee, or approved only as account credit to be processed by the Customer Service Center staff for future enrollment. No transfers will be approved after the course has begun, except in the cases of skill level misplacement identified by the instructor.
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Most of our programs offer a waitlist option. When a program is full, click the registration link and follow the prompts to join the waitlist. Customers may remove themselves from a waitlist at any time and are not obligated to register if a spot becomes available.
How Waitlist Openings Are Offered
If a spot opens before the program begins, the Customer Service team will email the next person on the waitlist with a deadline to accept and pay. Openings not claimed by the deadline will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
If a program is scheduled to begin within 3 business days, the Customer Service team may reach out to everyone on the waitlist to gauge interest in a last-minute opening. The spot will be offered to the person closest to the top of the waitlist who responds and confirms interest by the stated deadline.
If you do not receive a message from us by the start of the program, you can assume there are no openings available.
How to Exit a Waitlist
To remove yourself from a waitlist at any time, log in to your account in our online portal, go to your profile, and select Program Registrations. Find the program, select the three dots in the upper-right corner, and choose Leave Waitlist.
