Non-Credit Activity Classes

Non-credit activity classes open to community members 18 years and older. To register, contact GGB26@cornell.edu

Aquatics

Scuba

Program includes online knowledge development and skill training in the pool. All classes are referral only (no open water dives), meaning students will need to pick up their paperwork and complete four additional dives in open water within one year from the last training section to receive a PADI Open Water Diver certification. Pre-requisite: students will need to float or tread water without aids for 10 minutes, swim 200 yards with no aids, or 300 yards with mask, fins and snorkel. Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness; students will need to complete a Diver Medical Form prior to participation.

Section 1: Saturday & Sunday, June 13–14 from 8:00am–12:00pm plus additional eLearning
Section 2: Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18 from 2:00pm–4:00pm plus additional eLearning
Meets at the Teagle Pool
Cost: $470; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $450

Beginner Swimming

An entry level class for those with little or no swimming experience. Areas of emphasis are developing proper body position on the front and back, proper breathing technique, Front Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, treading and swimming in deep water.

Course runs June 23–July 30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:45am–8:30am
Meets at the Helen Newman Pool
Cost: $100; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $90

Swim Conditioning

This class emphasizes conditioning rather than formal stroke instruction. While minor technique adjustments may be incorporated, the primary focus is on developing endurance, strength, and overall efficiency in the water through structured group workouts.

Course runs June 22–July 29 on Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:45am–8:30am
Meets at the Helen Newman Pool
Cost: $100; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $90

Dance

Ballroom Dance

This is a beginning level class introducing students to Social Ballroom Dance. Participants can expect to have fun, learn some history of American Social Dance, learn about movement - how to move with your partner, how to move to the music, and enough 'moves' in five different dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba and Cha Cha) to get a taste of and a general feel for each dance.

Course runs June 22–July 8 on Mondays & Wednesdays at 4:00pm–5:00pm
Meets in Teagle Rm 138
Cost: $60; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $60

Beginner Ballet

This adult beginner ballet class is designed for those with little to no prior dance experience who want to explore the fundamentals of ballet in a welcoming, supportive environment. Students will learn basic positions, terminology, and technique while building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. No special clothing or shoes are required, just wear athletic clothing and socks or ballet shoes if you have them.

Course runs June 23–July 9 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 2:30pm– 3:30pm
Meets in Teagle Rm 138
Cost: $60; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $60

Introduction to Hip Hop Dancing

This dynamic three-week course introduces beginners to the foundations of hip hop dance in a welcoming and upbeat environment. Each session will focus on core elements such as grooves, isolations, footwork, and basic choreography, while incorporating foundational steps like the Two-Step, Bart Simpson, and Reebok. No prior dance experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Build rhythm, coordination, and confidence as you explore the essence of hip hop movement and music.

Course runs June 22–July 8 on Mondays & Wednesdays at 2:30pm–3:30pm
Meets in Teagle Rm 138
Cost: $60; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $60

Swing Dance

In this class you will learn the basics of Lindy Hop (also called Jitterbug and East Coast Swing), a social dance originated by Black Americans in the early twentieth century that is still popular today all around the world. We will work on footwork, timing, partnering, and musicality, with the goal of empowering you to have fun on the social dance floor at weddings, parties, and wherever there's good rhythmic music playing! You'll learn to improvise and could create short choreographs too. No dance experience or partner is necessary. In fact, you will change partners frequently in class. Wear clothes you are comfortable moving in. Shoes must have leather soles OR be white-soled sneakers with the treads worn smooth, or you can dance in socks.

Course runs June 23–July 9 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4:00pm–5:00pm
Meets in Teagle Rm 138
Cost: $60; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $60

Racquet Sports

Beginning Tennis

Instruction and practice in the basic skills of the game. Grip, serve, forehand, backhand, and lob are areas covered along with scoring systems. All equipment is furnished.

Course runs June 23–July 30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00pm–7:30pm
Meets at the McClintock Tennis Courts
Cost: $170; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $160

Intermediate Tennis

Review and instruction of all strokes along with practicing volleys, groundstrokes, lobs, overheads and serves. Includes game and match play and instruction on singles and doubles strategies. Students must have skills at appropriate level for the course and be able to rally and serve with consistency. There is no indoor option for this course due to wet weather.

Course runs June 22–July 31 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 4:30pm–6:00pm
Note: The course will end once 12 sessions have occurred (extra sessions are scheduled in case of cancellation due to inclement weather)
Meets at the McClintock Tennis Courts
Cost: $170; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $160

Pickleball

Imagine a sport that blends the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong — played on a compact court with a lightweight paddle and a satisfying pop of the ball. That's pickleball, and it's taking the world by storm for good reason. Whether you've never touched a paddle or you're just looking for your next athletic obsession, this course meets you exactly where you are. You'll learn the basics fast, start rallying right away, and discover a game that's as friendly as it is addictive. We play outdoors on a badminton-sized court — the fresh air is part of the fun. Instruction covers both singles and doubles play, so you can enjoy it any way you like. And yes, all equipment is provided. Just show up ready to move and have a great time.

Course runs June 23–July 30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 2:00pm–3:30pm
Note: The course will end once 12 sessions have occurred (extra sessions are scheduled in case of cancellation due to inclement weather)
Course meets at Risley Tennis Courts
Cost: $170; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $160

Miscellaneous

Bowling

This course is designed to help students acquire the fundamental skills of bowling, including proper form and etiquette. Students will also learn terminology, rules, strategies, scoring procedures and recognize the value of bowling on wellness. The course involves short lectures and demonstrations, and ample practice time and game play. For intermediate bowlers, additional skills are introduced and developed to help students improve their game. Emphasis will be on skill refinement of advanced techniques: two-handed and one-handed bowling, curve balls, adjusting throw and stance, etc.

Course runs June 23–July 30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12:00pm–1:00 pm
Meets at the Helen Newman Bowling Center
Cost: $100; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $90

Wakeboarding & Wake Surfing

This class is designed for students who want to learn (or improve their skills at) wakeboarding and wake surfing on beautiful Cayuga Lake. Enjoy time on the water with fellow students, cheer each other on as you learn and practice water sports that connect your mind and body. If you have snowboarded or skateboarded and always wanted to try surfing or wakeboarding, this course is for you. Or if you have always wanted to try a watersport but haven't had the chance, you will find a welcoming environment to try out something new and fun for you. No experience needed. No gear to buy. Just a great boat, a patient instructor, and five other people who want to try something new.
Class consists of two 3-hour sessions on the lake with a class size of six (or fewer students) each session, giving you at least 30 minutes of practice every class. We have a GoPro set up to capture your riding so that you can analyze your footage and learn from what you did well and what you can improve.

Section 1: Monday & Tuesday, July 13–14 at 3:00pm–6:00pm
Section 2: Saturday, July 18 & Saturday, July 25 at 8:30am–11:30 am
Section 3: Saturday, August 1 & Saturday, August 8 at 8:30am–11:30am
Meets at the Merrill Family Sailing Center 1000 East Shore Drive
Cost: $280 for each two-day section; Fitness Center & Wellness Members: $280

Physical Education