PEAC Overview
The Physical Education Basic Instruction (PEAC) program provides students, faculty, and staff with a variety of recreational and educational opportunities, regardless of experience or skill in an activity. All instructors are experts in the area they teach and many are instructors in the Burlington community. All classes are one credit and grading is based on participation, skill development, and progression throughout the semester.
Proficiency Level: Many classes are offered in a range of proficiency levels, which are indicated by specific number designations as follows:
- 1-2, Beginner
- 3-4, Intermediate
- 5-6, Advanced
- 1-4, Course accommodates and teaches skills from level 1 through 4
Repeating Courses: Many PEAC courses are allowed to be repeated for credit; however, students must still be aware of their college's specific rules around allowable PEAC credits that count toward graduation. The number of times a course may be taken is referred to as “max enrollment” in the course descriptions below.
Wellness
PEAC 1200: Empowerment Self-Defense
Instructors: Kevin Hytten
Fee: $0
Max Enrollment: TBA
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) combines physical training with class discussions, group work, and engaging activities to explore the psychology and history of violence. Students will learn to de-escalate conflict, build confidence in problem-solving, and practice effective, real-world self-defense techniques. Through a mix of collaborative exercises and hands-on practice, the course challenges self-defense myths and emphasizes community advocacy, making safety a shared responsibility. A typical class will include a substantial focus on physical techniques, complemented by group discussions and engaging activities to enhance learning and application.
Lifetime Sports & Fitness
PEAC 1130: Group Fitness
Instructor: Justina Reichelt
Fee: $100
Max Enrollment: 3 times
This flexible, self-paced course graded by Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. To receive a passing grade, students must participate at least 28 times in Campus Recreation Group Fitness offerings (or 25 times with completion of a written assignment).This course offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit through participation in group fitness classes. Designed to accommodate a wide range of interests and schedules, students may choose from over 50 classes on the group fitness schedule, including Yoga, Cycling, Strength Training, Zumba, Barre, Pilates, and virtual options. Whether you're a seasoned group fitness enthusiast seeking an extra credit or a newcomer looking for motivation to explore new formats, this course provides a supportive framework to help you stay active and engaged throughout the semester.
PEAC 1131: Personal Fitness
Instructor: Cyrus Carey
Fee: $55
Max Enrollment: 2 times
This class is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. To receive a passing grade, students must participate at least 30 times in Campus Recreation offerings (or 25 times with completion of a written assignment). Campus Rec offerings include utilizing the fitness center/indoor track & courts/upper track, intramural sports, group fitness classes, and drop-in sports. There is no limit as to the number of times someone can participate, although it is recommended that students participate in a variety of offerings/activities, it is not a requirement. This class is great for regular participants who are looking for an additional credit or students who are new to fitness and would like an incentive to become physically active.
PEAC 1140: Cycling & Beats
Instructor: Justina Reichelt
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 2 times
This course introduces students to rhythm-based indoor cycling as a dynamic and immersive fitness modality. Through the integration of music, movement, and performance metrics, students will learn to optimize cardiovascular conditioning and muscular endurance. Class sessions will feature themed rides that span decades, genres, and artists, inviting students to connect with music as a motivational tool. While not required, the use of a heart rate monitor or Apple Watch is encouraged to take advantage of the Schwinn Z bikes’ syncing capabilities. In addition to twice-weekly cycling sessions, students will participate in Recovery Yoga classes one to two times per month to support mobility, breath awareness, and active recovery.
PEAC 1150: Military Fitness
Instructor: Bryce Bush
Fee: $0
Max Enrollment: 2 times
This course is designed to provide participating students with an introduction to Military Physical Fitness training per Army Field Manual 21-20, Physical Fitness Training. The course will challenge students every with at least 45 minutes of physical training. Classes, whenever possible, will take place outside; the classes will shift indoors for inclement weather. At least one class session will take place in the UVM pool.
PEAC 1151: Rock Climbing
Instructor: Petra Cliffs Staff
Fee: $210
Max Enrollment: 3 times
Basic climbing techniques, holds, and strategies are taught in rock climbing. Additionally, students will learn how to belay and become familiar with climbing etiquette and safety practices. This class is held off-campus; students will be required to sign a transportation waiver and provide their own transportation. Please see the special instructions page for more information.
PEAC 1160: Pickleball (video overview of course)
Instructor: Skyler Perkins
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 1 time
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America! It is a fun, fast paced, and social sport. This course will cover pickleball rules, terminology, court layout, equipment, strategy, and game play. Students will learn and practice basic skills needed to play pickleball including strokes, serving, and volleying. While progressing through various skills, students will also take part in game play.
PEAC 1161: Pickleball - Intermediate/Advanced Levels (video overview of course)
Instructor: Skyler Perkins
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 1 time
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America! It is a fun, fast paced, and social sport. In addition to being fun and social, pickleball can involve exciting rallies and serious strategy. This class is for pickleball players that have moved beyond the introductory stages and want to continue to improve and play. With a mix of drills, games, and tournament style play, students will learn about dink strategy, speed-ups and combinations, drives, drops, and even Ernes and ATPs in this intermediate-advanced pickleball class.
PEAC 1163: Bouldering
Instructor: Petra Cliffs Staff
Fee: $170
Max Enrollment: 2 times
This bouldering course will cover everything a new or moderately experienced climber needs to learn about bouldering. The course will start with fundamentals of climbing including names of hold types, route-reading and basic climbing techniques. As the course progresses students will learn more advanced movement techniques and tactics for climbing efficiently and fluidly. Students will also learn tactics needed for training and projecting to be able to achieve their highest performance on the wall, including access to resources and equipment that will help them continue growth as a climber beyond the course.
PEAC 1178: Empowerment Self-Defense
Instructors: Kevin Hytten
Fee: $0
Max Enrollment: TBA
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) combines physical training with class discussions, group work, and engaging activities to explore the psychology and history of violence. Students will learn to de-escalate conflict, build confidence in problem-solving, and practice effective, real-world self-defense techniques. Through a mix of collaborative exercises and hands-on practice, the course challenges self-defense myths and emphasizes community advocacy, making safety a shared responsibility. A typical class will include a substantial focus on physical techniques, complemented by group discussions and engaging activities to enhance learning and application.
PEAC 1200: Intro to Shuffle Dancing
Instructor: John McConnell
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: TBD
This class introduces students to the fundamentals of shuffle dance, a popular style set to electronic music. Students will learn foundational steps and practice short, medium, and longer sequences together, while also exploring their own creative choreography and dancing at their own pace.
PEAC 1889: Club Sports
Club Sports Coordinator: Grace Peterson
Max Enrollment: 12 times
These courses are reserved for participation in a Club Sport and are therefore only available for members of the clubs. If you are not a member of a club sport but are interested in joining, please contact the club directly to learn about joining. You can find a directory HERE. After you have joined the club, you will then be eligible to receive credit.
Martial Arts
PEAC 1175: Martial Arts: Aikido
Instructor: Benjamin Pincus
Fee: $290
Max Enrollment: 3 times
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes dynamic, circular throws and pins rather than strikes and kicks. Aikido means "the way of harmonizing with internal power," or ki. We will practice aerobic conditioning, flexibility and relaxation skills that also cultivate the development of core power and internal energy, falling skills and self-defense techniques. Aikido emphasizes paired practice rather than solo exercises. Please see the special instructions page for more information.
Mind Body
PEAC 1002: Intro to Meditation
Instructor: Julie MacAdam
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 1 time
This class will be a platform through which you learn different meditation styles and techniques. Most classes will also include body warm ups, concentration, relaxation, and breath practices as well. After each technique is given and experienced you will get the chance to reflect. Through your direct experience you will identify which technique is most suitable for you going forward, if you choose to keep practicing. There will be brief teachings about meditation but primarily the class is doing the ‘work’ and sitting together.
PEAC 1003: Intro to Yoga
Instructor: Julie MacAdam
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 2 times
This class will focus on teaching the foundational principles of yoga in a safe, fun, and non-competitive environment. The emphasis will be on building body awareness, connecting movement and breath, alignment, and exploration.
PEAC 1006: Yoga & Mindfulness
Instructor: John McConnell
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 3 times
This course introduces students to various yoga poses and techniques, delves into the history of yoga in the United States and around the world, and provides students with the understanding of how yoga improves one's overall wellness.
PEAC 1009: Restorative Yoga
Instructor: Julie MacAdam
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 3 times
This class is a quiet, gentle practice that uses props (blankets, bolsters, straps, blocks) to support long, passive and restful poses allowing the body to open at its own pace. Restorative Yoga is an excellent practice for restoring the body after intense exercise, injury, illness or simply to slow down and relieve the effects of stress on our mind and in our bodies. Students will leave this class feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. Open to all levels.
PEAC 1012: Dream Yoga (video overview of course)
Instructor: Julie MacAdam
Fee: $120 (includes course materials)
Max Enrollment: 1 time
This class gives you an opportunity to establish, or build upon, a relationship with your dreams, and by doing so, better understand yourself. Class will primarily be self-led dream work after learning the method.
PEAC 1100: Yoga & the Chakras
Instructor: John McConnell
Fee: $95
Max Enrollment: 1 time
In yogic philosophy and anatomy, we have seven (7) major energy centers called "chakras", which affect our physical, mental, and emotional health and balance. In this course, we will explore the chakras through brief discussions, self-reflection and a comprehensive yoga practice to increase awareness and foster overall health and well-being. Course content will draw on both yogic and western anatomy; our practice will include both and Hatha and Kundalini Yoga. All levels welcome.
PEAC 1113: Yoga Teacher Training
Instructor: John McConnell
Fee: $0
Max Enrollment: 3 times
This course is available only to individuals who are enrolled in the Campus Recreation Yoga Teacher Training. Instructor permission only.
PEAC 1889: Club Sports
Club Sports Coordinator: Grace Peterson
Max Enrollment: 12 times
These courses are reserved for participation in a Club Sport and are therefore only available for members of the clubs. If you are not a member of a club sport but are interested in joining, please contact the club directly to learn about joining. You can find a directory HERE. After you have joined the club, you will then be eligible to receive credit.
Water-Based
PEAC 1188: SCUBA
Instructor: Robert Wilczynski
Fee: $830
Max Enrollment: 1 time
Get an idea what this class is like in this video.
The NAUI SCUBA Diver course is an entry-level certification course designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed for open water SCUBA Diving activities. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to engage in open water diving activities without supervision, provided the areas and activities approximate those of training. This course is the foundation of all future training and, therefore, basic requirements must be met (academic portion, pool work and check-out dives). Please see the special instructions page for more information.
PEAC 1190: Learn to Sail
Instructor: Colin Davis
Offered Fall Semester Only
Fee: $360
Max Enrollment: 1 time
This class includes an introduction to sailing, nomenclature, wind awareness, weather, rigging, points of sail, tacking and jibing, docking, mooring, and general boating safety. At the completion of the course, you will receive a US Sailing Small Boat Certification. This class is held off-campus; students will be required to sign a transportation waiver and provide their own transportation. Please see the special instructions page for more information.
PEAC 1200: Aqua Fitness Mix
Instructor: Laura Thomason
Fee: $125
Max Enrollment: TBA
This course is a fun, full-body fitness class that uses the power of water for high-intensity movement. With 360-degree resistance, students will run, jump, jab, and kick through aqua versions of HIIT, strength training, and kickboxing. Most of the class takes place in the pool, with guidance to help you find what works best for your body. Discover how water can elevate your workout and inspire your own routines. You do not need to be a proficient swimmer to take this class.
PEAC 1889: Club Sports
Club Sports Coordinator: Grace Peterson
Max Enrollment: 12 times
These courses are reserved for participation in a Club Sport and are therefore only available for members of the clubs. If you are not a member of a club sport but are interested in joining, please contact the club directly to learn about joining. You can find a directory HERE. After you have joined the club, you will then be eligible to receive credit.
PEAC Class Types:
Course descriptions reflect 2026-2027 academic year offerings.
