The renovation will only take a few days, though you may see some temporary class schedule adjustments during that time. Be sure to check out the classes tab on our website or UF app for the most up-to-date schedule.

Once the space reopens, UF Unlimited members can look forward to new classes on the schedule, while Fitness Center members will enjoy increased access to equipment outside of class times.

Thank you for your flexibility and continued support as we grow together. We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to welcome you into the refreshed space!

Abduction/Adduction Machine:

The abduction/adduction machine strengthens the inner and outer thigh muscles, which are essential for hip stability, balance, and overall lower-body function. These muscles support proper movement during walking, running, squatting, and changing direction, while also helping reduce the risk of injury to the hips, knees, and lower back. The machine provides a controlled and effective way for all fitness levels to target these often-overlooked muscles and build well-rounded strength.

Cable Lat Pulldown:

The cable lat pulldown machine is an essential piece of gym equipment for building upper-body strength, particularly in the back and lat muscles. It helps improve posture, supports shoulder stability, and enhances pulling strength used in everyday activities and compound lifts like pull-ups and rows. Because the machine allows for controlled movement and adjustable resistance, it’s accessible for beginners while still effective for advanced training, making it a versatile tool for developing balanced, functional upper-body strength.

Cable Seated Row:

The cable seated row machine is an important tool for strengthening the muscles of the upper and mid-back, including the lats, rhomboids, and rear shoulders. It promotes good posture by balancing pushing movements and helping counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and rounded shoulders. With its controlled range of motion and adjustable resistance, the seated row machine supports proper pulling mechanics, shoulder health, and overall functional upper-body strength for all fitness levels.

Hack Squat:

The hack squat machine is an effective lower-body strength tool that primarily targets the quadriceps while also engaging the glutes and hamstrings. It provides a stable, guided movement that allows lifters to safely load the legs with less strain on the lower back compared to free-weight squats. This makes it especially useful for building leg strength, improving squat mechanics, and accommodating a wide range of fitness levels while supporting proper form and joint safety.

Enjoy!

-Ashley

Starting January 19th 2026, we are kicking off the 2026 Strength Project here at Union Fitness!

What is the “Strength Project” you ask? Here are the details below:

• The Strength Project is a 12-week challenge for members who are looking to explore more of our classes. Entering this challenge will include your chance to win some awesome prizes.

• This 12-week challenge will begin on January 19th and will run until April 10th, 2026.

• During these 12 weeks, you will be tasked with taking at least 48 total classes here at UF
  • The stipulation is that you can take any of our Powerful classes, however we ask that you take at least – 48 total classes. Of these 48 total classes, 15 must be a mix of Core & Restore, Yoga, and/or Cardio Lab.
  • We ask you to please be sure to both sign up and sign into each of the classes that you take, so that we can keep track of who was present in each class and make sure to give you the credit that you deserve. If you don’t sign in, we cannot tell whether you were taking the class or not so you will not receive the credit!

• Everyone who completes the Strength Project will be given a Union Fitness Strength Project T-Shirt.

• Everyone who completes the Strength Project will also be entered to win one of three prizes:
  • 3 Free months of our UF Unlimited membership.
  • 1 Free month of our UF Unlimited membership.
  • $50 Gift Certificate.

• Starting now until January 19th, you can sign up for the Strength Project via QR code that will be posted around the gym. If you’re interested in signing up today, click here LINK 

• Bring a friend! If you have a non-member friend interested in joining us, they can buy into the strength project for $300. This will give them 3 months of unlimited classes. For each friend you bring you will get an additional entry to win our prizes.

• Fitness Center members may also sign up for a 1 time purchase of $150 to compete for a chance to win!

We are looking forward to tracking all your class progress over these 12 weeks and seeing how many of you are able to complete the challenge! Please be sure to sign up on MindBody and to let us know if you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns. Good luck and happy almost New Year!

UF Team

One of the most common concerns we hear, especially from new lifters and women, is that strength training will automatically lead to a bulky appearance. In reality, building large amounts of muscle takes very specific training, nutrition, genetics, and often years of focused effort. Simply adding strength training to your routine does not mean you’ll suddenly gain noticeable size. Most people who lift weights become leaner, stronger, and more toned rather than bulky.

Strength training does far more than just add muscle. It increases bone density, supports joint health, and improves everyday movement like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or maintaining good posture. It also boosts metabolism, helping your body burn more calories even at rest. For many people, resistance training actually helps with fat loss and body composition, creating a balanced and strong physique rather than added size.

Hormones also play a role in this myth. Women, in particular, naturally produce much lower levels of testosterone, the hormone primarily responsible for significant muscle growth. This makes it physiologically difficult to gain large amounts of muscle unintentionally. Instead, strength training helps enhance muscle definition, confidence, and functional strength, all while supporting long-term health.

Whether your goal is improving fitness, injury prevention, better athletic performance, or simply feeling stronger in daily life, strength training is a powerful and versatile tool. It can be tailored to support a wide range of goals without changing your body in ways you don’t want. If you’re curious or unsure where to start, our trainers are always here to help you build a program that fits your goals, no bulk required.

-Tristan

I still make it a point to enjoy my favorite holiday foods, but I aim to do so mindfully savoring what I love while keeping balance in mind. Staying active helps support that balance, making it easier to enjoy seasonal treats without feeling sluggish. For those who enjoy exploring new environments, visiting local gyms while traveling can be a fun way to stay consistent and pick up fresh motivation. Whether it’s a quick at home session or a drop in workout at a new facility, finding simple, enjoyable ways to move can keep the holiday season both active and fulfilling.

Another unique perk of the holidays is the chance to train with people you don’t normally get to see. This time of year often brings old friends or family members back together, and turning a catch-up session into a training session can be both fun and motivating. Whether it’s going for a walk, hitting a local gym, or doing a quick at home workout together, moving alongside someone you care about can bring a sense of connection and make staying active feel more meaningful.

-Tristan

Back in 2023, while I was still in college, I completed the Sorinex Squatober Challenge. At the time, I was shadowing a strength and conditioning coach with a CSCS, who introduced me to the challenge and encouraged me to give it a try. I’ve always been someone who enjoys pushing myself and trying new things, so I thought, “why not?”

That first week of squatting every day was tough. I was sore and had to pay close attention to eating well and sleeping enough just to keep up. But as the month went on, I started noticing real progress. I was getting stronger in ways I hadn’t before and learning just how capable I was. The Sorinex programming was well-structured too, pushing me without overdoing it.

By the time PR day rolled around on October 31st, I was nervous but determined. My goal was 225 pounds, and I hit it! That moment made me a lifelong fan of Squatober. It’s not only fun but also a great way to learn more about strength, discipline, and consistency in training.

-Ashley

Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, November 2.

Our partnership with Union Fitness is a natural fit. Both of our organizations are dedicated to

promoting health, wellness and togetherness in Pittsburgh. Teaming up allows us to provide

even more opportunities for people to move, connect and grow stronger as a group. By bringing

runners into Union Fitness’s inspiring space, we’re not just creating a starting point for long runs

— we’re building a bridge between two communities who share a passion for fitness and a

commitment to helping people achieve their goals.

In addition to beginning long runs from the gym in the past, Nova Place is home to our annual

Holiday Lights Charity Run. This community event combines the spirit of the season with a

meaningful cause. Each year, this run raises funds for a local charity while offering participants a

tour of Pittsburgh’s holiday lights. We invite runners and walkers of all levels to join through

options of 2, 4, or 6 miles. This year, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is our charity

Partner.

Starting from Nova Place, our route will showcase Pittsburgh’s best holiday displays. Highlights

include running through a European-style Christmas market, a loop around the downtown

business district and, of course, a view of the iconic home of the Steelers. The event concludes

back at Nova Place, where participants can enjoy post-run refreshments and refuel. Last year’s

event drew more than 300 attendees.

Save the date: this year’s Holiday Lights Charity Run, sponsored by Union Fitness, will be

Thursday, December 18.

About the Fleet Feet Running Club

The Fleet Feet Running Club’s mission is to foster a lifetime passion for running and walking by

providing inspiration, motivation and know-how. We cater to all abilities, paces and levels of

experience.

We currently run four days a week:

• Monday – Recovery Run: 6:30 PM from both Fleet Feet Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square and South Hills locations (3 miles)
• Wednesday – Track Club: 6:30 PM at the Schenley Park Oval (structured interval session)
• Thursday – East End Pub Run: 6:30 PM from Bakery Square (routes of 3 and 6 miles)
• Sunday – Long Runs: 7:30 AM from various locations (routes of 3, 6 and 10 miles)

About Fleet Feet Pittsburgh

Fleet Feet Pittsburgh is the go-to store in the Pittsburgh area for anyone who spends time on

their feet. Whether you are running, walking or standing for long periods, everyone can benefit

from being properly fitted. With our fit ID® scanner, we create a 3D scan of your feet and

recommend the best shoes and insoles for your needs.

-Andrew Zentgraf: Fleet Feet Pittsburgh – Community Outreach Manager

Long weekends aren’t just for cookouts, they’re perfect for recovery.

Labor Day gives you an extra day to slow down, recharge, and hit “reset” on both your body and mind. At UF, we’re here to help you build better recovery habits that keep you performing your best, inside and outside the gym.

Recovery isn’t just about giving your muscles a break (though that’s important for repair, hormone balance, injury prevention, immune health, and energy restoration). It’s also about supporting your mental and emotional well-being—regulating stress, sharpening focus, and boosting mood.

Here are a few ways to make the most of the long weekend:

• Take a calming walk outside 
• Spend quality time with friends & family 
• Get 7–9 hours of sleep 
• Fuel up with nutritious meals 
• Treat yourself to self-care, think face masks, a relaxing bath, or stretching 
• Work on a hobby or passion project that usually gets pushed aside 

Remember: recovery is where real progress happens. Give yourself the time to rest, and your body and mind will thank you for it.

P.S. Labor Day hours are 10am-2pm. All classes are cancelled!

-Ashley

Class Schedule

Monday: 6:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM

Programming Focus

Each training day in #Powerful is programmed to build strength and balance throughout the week. Mondays and Wednesdays focus on upper body strength, think pressing, pulling, and building those shoulders, arms, and back. Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to lower body strength, working through squat variations, deadlifts, and glute/hamstring development. Fridays bring it all together with a full-body strength workout that also includes some conditioning and active recovery work to set you up for the weekend!

Right now, we’re entering a hypertrophy and strength-building phase. This phase will allow you to build lean muscle and increase your ability to move heavier loads efficiently. Our #Powerful training blocks are 3 weeks long, so our next one starts on August 11th and leads us into October, when we’ll be testing out our strength!

Don’t forget, your first class is always FREE! Stop on in to the front desk to score your first class on us.

-Tristan

With 7 years of lifting experience and 4 years of personal training and group exercise, I am ready to train alongside you at Union Fitness! I am someone who loves exercise and pushes everyone to have the best quality of life they deserve! I firmly believe that we cannot live out our purpose in life if we are not physically strong enough to do so. 

A little about me, I love to laugh, lift weights, walk, read, and I make my own lotion and candles! Only clean ingredients around here for me! Ha! I am from a very small town in Mercer County, PA (the sticks). I have loved growing up in a small town in the country! It is peaceful, quiet, and where I feel most at home. I moved to the burgh to get out of my comfort zone and push self-growth as well as expand my horizon for career growth here at Union! 

I appreciate a good joke, and I love to smile and appreciate a good chat. I am ready to help you reach your fitness goals and help make Union Fitness a safe and positive place for you to better yourself!  

-Ashley