Ulla has led more fitness classes than she can count—and has had fun doing it every rep and step of the way.
Recreation Services: A moment with Ulla Liljegren
A better you starts here
With over 30 years experience with Recreation Services, there might not be a more familiar face than Ulla Liljegren’s around the Active Living Centre.
From casual hours teaching fitness classes to the coordination of Group Fitness and Employee Wellness, Ulla’s fingerprints can be found all over Rec’ Services’ programs, including overseeing the development of Fitness and Instructional Programs, and Occupational Testing.
Dedicated to her career of helping others live healthier lives, working for the Recreation Services provided her a happy work-life balance, allowing her to do what she loves while making friends amongst colleagues, directors, members, and participants.
For Ulla [BA/84, BRS/94], her experience with Recreation Services goes beyond just clocking in and out. It’s made deeper impacts in her life, allowing her to see things from different perspectives and having a direct effect on how she leads classes and interacts with her staff and colleagues.
“I have learnt from very early on that being true to myself and standing up for what I believe in is important in every aspect of our lives. Recreation Services has given me this opportunity. I feel valued, supported and respected.”
Ulla’s seen plenty of change around here. From the dark, earth smelling underground Gritty Grotto, to the long dreamt-of Active Living Centre as it is now. But despite the shift to what she describes as the luxuries of the ALC (a gym filled with natural light and equipment to meet almost every need), she’s glad to have experienced “the myth” of the Grotto—all the while being happy to brag about the new and improved ALC.
Ulla, now retired, will always remember the first time she was asked to substitute a fitness class with the Recreation Services because that was the start of the many unforgettable memories that followed. Now it’s back to those exact roots – teaching fitness classes and testing while also packing her bags and cycling as long as she can and as far as she can – the true embodiment active living.
You too can be a part of the passion that Ulla brings to her classes. Recreation Services offers membership and program options at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Visit uofmactiveliving.ca to check out the wide range of fall programs including class descriptions, schedules and pricing. Recreation Services members receive up to 20 per cent off the cost of registered programs.