Self Care – Wellness Programme
Self Care
Self Care is a programme exclusively for USI collaborators , offering physical and postural activities in small classes of up to nine participants. This format guarantees personalised support and greater effectiveness of the exercises proposed by the Sport Service specialised instructors.
The programme helps restore balance, energy and good humour, promoting better posture, reducing stress and encouraging a more active lifestyle. It is designed for those who have sedentary jobs and want to incorporate movement into their daily routine. Sitting for long periods of time can cause muscle stiffness, tension and mental fatigue: through these activities, participants will be able to increase their strength, flexibility and mental and physical well-being, improving their concentration and energy levels throughout the day.
Following the excellent response to the winter programme, we are delighted to announce the new spring programme, which will run from 31 March to 30 May 2026 and will also include outdoor activities to enjoy the benefits of the open air.
The programme will be rounded off with a number of themed events, including a “Self Care Weekend” in Airolo and two outdoor Self Care events.
Spring cycle - from 31 March to 30 May 2026
The spring programme, consisting of eight appointments, offers continuity with the winter schedule and is further enriched by outdoor activities.
| Day | Schedule | Mini class | Instructor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12:05–12:50 | Pancafit® | Fabia | Global decompensated elongation |
| Tuesday | 12:55–13:40 | Pilates | Fabia | Strengthening and posture |
| Wednesday | 12:05–12:50 | Pancafit® | Paola | Global decompensated elongation |
| Wednesday | 12:55–13:40 | Yoga | Paola | Breathing, mobility and relaxation |
| Thursday | 12:55–13:40 | Country Line Dance | Dalila | Rhythm, coordination and good humou |
| Thursday | 17:30–18:15 | Pilates | Fabia | Strengthening and posture |
| Friday | 12:40–13:25 | Metabolic Training | Nicola / Alessio | Cardiovascular and metabolic training |
There will be some suspensions due to public holidays during the course:
- Friday 3 April – Good Friday
- From 6 April to 12 April – Easter holidays
- Friday 1 May – Labour Day
- Thursday 14 May – Ascension Day
Classes will be made up on the following dates:
- 11 June 2026 – Country Line Dance and Pilates
- 12 June 2026 – Metabolic Training
- 19 June 2026 – Metabolic Training and Country Line Dance
Where
East Campus Sports Hall
Classes Room
Via La Santa 1
6962 Viganello
Equipment
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and indoor shoes suitable for exercising safely and freely. Bring a bottle of water and a towel with you.
Changing rooms with showers are available in the East Campus Sports Hall.
For further information, please contact Fabia Martinelli.
Price per route 50 CHF
- 50% discount starting from the second mini class
or
- 50% for holders of an annual ‘Classes & Games’ subscription.
The two discounts cannot be combined.
Mini classes will only start with a minimum of 4 participants.
Registration and payment for the winter course
Please note that participation in the sessions is reserved for those who are genuinely motivated to complete the entire eight-session programme. The number of places available is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To participate, please complete the form below. You will then receive a link to complete your purchase.
Registration deadline: 25 March.
Wellness events in Airolo
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Self Care Weekend - from 28 to 29 March 2026
As part of the Self Care programme, dedicated to collaborators health and wellbeing, we are pleased to invite you to a Weekend in Airolo, at the alpine base of the Sports Service at the Casa della Sostenibilità, from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 March 2026.
It will be an opportunity to take time for yourself, slow down and recharge, alternating movement, balanced nutrition, theory sessions and relaxation, surrounded by nature. The weekend is suitable for everyone, regardless of fitness level, and offers the chance to gain practical tools to take home and support wellbeing in everyday life.
Alongside the Sports Service instructors specialised in their respective disciplines, we will be joined by Diana Panizza, registered dietitian, and Eleonora Ligabò, harpist and musician, who will lead relaxation and sound-meditation sessions with harp and Tibetan singing bowls.
Indicative programme
Saturday 28 March:
- 08:30–10:00 Arrival and welcome coffee;
- Postural work with demonstration and practice on Pancafit®;
- Afternoon outdoor activities (Nordic Walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing) or in case of bad weather indoor pool (swimming cap compulsory);
- Group dinner;
- Optional evening group activity: Country Line Dance.
Sunday 29 March:
- Theory session with BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) measurements and nutritional consultation with the dietitian;
- Pilates session – strength and mobility;
- Wellbeing and relaxation session with Tibetan bowls and harp;
- Departure: approx. 16:00.
Practical information
- Cost: CHF 100 including meals, accommodation, activities and train transport (82 CHF without accommodation);
- Registration deadline: 15 March 2026;
- Places available: maximum 12 participants (minimum 6 required for the weekend to take place);
- Accommodation: at the Sports Service alpine base, Casa della Sostenibilità Airolo – shared rooms (maximum 4 people per room) with shared bathroom facilities.
Registration and payment
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Outdoor Self Care - 14th and 28th April
As part of the Spring Self-Care Programme, we are offering two free events to all Outdoor Self-Care collaborators: a dynamic walk interspersed with simple functional exercises.
This activity helps improve endurance, muscle tone and overall wellbeing, all in a pleasant outdoor setting.
Level
The activity is suitable for everyone.
The route will start from the East Campus Court and will wind its way around the university, covering a distance of approximately 2.5–3 km and lasting a total of 50 minutes.
When
- Tuesday, 14 April, 5:00–5:50 p.m.
- Tuesday, 28 April, 5:00–5:50 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather, the rescheduled dates will be announced at a later date.
What to bring
- sports shoes
- clothing suitable for outdoor activities
- a small bottle of water
- a small towel
Registration
Through the Technogym app. The activity is free of charge.
Click on the button to view the weekly class schedule.
Discover the mini classes
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Pancafit®
Pancafit® works on the overall rebalancing of muscle chains, using a special bench that allows for controlled, decompensated stretching. This activity is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and is based on the Raggi® Method, an innovative approach to postural and muscular well-being.
The exercises are designed to stretch and relax the muscles deeply, improving flexibility, joint mobility and posture. The practice also incorporates targeted breathing techniques, which help to release deep tension accumulated in the body and promote mental relaxation.
This type of training has proven particularly effective for office workers or those who spend many hours sitting down.
During the previous course, participants reported that they had experienced real benefits in their daily routine.Key benefits:
- Improved posture and body alignment.
- Increased joint mobility and muscle flexibility.
- Reduced muscle tension and stress.
- Increased overall well-being and body awareness.
For more information and details about Pancafit®, visit the official website: www.pancafit.it
Fabia Martinelli
Fitness and Posture Class Instructor
fabia.martinelli@usi.ch
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Pilates
The class is based on the fundamental principles of Pilates: controlled breathing, core activation, concentration, control and precision of movement. These elements allow you to work effectively and safely, improving posture, stability and body awareness.
The class is suitable for everyone and is structured in progressive stages, designed to gradually build more complex movements, respecting the pace of each participant and adapting to any physical limitations. In this way, each person is naturally guided towards improving their abilities, contributing to their own well-being.
The main benefits include:
- Toning and strengthening of the core.
- Improvement of posture and body alignment.
- Increased flexibility and joint mobility.
- Reduction of muscle tension and stress.
- Development of body awareness and motor coordination.
Fabia Martinelli
Fitness and Posture Class Instructor
fabia.martinelli@usi.ch
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Yoga
Yoga is a practice designed to develop harmony and balance between body and mind and is suitable for everyone. During the class, we work on strength and elasticity, improving muscle flexibility and tone, without neglecting body awareness and breath control.
The sequences are structured in a gradual and progressive manner, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace. The practice represents a valuable opportunity to take care of one's body and promotes genuine physical and mental wellbeing.
The main benefits include:
- Improved balance and posture.
- Increased strength, flexibility and joint mobility.
- Reduced physical tension and mental stress.
- Greater body awareness and breathing control.
- Promotion of serenity, concentration and overall well-being.
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Metabolic Training
Metabolic Training is a total body workout that combines bodyweight exercises and the use of small equipment in structured circuits. Suitable for everyone, it is performed at a moderate intensity and guided step by step, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace.
This type of training is designed to improve strength, endurance and muscle tone. Many participants report that it allows them to combine work with an activity that promotes their well-being, while also providing an opportunity to spend quality time with colleagues.
The main benefits include:
- Increased muscle strength and endurance.
- Stimulation of the cardiovascular system.
- Improved muscle tone and joint mobility.
- Increased energy and overall well-being.
- Dynamic and motivating training.
Nicola Keller
Fitness Instructor
nicola.keller@usi.ch
Alessio Manfrè
Sport Service Coordinator and Instructor
alessio.manfre@usi.ch
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Country Line Dance
Country Line Dance is based on movements set to country and modern music. It is a gentle cardio workout that combines coordination exercises with simple, dynamic choreography, allowing you to free your body and mind while having fun.
Classes suitable for everyone help improve motor memory, balance and coordination, while promoting stress relief and boosting mood. No partner is required: line dancing allows everyone to participate freely and enjoy a social and motivating experience. Participants often report returning to the office feeling recharged after class, with increased energy and positivity.
The main benefits include:
- Improved coordination and motor memory.
- Stimulation of the cardiovascular system through gentle cardio exercise.
- Reduced stress and increased mood.
- Greater energy and vitality, with positive effects on work as well.
- A social and enjoyable activity, suitable for everyone.
Dalila Gervasoni
Line Dance Instructor
dalila.gervasoni@usi.ch