Exercise Facilities in College Campuses

I'm really into fitness and want to keep up with it in college. Do most colleges offer facilities for students to exercise? Are there colleges that stand out in this regard?

Yes, most colleges offer fitness and exercise facilities that are free to use for their students. These facilities usually include gyms with a range of cardio and strength training equipment, and often swimming pools, racquetball courts, dance studios, and climbing walls. Some schools may also offer group fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, Zumba, and spinning.

The type and quality of these facilities can vary by college. Some colleges invest heavily in their recreation offerings, viewing them as a key part of student wellness, while others may have fewer or older facilities.

Several colleges and universities stand out for their exceptional fitness facilities. For example, the University of Missouri-Columbia's Recreational Complex spans 283,000 square feet and includes a beach club with a waterfall and lazy river. The Ohio State University’s Recreation and Physical Activity Center is another standout, boasting four gyms, four pools, and more than 20,000 square feet of climbing space. Lastly, the University of Cincinnati’s Campus Recreation Center offers a leisure pool complete with a hot tub and bubble couch, a climbing wall, and six basketball courts.

Remember that having access to great facilities is only half the battle; it's equally important to make sure you make time to use them routinely. Many students find that regular exercise can help manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle while in college.