On-campus fitness centers are open to all current students, faculty and staff, including dual credit and Connect campus.

These facilities are free and provide different amenities depending on which campus students visit.

Depending on the campus, hours of operation and check-in procedures differ. One difference is that the SE Campus fitness center is closed on weekends.

“I think the hours are decent enough,” TR student Kayla Thompson said. “I’m here all throughout the week and could never see myself here on the weekends, so that’s convenient enough for me.”

TR Campus fitness center are locked 30 minutes before closing.

“I just have to make sure I make it in before that 30-minute mark,” Thompson said. “I can see that it helps prevent students from staying over closing time.”

Out of all the campuses, NE has the most outdoor recreational activities, such as a sand volleyball court, six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a basketball court and a hammock park.

Since these activities are popular among students, the center requests that students make a reservation to receive priority when using the courts.

NE, NW and South Campuses locations have swimming pools, the SE Campus pool is closed until construction is complete. Since pool hours change from semester to semester, students can check with these facilities about their hours of operation.

“The swimming pool and gymnasium are the only portions that have designated hours,” South campus fitness center support staff Bill Nyx said. “Due to class schedules, we have to keep the times specific.”

Students must check in with fitness center employees when attending the pool or gym to ensure safety and compliance with the campus’ rules.

All that’s needed when attending any of the fitness centers is a valid student ID.

“If you need to check anything out, you just leave your student ID card with us,” Nyx said. “We have multiple things like tennis rackets, volleyballs and towels.”

Fitness centers have different uses and objectives depending on each student.

“A lot of students come in with their friends to play games like pickleball and tennis,” South fitness center student employee Taber Utterback said. “That can be good for them to catch a break from classes and actually have downtime.”

Having multipurpose gyms, weight rooms, jogging trails and different equipment may allow students who want to become active to do so on campus without paying additional fees.

“Some benefits that students can receive while using the fitness center are, of course, wellness, the opportunity to decompress from classes and overall healthiness,” Utterback said.