Rec Center Wars: Colleges Use State-of-the-Art Facilities to Woo Students
Visit just about any college campus these days, and it's hard to miss the state-of-the-art recreation and fitness centers that are making the scene. Typically one of the largest buildings on campus, the recreation center is designed to lure students to the school—and keep them happy while they're there. With lazy-river swimming pools and technologically driven fitness machines, these centers offer more than just a walk on the treadmill. In fact, just about the time that one university builds or renovates its recreational facilities, another school opens the door to a fitness center that is even bigger and better.
"Students are interested in their total wellness and leading active lifestyles, and they want facilities that will let them do this. So, colleges are rushing to meet those needs," says George Richard, director of college relations at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.
Here's why rec centers are such a big draw for students:
- Students can exercise with their peers. Let's face it. Walking into Gold's Gym can be intimidating, especially if you're new to the fitness craze. But the on-campus recreation center attracts other students in the same age population. At the same time, the centers are being run by students, who in some cases may even be personal trainers—again, all in the same age group.
- There's a big convenience factor. At Baldwin Wallace, the 150,000-square-foot recreation center sits in a centralized location, with floor-to-ceiling glass views of the main campus. It's easy to access, and it's open from 6:30 AM to midnight. That's the case with just about every campus rec center; it's all about convenience. Also, there are no hidden fees for additional services, such as aerobics classes or swimming. Everything that's offered is accessible at no extra charge.
- Students take pride in the facility. Most centers are student-run, usually by students majoring in exercise management or a related field. In most cases, they not only work there, but they exercise there as well. For that reason, there is a sense of pride about keeping the facility clean and well-maintained.
- It provides the student with a total experience—not just a work-out. "Much of the emphasis for college students is the social experience and the opportunity to see and be seen," says Richard. "Students are aware that their wellness and physical activity is a social function as well as one of personal development. That's why they want to see who else is around and what they are doing." Students can exercise, watch the big-screen TVs, or grab something to eat. By plugging their iPod into one of the fitness machines, they can even listen to a class lecture or review their notes.
Freelance writer Lori Murray lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and three children. In addition to writing for several national and regional publications, she is an adjunct writing instructor at Columbus State Community College. Lori can be reached through her Web site at www.LoriMurray.com.
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