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Amazing recreation centres in American universities
14 Dec 2018
In the past decade or so, there has been an emphasis on student well-being and fitness in universities all around the world – but especially the United States.
Being physically fit has a host of benefits, not only for medical reasons but also for psychological well-being. There are numerous studies that have proven that exercise helps students become better learners, manage stress, and sleep better.
Students normally pay a fee every semester that go towards maintaining these services, so it would be wise to take advantage of the fitness centres and recreational facilities on your campus.
Here are some award-winning recreation centres that go beyond normal gyms.
Colorado State University
Source: Best Value Schools
The stunning Student Recreation Center has made national headlines for its architectural design and breath-taking modern amenities.
Funded entirely by student fees, it boasts two 38-foot-tall climbing towers and a bouldering rock, a space for martial arts, multipurpose activity court, aquatics centre, spa, a massage room, a lazy river, sauna, steam room, and more!
Plus, there are five fitness studios including a cycling studio, yoga studio, and group fitness studio. The workout spaces have something for every student with special needs facilities, cardio and weight fitness area, stretching corners, free weight studio, and TRX suspension training space.
Outdoor spaces include sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis complex, and an outdoor hockey rink.
California State University, Northridge
The 138,000 square foot facility here was opened in 2012 to promote lifelong health and wellness. The facility is eco-friendly and has state-of-the-art equipment in their weight and fitness zones.
Furthermore, the Student Recreation Center has a multi-activity court for sports such as indoor soccer, floor hockey, and basketball, and a field complex for flag football, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, softball, and more.
Additionally, there are weight and fitness spaces, a number of group exercise studios which hold classes for aerobics, spinning, martial arts, yoga, dance, Pilates, and more.
There is also a 44-foot rock climbing wall and bouldering area, indoor jogging track, and outdoor lap and recreation pools. Both pools have deck chairs and furniture suitable for relaxing by the pool.
University of Iowa
Source: University of Iowa Facebook page
The award-winning Campus Recreation and Wellness Center cost $53 million to build, and the highlight is the remarkable aquatic centre.
It features a 4,100 sq ft recreation pool with zero-depth entry, underwater beaches, vortex, bubble benches, climbing wall, current channel, and more.
The state-of-the-art facility also has 20,000 square feet of fitness space, a climbing wall, competitive swimming pool, deep diving well, two basketball/volleyball courts, a cafe, and a wellness suite where massage therapy is available.
There are also several fitness classes available such as yoga, cycling, Zumba, and pilates.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Source: Kjellstrom + Lee
The Cary Street Gym at Virginia Commonwealth University is a winner of several major national design awards.
It features a three-lane indoor running track, activity centre with indoor turf, cardio/weight centre, rock climbing and bouldering walls.
Also, there are two heated pools, which have features such as a water slide, vortex, climbing wall, and a multi-person whirlpool spa. Fitness classes are also available at the mind/body studios.
University of Missouri
Source: Mizzou Rec
The recreation centre at this university is packed with outstanding facilities which make it one of the best schools for sports and recreation.
Called Mizzou Rec, there is a Jungle Gym with climbing tower, boxing gym, fitness studios, sand volleyball courts, pump room, indoor track, multi-sport courts, and more.
The stunning cycling room named Tiger Lair features black lights and a life-sized jungle-themed mural, offering students a cycling experience reminiscent of a jungle biking adventure.
The Mizzou Aquatic Center holds a competition pool, a diving well, hot stubs, steam and sauna rooms, lazy river, vortex, and waterfalls. There is even a campus beach club called Truman’s Pond, where students can relax outdoors.
