Unveiling the Multifaceted Benefits of Student Recreation Hours

Campus recreation centers have transformed from mere gyms into dynamic wellness hubs, playing a pivotal role in fostering physical, mental, and social well-being among students. These centers offer a wide array of programs and services, becoming integral to student life and contributing significantly to their overall success.

The Evolution of Campus Recreation Centers

In the past, campus recreation centers were primarily viewed as spaces for exercise and intramural sports, attracting a specific segment of the student population. However, times have changed, and these centers have evolved to meet the diverse needs of contemporary college students. Today's recreation centers offer a comprehensive range of activities and programs, catering to a broader spectrum of interests and abilities.

Romayne Eaker-Kelly, director of recreation and health promotion at Montclair State University (MSU), aptly describes this evolution: "The MSU Student Recreation Center is 'not just a gym.' The center is a thriving hub of activity for students, offering something for everyone." The center provides a safe and welcoming space for students to be active or simply unwind without judgment.

Skevakis notes, "Modern recreation centers feature opportunities to engage in indoor and outdoor fitness, intramural and club sports leagues, meditation and mindfulness activities, walking tracks, personal training and exercise coaching, multi-purpose courts, activity studios, specialized instructor guided classes, rock wall climbing, ropes courses, physical assessments, esports, equipment rental, hiking, on-demand virtual classes, bicycle rentals, obstacle courses, outdoor adventures, and a variety of aquatics programs like swimming and SCUBA courses." These centers have truly become one-stop shops for engaging the mind, body, and soul.

Enhancing Physical Health and Well-being

Campus recreation centers play a critical role in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among students. With the demands of college life often leaving students with minimal free time, these centers provide a dedicated space and time for staying active. By joining an intramural team or signing up for a fitness class, students can prioritize physical activity and establish healthy habits.

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A thoughtfully designed recreation center can naturally inspire students to incorporate movement into their daily routine. Investing in high-quality equipment also promotes safety and ensures the facility runs efficiently. When students know that the machines are dependable and well-maintained, they feel more confident using them and are more likely to stick to their routines.

WVU Campus Rec offers various forms of group fitness classes for members. WVU also offers facilities such as a leisure pool, lap pool and a whirlpool hot tub and a climbing wall.

Fostering Mental and Emotional Well-being

Modern recreation centers address more than just physical health; they contribute meaningfully to mental well-being. College life often presents significant stress, and campus recreation centers serve as a crucial outlet, enabling students to utilize exercise for effective stress management, improved mental health, and enhanced energy levels.

Regularly working out helps tire out the mind and body, providing students with healthy ways to burn off stress. Group fitness classes further enhance these benefits, offering scheduled outlets for stress reduction through exercise. Students can choose from high-energy classes or restorative sessions, all of which nurture both physical and psychological resilience.

Physical activity reduces stress by boosting endorphins and acting as a stress reliever. This effect is experienced whether one runs 5 miles or participates in a 30-minute yoga class. Taking this time allows students to forget about everything else going on in their lives and focus on themselves and their well-being.

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Cultivating Social Connections and a Sense of Belonging

A well-designed rec center can become the heart of a campus, bringing students from all backgrounds together in a shared space where they can connect and grow. Moreover, offering a wide variety of amenities, like climbing walls, pools, courts, and multipurpose spaces, rec centers ensure that every student can find something that fits their interests and abilities.

Joining an intramural team, participating in a fitness class, or trying one's hand at a climbing wall is a great way to meet other students around campus. And while making friends is great, having those people around to help hold one accountable for keeping up with their health is even better.

Samantha Higley is a sophomore who began writing for our team in August 2019 with an emphasis on Club and Intramural Sports.

Enhancing Academic Performance and Career Readiness

The benefits of campus recreation extend beyond physical and mental well-being, positively impacting academic performance and career readiness. Students who participate in campus recreation often develop valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly sought after by employers.

Executive leadership is noticing the recent evolution of campus rec centers. Campus rec professionals have worked tirelessly to transform the field into one that is contemporary and in step with the current needs of students.

Campus recreation can be a driver for student success in ways other areas cannot.

Showcasing Commitment to Student Growth and Well-being

Campus tours often highlight recreational facilities-and for good reason. A modern, high-quality center is more than just an impressive feature. It is a visible expression of the institution’s commitment to student growth and well-being.

The benefits continue well beyond recruitment. Students who regularly use campus rec centers report higher satisfaction, stronger school pride, and a greater sense of belonging.

Intramural and Club Sports: A Competitive Edge

For some high school athletes, playing at the varsity level might not be possible, and it can be hard to give up that spirit of competition. At York College, students have the opportunity to participate in real competition without playing on a varsity team. Club and intramural teams provide students with various levels of intensity.

WVU offers 50+ club sports that compete at various levels.

Addressing the Needs of a Diverse Student Body

Your campus may already have a rec center, but that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for all students. If you rarely see anyone inside, there may be a reason. Intelligent space planning is essential for ensuring safety, functionality, and enjoyment.

Create separate areas for various types of workouts, and provide sufficient space around each station to ensure users feel comfortable navigating the facility. Consider flow patterns and design for natural traffic paths between different areas. Likewise, you should establish zones for various types of workouts and machines. If your facility has treadmills, ellipticals, flat benches, and flexibility cages, group the treadmills and ellipticals in one zone for cardio.

Campus recreation is for “every body.” That’s a motto we stand by when creating new programs and maintaining programs already developed.

Investing in Quality Equipment and Maintenance

In high-volume campus settings, you need commercial-grade equipment that can withstand constant use and decrease the likelihood of failures or injuries. To get the most out of your equipment, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure durability and efficiency. Proper use, regular maintenance, and thoughtful planning can go a long way in maximizing performance and minimizing disruptions.

Ensure all staff are adequately trained to use equipment correctly. Improper use is one of the most common causes of damage and accelerated wear. Keep your equipment in top shape by establishing a consistent maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Western Michigan University Study: A Case Study

KALAMAZOO, Mich.-Western Michigan University students who utilize the Student Recreation Center (SRC) experience positive personal growth and well-being outcomes as well as an increase in feelings of belonging, according to a recent study conducted by the University.

In spring 2022, WMU’s Division of Student Affairs' assessment, marketing and communications unit organized a benchmarking study through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Assessment and Knowledge Consortium. The goal of this study was to capture valuable data on student experiences and examine the impact these areas have on student learning, growth and development.

The findings include that 94% agree that using the SRC regularly improves their well-being, physical strength and mental health. They conclude the impact of the SRC on students’ lives extends beyond physical strength and fitness level into non-fitness skills vital for academic success and post-grad life. In addition, the University found the SRC has a significant impact on student’s feelings of well-being with more than 80% of students experiencing an increase in their overall health when using the SRC six to seven times a week. When measured against national data for the same study, Western's SRC facilities and programs ranked higher in areas of student skill development, such as leadership, communication and multicultural awareness, as well as having a sense of student adjustment and belonging.

SRC Programs: Expanding Awareness and Improving Skills

For most students, college is a time to broaden their horizons and meet new people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences can happen in classrooms or through study abroad programs and also through recreation. Western students view the SRC as a safe space where they can expand their awareness and understanding of other cultures.

“Sports and fitness are global,” says Beth Northuis, assistant director of fitness and wellness at the SRC. The ability to learn about other cultures is something that electrical engineering senior Cedric Gnamien has experienced firsthand as an SRC facility manager. “[The SRC] helped me to learn about other people just from doing my workout or doing my work here,” he says.

Additionally, students who use the SRC experience greater gains in outcomes related to their interpersonal and life skills including learning to cooperate with others, exercising their problem-solving abilities, learning risk assessment skills and growing as leaders.

In addition to becoming a good leader, biological sciences major Ryth Seiler says the SRC has helped her improve her ability to communicate more effectively with others, a skill that 69% of Western students agree the SRC provides. She adds the communication skills she’s grown through her position as an SRC site manager will help her transition into post-grad life.

Managing Stress and Improving Academic Performance at WMU

According to The American Institute of Stress, 8 out of 10 college students experience frequent bouts of stress as a result of their schoolwork. While the endless balancing act between school, work and social life can feel overwhelming, exercise and group sports are an excellent way to keep focused and stay on track.

Accounting major and intramural sports participant Bryce Baker agrees with the 90% of WMU students who think the SRC helps them with stress management. In a similar vein, 80% of WMU students agree that participating in campus recreation definitely or somewhat improved their academic performance.

Electrical engineering senior Colin Goldschmidt notes that starting his day with a workout or F45 class helps create consistency and productivity, both of which help him with his schoolwork.

Creating a Space Where Students Belong at WMU

Community and a sense of belonging are vital for students' academic success and long-term mental health. “[The SRC] is not just a weight room. We control club teams, IM sports… there’s just a lot of opportunities,” says F45 instructor and personal trainer Cece Steck.

Junior Ellie McKean, an SRC customer service specialist and intramural sports participant, agrees. “I’ve made tons of friends going to (fitness and F45) classes,” she says. “Everyone is usually really open. It’s a great space if you’re just starting out as a beginner to come in and have people that are open and ready to support you on your fitness journey.”

In addition to building community and relationships, the SRC’s numerous programs foster a strong sense of loyalty, advocacy and respect amongst its attendees.

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