Weighing In: Meet your Fitness Match

Each week, our own fitness fanatics Christina Monteleone and Sabrina Evans will explore the latest workout crazes, diet fads and dish out tips for healthy living. Managing your schoolwork is tough enough- let us take care of your health.

Boasting a whopping eight fitness facilities to choose from, Penn State has no shortage of options when it comes to where you want to get your sweat on. But when it comes to what you want to get out of your workout, too many choices can be a little daunting.

Alas! Not knowing which gym to pick will no longer count as a viable excuse for sticking to the couch, because this week we’re breaking down the top three on-campus facilities to help you get your best workout.

Rec Hall

Sitting on the west side of campus across from the Lion Shrine, Rec Hall has been keeping Penn Staters fit since 1929. With its two gymnasiums, state-of-the-art fitness centers, 24 racquetball and squash courts, indoor track and fitness classes, Rec Hall has got it all.

If you live in West Halls or off campus further down West College, you’re probably familiar with this fully-equipped mecca. But even if you’re tethered to Pollock or South Halls we recommend you make the pilgrimage.

The main gymnasium that hosts volleyball games and pep rallies in the evenings turns into a sprawling fitness center during the day. For those who can’t bear looking at another cardio machine, there’s an indoor track located just above the bleachers, while many Rec regulars use the bleachers themselves as a real-life stair climber.

Man-Candy Rating: Rec Hall is the perfect hangout for girls who enjoy watching ROTC boys exercise in uniform (aka the entire female population).

IM Building

The Rec Hall of east campus, the IM Building is located on Curtain Road en route to the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium. Having undergone renovations since November of 2012, the new two-story fitness center is set to open on Monday, March 31^st, equipped with 92 brand –new machines and 17,000 square feet.

“This is the one true student recreation center,” says Tom Lovins, director of recreational sports, “We don’t host any intercollegiate athletic contests.” You hear that? More gym time for you and less time waiting around for the gym to be free.

Due to ongoing renovations, the indoor track at the IM Building is closed until summer 2014, but if you’re a freshmen living in East Halls looking to get involved with intermural sports or any martial arts and wrestling activities, IM is indispensable for both its convenient location and multi-purpose facilities.

Man-Candy Rating: This location is great for checking out the selection of fit freshman boys.

White Building

A quick walk from the HUB, Pollock and South Halls, the White Building distinguishes itself from its peers with a wide selection of unconventional fitness perks. From the top-of-the-line fitness center to the classrooms and classes, the White Building has just what you need when your workout needs some shaking up.

If you’re the type who needs a bit more motivation when it comes to working out (don’t we all?), the wide array of classes are perfect for keeping you on track, while for those who are looking to ditch the asphalt in favor of the swimming pool, the White Building also includes an indoor pool for swimming laps.

Man-Candy Rating: The White Building is home to the Men’s Gymnastics team. Sneak a peek while waiting for a class to start outside Room 117 – you won’t regret it.

A lot of us choose our gym based on convenience and location, but next time you’re in the mood to break a sweat, take into consideration which gym will help you get your best sweat yet with facilities that are tailored to your fitness needs (and cute boys too!).

Photo by Lauren Johnson