The Rec Center

Spring Kickoff at The Rec

Join the Rec Center for free events and classes from Monday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 21.

Free activities include: group fitness, bouldering, skate rentals, jumbo volleyball, martial arts and dance classes

Learn more about Spring Kickoff

The Recreation Centers on campus are a great place to meet new people, build community, explore new hobbies and stay active! Here’s everything you need to know about going to The Rec this year! 


1. Recreation facilities 

The Main Student Recreation Center and Williams Village Recreation Center are both open to all full-fee paying students and other paying members, like staff, faculty and alumni. Each Rec Center is equipped with a variety of exercise equipment, including weightlifting, cardio, functional fitness and more.  

New facilities and programs 

The Main Student Recreation Center has completed construction on a new functional fitness space that provides additional workout areas for students. In addition to new equipment, this space will be used for new workout classes, including: 

  • F45: These classes are designed to provide a functional full-body workout, this program delivers a mix of 45-minute circuit and HIIT style workouts. F45 classes are available as part of the group fitness schedule and is open to all Be Fit Pass holders
  • CrossFit: CrossFit provides strength and conditioning workouts made up of functional movement performed at a high intensity level. CrossFit courses are available as part of our small group training program

2. Fitness classes and training 

Fitness & Wellness offers a variety of group classes and training opportunities to help you stay motivated, find a workout buddy and work toward your goals. Here are some options to check out this year.  

Group fitness classes: Purchase a Be Fit Pass to access over 60 group fitness classes each week, including yoga, cycle, cardio, strength and more. The Be Fit Pass early bird sale is available through Sunday, Jan. 21.

Personal training: Meet your fitness goals this year with the help of a certified personal trainer. You can work with a personal trainer one-on-one or with a friend. Fitness assessments are also available through Training Services

Small group training: Join a small group training class to improve your strength, cardio or flexibility with one-on-one guidance from a certified personal trainer. You’ll be able to meet new people and workout with the same group each week! All required equipment is included.

New classes

Fitness & Wellness is offering two new small group training classes this semester. 

  • Running Foundations: Road to a 5K: Join a 3-week training program to help you discover the joy of running, learn how to incorporate crosstraining and prepare for a 5K race. Register online.

  • Chin Up Program: Have you always wanted to do a chin up? Join a 4-week training program to improve your bodyweight strength training. Register online.


3. Outdoor adventures 

One of the perks of living in Boulder is our unencumbered access to the great outdoors. If you’re interested in getting outside, Outdoor Pursuits is here to help you get started or keep going. 

Trips and courses: There are a number of outdoor trips and courses available throughout the semester that cover a wide variety of activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing, avalanche safety and more.  

Wilderness workshops: Take advantage of the Wilderness Workshop series to learn basic outdoor skills, like backcountry cooking, animal tracking, plant identification, survival skills and more. 

Equipment rentals: Planning your own outdoor adventure? You can rent a variety of outdoor equipment to bring with you! The Outdoor Equipment Rental Center provides camping, climbing, water and winter equipment rentals to students, staff and faculty. 

Adventure Resource Center: The Adventure Resource Center helps students plan and execute their outdoor adventures. This is a great place to get trail and activity recommendations, custom maps, meal planning support and more. 


4. Competitive sports 

Sports can be a fun way to stay active, meet new friends and find your community on campus. Here are a couple of ways you can get involved in sports at CU Boulder. 

Intramural (IM) Sports: The Rec Center offers multiple Intramural Sports leagues throughout the semester. You can sign up as a team or join a team as a free agent by purchasing a semester or annual Sports Pass. No experience is required to play, and all ability levels are welcome. Semester passes are available for $25.

Sport Clubs: Compete against other colleges and universities through Sport Clubs. CU Boulder currently offers 30 different men’s, women’s and co-ed teams. Informational meetings will be held early in the spring for each team. Please note, some teams may also require tryouts. 


5. Try something new 

While it can be intimidating to put yourself out there or try something new, it can also help you build confidence and find new passions or interests. The Rec Center offers free inclusive events and supportive communities to help you get started. 

Inclusive Rec: Inclusive Rec hosts a number of free events throughout the semester to promote inclusion, allyship and connection. Plus, they’re a lot of fun! Upcoming events include an international student hike, pride skate, adaptive training, novice night at the climbing gym and more.  

Free Friday Power Hour: Want to join a group fitness class but don’t have a Be Fit Pass? The Rec offers a free class every Friday as part of Free Friday Power Hour! This is a great way to explore different types of fitness classes and try something new.   

Work at The Rec: That’s right—we’re hiring! Gain valuable job experience, leadership skills and build friendships by applying to work at the Rec Center. Work study is also available. 

Download the Rec app 

The Rec Center has a free FusionGo App that allows you to gain entry to The Rec without your Buff OneCard, register for classes, check updated facility hours and more! 

The app is available for iOS and Android users. 

Learn more