Aerial photo of the Buff Pool on a sunny day.Whether you’re looking to be active, meet people, find your community or explore new hobbies, the Rec Center is a great place to get started. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of ability, experience, body type or identity. We’re more than just a gym–we’re a place where people find community and joy in movement.

If you’re not sure what you’re interested in or are nervous to commit to something new, we hope you’ll join us for Connect at the Rec from Aug. 15 through Aug. 27 to demo programs, try out classes and access everything the Rec has to offer!

Visit the Rec Centers

Both Rec Center locations on campus are open to all full-fee paying students and other paying members, like faculty, staff and alumni. You can access the Main Student Recreation Center or the Williams Village Recreation Center using your Buff OneCard. Here is a brief overview of the equipment available at each of our facilities:

Main Rec Center

  • Weightlifting
  • Functional fitness
  • Cardio equipment
  • Rooftop tennis courts
  • Indoor ice rink
  • Lap, diving and outdoor pools
  • Basketball courts
  • Outdoor fitness court
  • Turf gym
  • Locker rentals

Will Vill Rec Center

  • Weightlifting
  • Functional fitness
  • Cardio equipment
  • Lockers

 Insider tip: Be sure to download the CU Boulder Rec app to sign up for classes or programs, check-in without a Buff OneCard, check live facility counts and more!

Download: Apple App Store    Download: Google Play Store

Find a workout partner

Having a workout buddy can help keep you motivated and make physical activity more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a fun way to workout with other Buffs, check out these options:

  • Group fitness classes: Purchase a Be Fit Pass to access over 60 group fitness classes each week, including yoga, cycle, cardio, strength and more! Classes are free from Sunday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug 28. View the full schedule of classes online.
     
  • 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 THIS YEAR

  • Group fitness: New group fitness classes include Cardio Kickboxing, Cycle BEATS and Intuitive Flow Yoga.
  • Aquatics: The Rec is now offering an entry-level swim lessons class, which is perfect for anyone who is afraid of the water. 
  • Ice rink: Hockey Skills & Drills is back this semester!
  • Small group training: The Rec is offering a new Total Body Bootcamp to jumpstart your fitness routine this semester. Personal trainers will guide you through a twice weekly workout class.

Get outside

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

  • Trips and courses: There are a number of trips and courses available so you can participate in a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, fly fishing, scuba diving, hiking and backpacking, climbing, avalanche safety and more. 
     
  • Wilderness Workshops: Take advantage of Wilderness Workshops to learn basic outdoor skills, like backcountry cooking, navigation techniques, affordable trip planning and more.
     
  • Outdoor 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.
     
  • Equipment checkout: Check out indoor equipment for free from Guest Services, including basketballs and tennis rackets . Outdoor equipment is also available for rental, including corn hole, horse shoes, spikeball, outdoor volleyball and more!
     
  • Adventure Resource Center: The Adventure Resource Center has resources and staff available to help you plan your next big trip. Whether you're interested in rafting, climbing, backpacking or camping, this is a great place to get started. Staff can provide recommendations and help you prepare for your trip.
     
  • Outdoor Fitness Court: Looking to change up your routine? The Outdoor Fitness Court, located near the entrance to the Main Student Recreation Center, is an outdoor bodyweight circuit training structure. The Fitness Court is free and open to the public, no membership required.
     
  • Climbing Gym: You can practice bouldering, learn how to belay and prepare for more advanced climbing skills at the Climbing Gym! They also offer indoor and outdoor climbing classes. Join us for free (no climbing pass required) from Aug. 14 through Aug. 28.
     
  • Buff Pool: Soak up some sun and enjoy the outdoor Buff Pool! Just don’t forget to come prepared with water, a towel and sunscreen.

NEW THIS YEAR

  • E-Center partnership: Outdoor Pursuits is partnering with the E-Center to create a new shared biking program. More information is coming soon!

Play 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) Sport leagues: The Rec Center offers multiple sessions of Intramural Sports leagues throughout the semester. Registration for Session I leagues is available Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Wednesday, Sept. 14. You can sign up as a team or join a team as a free agent by purchasing a semester or annual Sports Pass. Leagues will include dodgeball, flag football, ice hockey, pickleball, sand volleyball, soccer, tennis and more! No experience is required to play, and all ability levels are welcome.
     
  • Sport Clubs: Participate in competitive sports against other colleges and universities through the Sport Clubs program. CU Boulder currently offers 30 different men’s, women’s and co-ed teams. Informational meetings will be held in August and early September. Please note that some teams may also require tryouts.

NEW THIS YEAR

  • Intramural Sports: Session I will offer two new intramural sports leagues, including sand volleyball and rooftop pickleball. 

Try something new

While it can be intimidating to put yourself out there or try something new, it can also help us 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 allyship, personal development and connection. Plus, they’re a lot of fun.
     
  • 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 and try something new.
     
  • Adaptive Sports and Recreation: The Adaptive Sports and Recreation program supports CU Boulder students with physical disabilities by offering sports and other recreational activities for all levels. Students are encouraged to try something new, have fun and participate in competition. This program is open to all students, regardless of whether they have a disability. Fill out an interest form to recommend a program or get notifications about upcoming events.
     
  • 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.

NEW THIS YEAR

  • Adaptive sports equipment: Multi-sport wheelchairs are now available for check out within the Rec Center.

Meet your goals

Want to get more active, start a new workout routine or create healthier habits? Here are some ways to get more personalized support and meet your goals:

  • 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.
     
  • Physical therapy: Whether you’re recovering from an injury or hoping to prevent one, Physical Therapy and Integrative Care at Medical Services can work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that can help you meet your goals. Most services are covered by the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan and BuffCare. Private insurance is also accepted.
     
  • Injury Care Center: The Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC) is staffed by a certified athletic trainer and student interns who are trained in first aid, injury care and athletic training.
     
  • Nutrition Resource Clinic: CU Boulder students can meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for a free consultation to address a number of nutrition-related concerns. The Nutrition Resource Clinic (NRC) is available throughout the academic year.

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