Fitness at the University of Arizona is a staple of many students’ routines despite overcrowding at SouthREC, NorthREC and BearDown Gym. 

A growing number of students say they are joining gyms off-campus, citing long wait times, packed workout spaces and a lack of equipment at the campus facilities. 

Yvette Damon, associate director of outreach and development for Campus Recreation, acknowledged the situation. 

“The university’s growing enrollment is a positive sign, but we’ve outgrown our facilities,” Damon said. “This is one of the main reasons we opened NorthREC in 2019 and BearDown Gym in 2022.”

But the additional resources have not solved the problem; students say there are long wait times at those facilities a well.

The growing demand for fitness and recreational facilities has led to longer wait times for equipment, highlighting the challenges posed by the expanding student body. In addition, SouthREC opened membership to non-university students, further straining the overcrowding. 

Membership at the UA facilities is included in student tuition fees for enrolled students.

Senior Ben Hochman, majoring in communications, recently joined Vasa Fitness, located 10 minutes from campus.

“At Vasa, I can do everything from strength training to yoga,” Hochman said. “But more importantly, I don’t have to compete for equipment or deal with people who aren’t as serious about their workouts.”

Off-campus gyms in Tucson are capitalizing on the overflow of students on campus. Facilities including Planet Fitness, LA Fitness and other boutique centers such as Orange Theory are reporting a noticeable increase in UA student memberships.

UA sophomore Jake Griffin landed a front-desk position at LA Fitness on North First Avenue for its fringe benefit: free membership. 

“One of the main reasons I wanted to work here was the free membership and access to the facility,” he said. “I need the money, but the perks brought me here.”

Enrollment at the UA hit an all-time high this year, with 58,160 students, according to a report prepared by Kasey Urquídez, vice president of enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admission.

A 2023-24 survey of students showed that 76% of students regularly use campus recreation centers. 

The university is exploring innovative solutions to enhance the student experience and address the issue of overcrowding, Damon said. 

“We are working on an IT program where students can look at the cameras in the recreation center to see how busy it is,” she said. 

The Rec Center also extended gym hours to help lessen the high demand times and is considering facility expansions. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.