Find Your Fit: A Beginners Guide to The Recreation and Wellness Center

Welcome to The Recreation and Wellness Center!

Whether you're a student, faculty, or new member, the Auburn University Campus Recreation and Wellness offers a wide range of facilities and resources to help you achieve your fitness goals. Here's a beginner's guide to get you started.

Plan your Scan

The first thing I would like to cover is how to scan in. Download the app by searching "Auburn Rec," available on the App Store or Google Play. Next, locate the "Member ID" icon displayed when opening the app and sign in using the same login as your AU Access. After signing in, you will be given a barcode that you will place in front of the scanner at the entry gates. Note that this barcode changes and will not work as a screenshot. You can also swipe your tiger card at the entry gate. Recreation and Wellness will require all members to sign a waiver. This waiver covers everything inside and outside of our facilities, including the pool, sports, fitness, and events. Visit RWC Connect to sign it. If you need any help, Rec employees at the front desk are always willing to help. 

Get Familiar with the Facilities

Recreation and Wellness is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet all your fitness needs. While it may seem overwhelming, you can ask the employees at the front desk to take you on a tour of the gym to familiarize yourself with the different areas. You can also request a tour through our website. Click here to request a tour. You'll find that all the floors are different. For example, on the Heisman Level (the level you enter), you will mainly find lifting machines and strength training equipment. This floor also has six basketball courts, two group fitness studios, and a rental equipment desk.  

Above this floor is the Mezzanine. This floor has so much to offer with its one-third-mile indoor track, a cardio deck full of equipment, two multi-function fitness areas, and several stretching areas. The Lower Level is on the bottom floor. You will find more cardio equipment on this floor, racquetball courts, two multi-activity courts, the pool, a hot tub, two 50-foot climbing towers, a bouldering wall, and the Livingston Courtyard. The Livingston Courtyard is an open-air space full of plants and greenery, perfect for meditation and studying.

There is also the Tower, which is accessible by elevator and stairs. The Tower hosts Group Fitness classes from cycling to pilates. Recreation and Wellness also has a dedicated area for Olympic lifting and powerlifting. The entrance is in the southeast corner of the Recreation and Wellness Center facing Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. This facility has four Olympic lifting platforms, full racks, specialty barbells, bumper plates, chalk, a jerk table, and more. It is a monitored, controlled space where members who meet specific criteria may perform Olympic and power lifts and reserve their training space in advance. Click here for more about Olympic and powerlifting facilities. Walking through the building can help you get more comfortable with the layout and locate the different areas you're interested in using. 

Join Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness classes are a fun and motivating way to exercise, especially for beginners. Recreation and Wellness offers over twenty different classes, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, cycling, total body resistance exercise (TRX), and strength training. These classes are led by certified instructors who can guide you through the exercises and provide modifications for different fitness levels, allowing you to challenge yourself constantly.

There is a free class each month; you can find more information on the group fitness schedule. If you want to purchase a group fit pass, you can have one-month access for twenty-five dollars or a semester pass for fifty dollars. If you are unsure where your classroom is, the employees at the front desk can point you in the right direction. You can find class registration instructions on our website. Group Fitness classes are a great way to meet other like-minded individuals and stay motivated on your fitness journey. Click here for more information about group fitness.

Let's get personal… trainers

If you're new to working out or need guidance on how to use the equipment, consider booking a session with a personal trainer. Recreation and Wellness offers personal training services that can provide a customized fitness plan based on your goals and fitness level. A personal trainer can also teach you proper form and technique to prevent injuries and maximize your workouts.

Sessions come at different prices depending on the package. They can be purchased and scheduled through our website. Personal trainers can work out with you anywhere within the building. If you prefer a more private session, the trainers have a suite with all equipment for a successful session. If you prefer to work out in the central part of the building, they can also do that. The entrance to the personal training suite is in the same area as the Olympic and powerlifting facility, the southeast corner of the Recreation and Wellness Center facing Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. To learn more about our personal trainers click here. 

Auburn Outdoors

This facility is dedicated to those who love the great outdoors and has so much to offer. From guided hiking trips to camping, canoeing, and more, Auburn Outdoors provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and connect with nature.

In addition, AO’s Bike Shop is full of resources, tools, and expertise to help you repair your bike. Did I mention it’s FREE? Also, the rental center is packed with everything you need for your next outdoor adventure. From canoes to tents and sleeping bags, items are available for rent on a daily basis. AO offers workshops throughout the semester for students to learn about backpacking, climbing, and more! Lastly, AO organizes day and weekend trips for students and members. If you would like to learn more about Auburn Outdoors click here. 

The Final Stretch 

 In conclusion, Recreation and Wellness offers a variety of resources and facilities to support your fitness journey as a beginner. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the gym, seek guidance from personal trainers or group fitness classes, create a workout plan, practice gym etiquette, and prioritize proper hydration and nutrition. Remember to listen to your body, stay consistent, and be patient with yourself. If you have any questions, there is always someone here to help. Our website is an excellent resource for learning about all that we offer.

Be well, Auburn.