A gym is more than a building. For many students, it’s a part of everyday life.
Walking into University Recreation and Wellness (URWC) during peak hours, everyone has the same idea. People crowd into the racks, claim a spot on the treadmills, or rush to secure a spot in a group fitness class. For students, it has become both a place to connect with others and a personal escape from the stress of college. It is a culture that encourages us to take care of ourselves, stay active and build confidence.
URWC makes fitness accessible in several ways. Free group classes allow students to explore different workouts without incurring the expense of off-campus memberships, and programs like “EagleFit30” reward students for attending classes with prizes. From my perspective, variety really matters. Having options ensures fitness feels welcoming to everyone, not just athletes or experienced gym-goers.
Accessibility not only fosters community but also strengthens the connection between mind and body that comes with exercise. After a long day of classes or exams, moving your body can be one of the best ways to release stress. Pushing through a tough set or taking a deep, clearing breath in yoga does more than build strength. It clears your mind. Many students feel this reset is just as necessary as the physical results. Walking out of a workout brings a rush of endorphins and a sense of accomplishment, leaving you proud of the effort and inspired to carry that focus into other parts of college life.
Of course, gym culture has a harder side too. The same community that feels encouraging can also create pressure. It is easy to compare yourself when you are surrounded by people lifting heavier weights, running longer distances, or fitting into certain body ideals. Social media often adds to that pressure, making workouts feel less about health and more about chasing an image. Still, it comes down to where you look and the mindset you bring.
This is where body image struggles sometimes surface. It is easy to go from motivated to burned out when the focus shifts from progress to perfection. Finding balance is key, and the same gym that can spark comparison can also teach resilience, patience, and self-acceptance.
Even with these challenges, I feel that FGCU’s fitness culture reflects something positive about our generation. More students are choosing to “lock in” on health and wellness, and the gym has become a popular outlet with flexible availability. Luckily, the gym provides us with the tools to do that in a supportive environment.
Ultimately, the culture of the gym at FGCU is what we make it. For some, it can create stress or unhealthy comparisons. For others, it becomes a community, an outlet, and a motivator. What we all need to remember is that we only get out what we put in.
