Maintaining a healthy balance between personal time and work time is a vital part of a student’s mental and physical health. In recognition of this, Washington University in St. Louis has multiple facilities available for students to unwind and work out.
818 Fitness at the Core Apartments
818 Fitness, the on-campus student fitness facility, is located on the first floor of the CORE Apartment residences on the south end of campus. It is a fully functioning fitness center available at no cost exclusively for students of the School of Medicine, with cardio and weight equipment and a group exercise room.
Weights and machines are generally availably immediately throughout the day. Users may experience a 5- to 10-minute line for popular equipment (treadmills, squat rack, bench press) during peak hours between 4 and 6 pm, depending on the season. That said, your peers are generally very accommodating and willing to share equipment during these times.
DANFORTH CAMPUS FACILITIES
If you crave a change of scenery for your workout, the Athletic Complex on the Danforth Campus is only a short (and free!) MetroLink ride away. Outdoor facilities include a track, tennis courts and several playing fields. Indoors you will find the swimming pool, field house, weight room and courts for racquetball, squash and table tennis, all accessible at no charge with your valid Washington University ID. For a small annual fee, students and their spouses can use the McWilliams Fitness Center, which houses a wide variety of cardiovascular equipment including treadmills, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, stair climbing machines and elliptical trainers. For facility hours and membership fees, visit the athletic complex website. Long-term lockers can be rented for an annual fee, and racquets and other equipment can be checked out from the equipment room at no charge with your valid Washington University ID.
BJC WELLAWARE CENTER
The BJC WellAware Center is operated by BJC HealthCare and provides a comfortable workout atmosphere for members of the BJC and Washington University School of Medicine communities. For aerobic conditioning, WellAware offers treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical, rowing and stair-climbing machines; ample free weights and a complete circuit of BodyMaster weight machines are provided for strength training. WellAware also has a small indoor track, an aerobics studio, a variety of fitness classes, lockers and shower facilities, certified personal trainers and massage therapists. The one-time $50 initiation fee includes a personal fitness assessment and group exercise classes. The current student rate is $28/month. Located at 600 S. Taylor Ave., WellAware is a short walk from all medical center buildings. Call (314) 286-0525 for more information.
PRIVATELY-OPERATED FITNESS ENTERPRISES
In addition, the St. Louis metro area offers several YMCA branches, a number of independently owned fitness centers and several franchised facilities, including Gold’s Gym, Powerhouse and Bally’s. Many gyms offer student discounts.