Let’s face it, college students have a lot on their plate. In fact, research shows that among college students, less than half partake in fitness activities often enough to be considered regular. So, how can campus recreation professionals create experiences that motivate and encourage students to prioritize time to move? Several smart floor-planning and technology-driven automations can be incorporated to maximize positive impact:
Create a Boutique Fitness Experience
Currently, more than 42% of all gym memberships in the U.S. are with boutique brands. These unique branded fitness experiences provide enthusiastic and talented coaches and fitness instructors, supportive participants, and consistent yet effective exercise formats. Students crave more than just equipment: they want guidance and a connection.
Campus recreation facilities can build an incredible boutique fitness experience into their offering by:
- Providing students with dedicated functional space.
- All the equipment they need.
- Digital exercise guidance to perform thousands of different branded workout formats.
Digital guidance can be set up as on-demand or pre-scheduled, depending on what works best for the facility. In as little as 150 square feet, facilities can offer immersive, memorable and sought-after workout experiences without having to hire instructors or create exercise programming. Additionally, students won’t need to pay for or travel to a fitness studio off campus. It’s a win-win.
Create Experiences that Motivate Beyond the Four Walls
Outdoor exercise has become increasingly popular post-pandemic. In fact, 59.1% of active adults choosing outdoor activities as their go-to approach to stay fit. Finding ways to incorporate an outdoor adjacent component to campus recreation indoor space is essential to break up the hours of indoor time students spend every day.
Not only will students reap the health benefits of being outdoors — such as vitamin D intake from the sun, and increased energy, focus and cognitive skills — but operators can also extend valuable square footage that might not have been used otherwise. With smart planning and a bit of creativity, campus recreation facilities can develop a dynamic and unique outdoor programming complement for a fraction of the cost related to indoor cost per square foot.
Campus rec can help students prioritize their health. Achieve this with a well-designed, cost-effective fitness space that offers unique, accessible experiences.
Teresa Glauser is the senior director of Client Experience at Aktiv Solutions. Reach her at tglauser@aktivsolutions.com or visit aktivsolutions.com.
