Troy University Recreation Center offers students more than just weights

Students play different games on the rec center's courts. University Relations photos

For Troy University students searching for a place to exercise, compete or spend time with friends, the Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center offers several ways to remain active on campus.

The 78,000-square-foot facility includes a basketball court, a multi-activity court, free-weight and circuit-training areas, aerobic rooms, a multi-level walking track and an outdoor swimming pool. In addition to traditional workouts, the center provides students with opportunities to participate in recreational games, fitness classes and campus competitions.

Hudson LeBlanc, a freshman sports management major from Sulphur, Louisiana, who works at the Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center, said the center serves as both a fitness facility and a place where students can socialize.

“It offers a place where people can come and hang out,” LeBlanc said. “They can play basketball, pickleball, badminton, anything really.”

Students can visit the center individually or bring friends for a workout or recreational activity. For students not interested in lifting weights, the courts and other activities provide additional ways to exercise.

The center contains two indoor courts. LeBlanc said one is typically reserved for basketball, while the other can be changed to accommodate different activities.

“We have one that’s always basketball, and we have another one that switches up from badminton to pickleball to basketball,” LeBlanc said.

The flexible court also allows campus recreation to hold special events and competitions, like dodgeball tournaments.

LeBlanc said the range of activities makes the facility useful for students with different interests.

“We’re very open, and we can offer a lot of things in that aspect for students,” LeBlanc said.

Students looking for a more traditional gym experience can use the center’s cardio and strength-training equipment. The facility provides free weights, circuit-training equipment and dedicated workout spaces.

LeBlanc said the equipment was one of the center’s strongest features.

“We have a very comfortable workout area,” LeBlanc said. “We have great equipment out here – I think some of the best I’ve ever seen personally.”

Beginning a new workout routine can be intimidating, particularly for students who have little experience using gym equipment or planning exercises. LeBlanc said the center’s environment may help students become more comfortable with the process.

“It’ll make you feel comfortable if you’re unsure about starting the workout process,” LeBlanc said. “I think there’s no better place than the rec.”

Students who are uncertain about exercising on their own can also participate in group fitness classes. The center offers activities such as high-intensity interval training, spin pilates and yoga classes.

LeBlanc said the classes can introduce students to different forms of exercise while providing guidance.

“Students who want to be active and are unsure how to start or unsure how to go about their workout can take these classes with a teacher and learn how to exercise the right way,” LeBlanc said.

Group classes may appeal to students who prefer exercising with others instead of working out alone. The classes provide scheduled opportunities for students to leave their residence halls or apartments, try an activity and meet others with similar fitness goals.

“It’s just another reason to get out of the house and come take some of these classes,” LeBlanc said.

The center is not limited to physical sports. Troy University’s esports program has space on the building’s second floor. The program gives students interested in competitive video games another way to become involved in recreational activities.

Campus recreation oversees programs such as intramural and club sports, giving students opportunities to compete without becoming members of one of Troy’s NCAA athletic teams. These activities can provide exercise, competition and social interaction for students of different experience levels.

The Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center is open during the Fall 2026 semester from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.