The Georgia State University (GSU) gym—officially called the Student Recreation Center (SRC)—is one of Atlanta’s most advanced college fitness facilities, offering students everything from a massive weight room and indoor track to a rock climbing wall, pools, and dozens of group classes. If you’re a GSU student or staff member wondering if the GSU gym is worth it, the short answer is yes. The GSU gym delivers outstanding value, extensive amenities, and a vibrant campus community.
Understanding the features, membership options, and real student reviews will help you maximize your experience and avoid common frustrations like crowded peak hours or ongoing pool renovations. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date details on amenities, pricing, student feedback, and everything you need to know before visiting or joining the GSU gym.
For official info, policies, and hours, visit GSU Recreation’s official site.
What Is the Georgia State University (GSU) Student Recreation Center?
The GSU Student Recreation Center (SRC) is a state-of-the-art, 161,000-square-foot fitness facility located on the Atlanta campus. Opened in 2001 and recognized by the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) as an “Outstanding Sports Facility,” the SRC offers a diverse range of fitness, wellness, and recreation amenities for students, staff, alumni, and guests. (Campus Rec Mag, 2024)
Main Amenities & Facilities at GSU Gym
Fitness & Weight Rooms
- 14,600+ sq ft of free weights and cardio equipment
- Power racks, squat stations, benches, dumbbells, and more
- Latest treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and rowing machines
Gymnasiums & Courts
- 4 full-size basketball/volleyball courts
- Multi-use “Omni Gym” for soccer, badminton, fencing, and indoor flag football
- 1/8-mile elevated indoor running track
Aquatics Center
- Note: The main pool is closed for renovation until June 2025 (see updates below)
- When open, includes:
- 8–9 lane lap pool
- Leisure vortex pool
- Spa/hot tub
- Sauna
Climbing & Outdoor Recreation
- 35-foot rock climbing wall (“Touch the Earth” program)
- Outdoor gear rental for hiking, backpacking, paddleboarding, and camping trips
Studios & Group Fitness
- Dedicated studios for yoga, dance, martial arts, spinning/cycling
- Over 40+ weekly group fitness classes (Zumba, boxing, HIIT, etc.)
Extras & Amenities
- Game room: billiards, ping-pong, console gaming
- Spacious locker rooms (rental lockers available)
- Gender-neutral changing rooms
- On-site AEDs for safety
For more details, see the GSU Recreation Facilities page.
GSU Gym Membership, Access, and Fees
| Category | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GSU Students | Enrolled with student fees | Free |
| Faculty & Staff | Purchase required | ~$84/semester or $252/year |
| Alumni | Purchase required | ~$252/year |
| Guests (w/ sponsor) | Must be sponsored | $7/day pass |
- Current as of July 2025. Prices may change; confirm on GSU Rec’s FAQ.
- Students at any GSU campus get free access if enrolled with the recreation fee.
- Faculty, staff, and alumni can join with proof of status.
- Guest passes require a sponsor and are only available during certain hours.
Real Student Reviews & Community Feedback
Reddit:
- “The Rec Center has basically everything you’d want—rock climbing, tons of weights, and classes like yoga and cycling. Definitely one of GSU’s best features. Gets crowded at peak times but still worth it.” (Reddit, 2024)
- “I use the gym almost daily. It’s clean, has great equipment, and the staff is friendly.”
Yelp:
- “This is the best gym/recreation center I have ever been to. Super modern and lots of options.” (Yelp, 2024)
Google:
- Average rating: 4.6/5 stars (based on 180+ reviews)
- Most positive comments focus on variety, helpful staff, and clean facilities.
Common Critiques:
- Gets busy during the afternoon/evening (especially fall/spring)
- Pool closure has been inconvenient for swimmers
- Guest access is somewhat limited
GSU Gym Policy & Renovation Updates
- Aquatics Center Closure: The main Atlanta campus pool is closed for major renovation until June 2025.
Alternatives:- Use the Decatur campus pool (details here)
- GSU/Georgia Tech pool partnership (check with Rec Center desk)
- Facility Hours: Hours may vary by semester or holiday. Always check GSU Rec’s hours page for the latest.
- Membership Policy: Membership is automatic for most GSU students; others must show proof and purchase access.
See the official membership policy.
Group Fitness, Classes, and Campus Events
GSU’s Student Recreation Center runs over 40 weekly fitness classes, including:
- Zumba, yoga, HIIT, boxing, pilates, dance cardio
- Specialized clinics, personal training, and fitness assessments
- Intramural leagues and sport clubs (basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, martial arts, and more)
- Outdoor adventure programs (hiking, rafting, camping, rock climbing)
Example 2025 Events:
- “Pounce Around the Rec” welcome party (August)
- “Panther Prowl” pool party (August, Decatur campus)
- Backcountry Cooking Workshops (March)
For class schedules and sign-ups, visit the GSU Rec Programs page.
Other GSU Fitness & Recreation Locations
- Indian Creek Recreation Area: Outdoor adventure facility with ropes course, zip-lining, and group retreats (learn more)
- Perimeter Campuses: Fitness centers at Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, and Newton with similar cardio, weight, and studio amenities
- Panthersville Complex: Large outdoor fields for intramurals and club sports
Strengths & Limitations of GSU’s Student Recreation Center
✅ Strengths
- Huge, modern facility with the latest equipment
- Free for most students, reasonably priced for others
- Dozens of group fitness classes and clinics weekly
- Indoor pool, sauna, and spa (when open)
- Outstanding community reviews and awards
⚠️ Limitations
- Main pool closed until June 2025 (alternative pools available)
- Can get crowded during peak times (midday and evenings)
- Guest passes only available during certain hours
Conclusion
Georgia State University’s Student Recreation Center is an award-winning, all-in-one fitness hub that stands out among Atlanta college gyms for its amenities, value, and supportive community. Whether you want to lift weights, join a Zumba class, try rock climbing, or just relax in the sauna, GSU gym has something for everyone.
Ready to experience the GSU gym for yourself?
Check current hours, programs, and membership info on the GSU Recreation Center’s official site, and drop by for a tour or day pass. Don’t forget to try a class or explore the outdoor adventure options—you might discover a new passion!