The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) gym system offers some of the largest and most advanced campus recreation facilities in the nation—giving students, faculty, and community members access to world-class fitness, pools, classes, and more. Whether you’re an incoming student or a visiting guest, understanding the features, memberships, and unique perks of UIUC’s gyms will help you make the most of your experience.
Both the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) and Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE) at UIUC stand out for their scale, equipment, and amenities. In this guide, you’ll discover the key facilities, membership options, fees, and practical tips—so you can confidently choose the right gym and get started. View the official UIUC Campus Recreation FAQ here.
UIUC Gyms Overview: ARC & CRCE
What Makes UIUC’s ARC and CRCE Special?
UIUC’s main gyms, ARC (Activities and Recreation Center) and CRCE (Campus Recreation Center East), are among the most comprehensive university fitness centers in the United States. The ARC, located at 201 E Peabody Dr, offers over 340,000 square feet of space, while the CRCE provides a more intimate but well-equipped environment ideal for daily workouts or group activities.
- ARC: One of the largest on-campus recreation centers in the U.S. (340,000 sq ft), featuring top-tier fitness, pools, and unique amenities.
- CRCE: A popular secondary facility with a laid-back vibe, great for students and families, offering modern equipment and aquatic recreation.
- Both locations feature extensive operating hours, top equipment brands, and friendly staff.
Explore ARC and CRCE hours and facilities.
Facilities & Amenities at UIUC Gyms
State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment
Both the ARC and CRCE are packed with high-end cardio and strength machines from brands like Life Fitness, Precor, Technogym, Cybex, Hammer Strength, Powerlift, and TRX. Free weight areas at ARC alone include over 24 tons of plates—making it a favorite for serious lifters.
- Dozens of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and rowers
- Expansive free weight zones
- Multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton
- Racquetball and squash courts
Aquatic Centers: Pools, Spa & More
ARC:
– Indoor Olympic-size pool (50m x 25yd) with diving wells
– Outdoor pool with sun deck (seasonal)
– Used for varsity swimming, water fitness, and recreational swimming
CRCE:
– Leisure pool with water slide and lazy river
– 12-person therapy spa
– Great for relaxation and social swimming
Note: Pool schedules and maintenance updates are posted on the Campus Rec Aquatics page.
Specialty Areas: Climbing Wall, Tracks, and More
- ARC: 35.5-foot climbing wall (bouldering, top-rope, lead climbing), world-class 200m indoor track, martial arts/combat rooms, and group exercise studios.
- CRCE: 1/8-mile indoor track, group fitness rooms, and open gym space for roller sports or soccer.
Locker rooms, saunas, and massage therapy services are available at ARC, while CRCE focuses on leisure and family-friendly spaces.
Memberships, Pricing & Guest Access
Who Can Use UIUC Gyms?
- UIUC Students: Most full-time students (6+ credit hours) get automatic gym access via the Student Service Fee. Summer and part-time students can purchase access for around $115/semester (as of 2024) (source).
- Faculty/Staff: Annual memberships are about $492 (staff) and $607 (alumni) per year. Monthly and semester options are available (see full pricing).
- Alumni: Eligible for alumni membership—ideal for recent graduates in the area.
- Guests: $10 daily pass; current members can sponsor up to two guests per day (official policy).
Family memberships, spouse/dependent passes, and associate memberships are available for eligible groups. Policies are subject to change—always check the latest rates and eligibility here.
Group Fitness, Classes & Personal Training
- Dozens of weekly group fitness classes: Les Mills, Zumba, cycling, yoga, HIIT, aqua fitness, and more.
- Most classes require a Fitness Pass (about $40/semester) or are available as drop-in.
- Certified personal trainers available; rates start at $25/hour for students or $30/hour for others, with discounted multi-session packages.
Pro Tip: Early registration is recommended for specialty workshops and small-group training.
Real-World Reviews: What Do Students Say?
- “UIUC gyms are huge and have everything you could need—rarely too crowded, and always clean. The pools and climbing wall are amazing bonuses!”
- “Love the variety of classes and modern equipment. Great for all fitness levels.”
For more student experiences, check out r/UIUC on Reddit.
UIUC Gym FAQs
Is gym access free for all students?
Yes, if you’re a full-time student during the academic year. Part-time or summer students pay a small fee.
Can I bring a guest to the gym?
Yes! With a $10 daily pass and sponsorship by a current member, guests are welcome.
What are the hours?
Both ARC and CRCE have extended hours, including weekends and holidays. Check today’s hours here.
Are there beginner-friendly options?
Absolutely—there are orientation sessions, small-group classes, and a range of easy-to-use equipment.
Conclusion
The University of Illinois (UIUC) gym system stands out for its massive facilities, top-notch equipment, inclusive programming, and excellent value—especially for students. Whether you’re into weightlifting, swimming, group classes, or just looking to stay active, ARC and CRCE have you covered.
Ready to try it for yourself? See membership options and get started here!