3 High-Tech College Fitness Centers

Technology is spreading its wings on college campuses around the country. It’s changing the admissions process, classroom dynamics and now fitness centers. A smart gym can save money on power and provide an awesome exercise experience for students. Some schools are taking this seriously and reaping the benefits. Here are three schools with high-tech, 21st-century fitness centers.

1. University of Missouri – MizzouRec

   How does a dip in the pool sound? Or better yet, a trip down a lazy river? At MizzouRec, waiters will even bring food and smoothies. Of course, some students may simply want to work out; according to Sports Illustrated On Campus, MizzouRec is a great place for that, too:

   Of course, if you're one of those people who prefers to actually work out at your rec center, the Jungle Gym doesn't disappoint. One million dollars in cardio equipment, 10 basketball courts and studios for an extensive lineup of Pilates, yoga and aerobics? Ho-hum. Now spice up the walls with 56 flat-screen televisions (upon which you can catch ZouTV, the in-house TV station) and a deejay booth right in the middle of it all. Want to get toned like former UM student Brad Pitt? Hop on one of 12 steppers equipped with a personal DVD player and sweat it out to Troy.

   Read the full article here.

2. Baruch College – ARC

   Baruch College has installed innovative technology all over campus. In addition to dorm-bathroom lights that turn on and off automatically and a laundry room that sends a text when clothes are ready, the gym is equipped with Life Fitness treadmills, elliptical machines and weight-lifting equipment.

   The fitness center contains state of the art Life Fitness, Universal and Hammer Strength weight training equipment, such as lifecycles, recumbent bikes, stair climbers, treadmills and elliptical bicycles. The center also contains 8 plasma flat screen televisions and a surround sound stereo system.

   These advanced machines allow students to log in and track their progress across multiple devices.

3. Ohio State University – Jesse Owens Recreation Centers

   It’s no wonder that Men’s Fitness magazine ranked Ohio State the fittest college in the country. Here’s what they had to say about the Jesse Owens fitness center:

   Troubled football team aside, there’s nothing “improper” about the fit benefits offered here: four rec centers, a tennis center and even a skate park, all named after Buckeyes alum Jesse Owens. To boot, its nationally recognized Recreation and Physical Activity Center offers up all equipment imaginable, including video-game virtual fitness options at “The Lounge.” More outdoorsy? Hit up the ice-climbing wall, take up wakeboarding, or rent a canoe and paddle or snowshoes for the day. And if you’re a part of the school’s K1 kickboxing team and/or love lifting, immerse yourself in the Columbus MMA and strongman hub. The world-renowned Arnold Sports Festival in March offers up amateur bodybuilding contests, along with participation in CrossFit, fencing, skateboarding, martial arts, arm wrestling and Ping-Pong. That’s right, Ping-Pong.

   Read the full article here.

Did we miss any fit schools with high-tech gyms? Let us know in the Comments section!