Longwood University’s recreation center has been recognized as one of the best in the country.
The Health and Fitness Center earned a ranking of 11th on the Great Value Colleges’ 2016 ranking of 20 Great Recreation Centers at Small Colleges. The first-time list, released recently, was based on affordability, notable features and other factors.
"We were particularly impressed by the center’s awesome amenities like the rock wall, as well as the center’s LEED Gold certification," said Gabrielle Gibeily, editor of Great Value Colleges. "Longwood’s Health and Fitness Center is proof that small colleges do not always have small gyms."
In addition to a 30-foot-high rock climbing wall, Longwood’s center features two full-court gymnasiums, a multipurpose gym, two racquetball courts, a powerlifting room, a functional fitness workout room and a track. The 7,300-square-foot fitness floor portion of the nearly 75,000-square-foot facility includes 20 pieces of selectorized weight-training equipment, as well as cable-motion stations and 5,000 pounds of free weights, and 40 pieces of cardio equipment.
"It is rewarding to see the hard work that many people have done, and continue to do, to develop this facility and provide the recreation and wellness programming that provides our students with opportunities to engage in healthy lifestyle choices. We are truly creating a ‘Fit U’ at Longwood University," said Matt McGregor, Longwood’s dean of wellness.
"A good facility for working out is important to many college students today when choosing a school," said Gibeily. "Luckily for them, most schools have been working hard to upgrade their recreation services and build the best fitness centers," she said.
The Health and Fitness Center in 2008 became the first higher education building in Virginia, and the first student recreation center in the Southeast, to earn LEED Gold certification, the second-highest of four levels recognizing energy savings for new and existing buildings. The facility opened in 2007.
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