Why Hopkins: Admitted Student Blog

As an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins, you will definitely be spending a fair amount of time studying in the wonderful library, the learning den, your dorm, or even on “the Beach” with your friends. All of this studying naturally produces a good deal of stress, and what better way to let out some steam than at the rec center? The Ralph. S. O’Connor Recreation Center has a prime location on campus, as it is right next to “the nest” (our sports stadium), adjacent to Bloomberg (home of the physics and astronomy department), and just a little ways from Buildings A and B, the AMR’s, and the FFC. The rec center’s location is convenient, but the rec center hours make it even easier to get a workout in! The Rec Center is almost always open: Monday- Thursday 6am-midnight, Friday 6am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-10pm.

Whether you’re a swimmer, biker, lifting-guru, runner, yoga-enthusiast, or new to working out, the rec center really caters to all types of students and their respective fitness levels. As for the traditional gym equipment, the rec center offers 7 treadmills, 11 elliptical machines, 5 Stairmasters, 12 stationary bikes, 4 rowing machines, weight machines, workout mats, free weights, jump ropes, and medicine balls among other things. As for traditional and some somewhat nontraditional gym facilities, the rec center boasts an indoor track, a 3000 sq. ft. cardio room equipped with overhead TV’s, a multitude of indoor basketball courts, a pool, racquetball courts, a traditional 2500 sq. ft. weight room, a varsity weight room, a rock-climbing wall, and a studio for a variety of fitness classes.

In terms of personal training programs and group classes, the rec center can usually provide you with whatever or whoever you need. One of the more unique aspects of the rec center is the variety of fitness classes offered. Spinning, yoga, Zumba, and kickboxing are all popular classes that both students and faculty alike can drop in on. Here’s an example of the spring drop-in class schedule – check it out here.

If group settings aren’t for you, the rec center also offers personal fitness training (for an additional fee).

Finally, if the rec center seems somewhat overwhelming, but you still want to get a workout in, don’t forget about the small workout rooms around campus! Both Wolman Hall and Charles Commons have cardio rooms equipped with elliptical machines and treadmills for students looking to stay within their dorm. There are also a few scenic running trails around campus and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods for the joggers out there. Lastly, be sure to check out the prior post about Hopkins sports if you’re interested in taking a more structured approach towards athletics and working out!

Outdoor Opportunities and Pre-Orientation:

If you like the gym, but find yourself craving some outdoor activities as well, Outdoor Pursuits and JHOC (the Johns Hopkins Outdoors Club) will be perfect for you! These groups begin their adventures in late August right before orientation (hence the name “pre-orientation,” or pre-o).

Pre-orientation is a weeklong camping trip of your choice, where you have the opportunity to meet many incoming freshman (your fellow participants) and current students (your leaders) before you even set foot on campus. Options for pre-orientation trips include white water kayaking, climbing, and backpacking, but these trips are in high demand and do come at an extra cost. Make sure to reserve a spot on your favorite trip as soon as possible!

However, don’t despair if you still love the outdoors and can’t make it on pre-o! The two groups offer outdoors trips throughout both semesters at a $10 cost. If you want to get away for a day and see something other than the streets of Baltimore, don’t miss out on trying your hand at caving or going for a challenging rock scramble in western Maryland!

If you have any more questions, the website can answer them here - we hope you will give it a shot!