Fike

While I love Clemson because there are many options for activities around campus, the one part of Clemson recreational life that I cannot stand is Fike Recreation Center. There are many great things to do at Fike; however, it is far too small for a university with over 15,000 undergraduates. I try to workout almost everyday, but there are days when my schedule doesn't allow me to go until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. At this time, both the weights and cardio equipment are packed with students. It is hard to get into a rhythm, while constantly waiting for machines, dumbbells, or even just open space. I often have to improvise my workout, and, therefore, I cannot keep track of my progress as easily.

Fike Recreation Center - Clemson University

Clemson was ranked the #1 Jock School in the nation when I applied to school. However, out of the three other schools that I applied to (University of Maryland College Park, Virginia Tech, and University of South Carolina) Clemson's recreation center was by far the least impressive. USC has over three times as many weight stations as Fike.

I believe that Clemson should build another similar sized gym on the Horseshoe-side of campus to help split the traffic between the two. I cannot see a way in which Fike can be improved significantly from what it is now because the building was not designed to be a gym for 15,000 very active students. Weight machines and cardio equipment are already crammed into awkward places, and the only way to add more would be to eliminate a basketball court or fitness classroom, both of which are already overcrowded as well.

I know this will never happen while I am here, but as Clemson looks to grow as a top public university, it needs to make sure that it's campus life facilities can handle the growth. In the mean time, I will be very tempted to get a membership to Gold's Gym as soon as I move off campus.