Paying thousands of dollars in tuition, many students are advised to make the most of everything their university has to offer them, especially their gyms.
However, what they don’t prepare you for is that the University of Maryland’s four-floor gym, Eppley Recreation Center, might just be one of the most intimidating buildings on campus. If you find yourself experiencing gymtimidation, anxiety over the thought of going to Eppley or any gym, and want to know exactly what to expect when you walk through the doors, you’ve come to the right place.
What to wear?
According to Fashion Post Magazine, staple pieces for your athletic closet must include high-waisted leggings, classic sports bras, cropped hoodies, and chunky sneakers. However, oftentimes, athletic wear can be incredibly expensive. If you find yourself in a position where you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on gym clothes, don’t be discouraged – there are plenty of more affordable options to fit your style. Some common websites to find cheaper prices include TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Old Navy.
At the end of the day, while you want to fit in with your peers, remember that the ability for comfort and confidence in your outfit is just as important. Being in clothes that you are comfortable and confident in will give you a better workout and ultimately help associate a positive experience with the gym.
When to go?
In most gyms, the busiest hours usually occur in the early morning and between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Think about when the majority of students’ classes end; it is within that time period. A busy gym can mean higher anxiety about going to work out, so if you’re looking for the least busy time, try to get in between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. But if that doesn’t fit in your schedule, don’t let business deter you. Having a lot of people doing hundreds of different things means a chance to learn new exercises!
What’s where?
Level 0: On this floor, you will find the men’s and women’s locker rooms, which both have access to the pool, as well as the equipment rental desk. At the rental desk, using your UMD-ID card, you can temporarily rent equipment like tennis and squash racquets, pool towels, and pickleball paddles.
Level 1: This is Eppley’s busiest floor. Here, you can find two of three main weight-lifting areas, one having access to the third, as well as squash and racquetball courts, two large basketball courts, and a smoothie cafe.
Ground Level: This floor contains the welcome desk, where you swipe into the recreation center, and the guest services desk.
Level 2: Eppley’s cardio floor consists of a large indoor track, treadmills, stairmasters, ellipticals, and other workout equipment.
If you’re still feeling nervous, you can watch a drone tour of the facility.
Pro-Tips:
“Gymtimidation” is something that nearly everyone experiences going to a gym, regardless of their fitness level. It’s when feeling like actually walking into a gym is even harder than your workout itself. But this shouldn’t discourage you from making full use of everything your university’s gym has to offer you.
However, if you’re still feeling nervous about heading to Eppley for a workout, going with a friend is a great way to take some of the pressure off. Additionally, UMD offers many group fitness classes that provide a great way to get active without having to do it all by yourself.
Whether you’re interested in weight lifting or want to get into running, Eppley has state-of-the-art fitness centers.