Stronger Every Day – Working Out Around Campus

Written by Grace Canlas

Hillsdale College promotes the development of the mind, soul, and body. While attending college is a time of academic advancement and character development, it can also be a time of physical growth. Hillsdale College offers its students multiple training facilities and fitness opportunities for working out and having fun, while also promoting mental well-being. Here are some places and groups to check out if you are looking for ways to stay active on campus. 

The George Roche Sports Complex 

The Sports Complex (nicknamed the “Splex”) is the primary training facility on campus that offers students multiple workout options. The central fitness center contains cardio and strength training equipment, with a spin cycling room and open studio spaces located just above, as well as a rock-climbing wall. The Splex offers various indoor and outdoor courts for a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and tennis. This facility also houses the J.A.M. Varsity Weight Room—an ideal spot for strength training—and the John “Jack” McAvoy Natatorium—a great place for swimming and diving. I love meeting up at the Splex with my friend each week to work out together. I connect best with others while doing an activity together, and hitting the gym with a friend is a great option. 

Founders Gym 

Founders Gym provides additional space for students to work out and opportunities for clubs to train. This facility is equipped with free weights and squat racks for strength training and various cardio machines for conditioning. A unique feature of Founders Gym is its wrestling mats, offering students involved in grappling an area in which to train. 

Dorm Gyms 

Multiple dorms across campus contain their own “mini gyms.” A dorm gym is a convenient and chill spot where you can quickly work out during a busy day. It is also a space great for building camaraderie among the students in the dorm. I use my dorm gym almost every day since working out is my go-to study break. I enjoy being able to hit a workout between my essays or readings, all within the comfort of my dorm. 

Hayden Park 

Hayden Park offers a beautiful space for outdoor activities such as biking on a glowy spring morning or cross-country skiing on a frosty winter afternoon. The 190-acre park is a favorite spot among students for its hiking trails, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, and disc golf course. Not only can you get a great workout at Hayden Park, but also an extra bonus of fresh air and vitamin D. 

One-Credit Classes

Hillsdale College offers its students numerous one-credit class options, many of which are under the Sport Studies Department. Courses include weight training, indoor cycling, pickleball, volleyball, and yoga, to name a few. One-credit classes are a great way to fuel current passions and inspire new interests. I took a one-credit Brazilian jiu-jitsu class on Monday nights for three semesters. I always looked forward to my time on the mats as it promoted physical conditioning, coordination, mental resilience, and relaxation.

Clubs 

If you are unsure how or where to start training on campus, fear not! There are numerous student clubs passionate about helping you to jump into a new activity or keep up with those you already love. Some of these include the Powerlifting Club, Hillsdale Ladies in Fitness Training (LIFT) Club, Hillsdale Running Club, and numerous club sports ranging from wrestling to baseball to rugby to soccer. Throughout the week, there are various drop-by classes offered at Hillsdale’s training facilities that are aimed at helping you achieve your fitness goals. 

Intramural Sports 

Organized by Campus Rec, intramural sports are a fantastic way to get out and exercise during your week. Whether you have never thrown a football in your life or have played basketball since you were five, intramural sports are a fun activity that can make for some lasting memories. Intramural sports are a great way to hang out with old friends and meet new ones.  Additionally, the leagues’ short seasons and low time commitment make the sports easy to add to your Hillsdale schedule. 

So grab your water bottle and explore the various training facilities and fitness opportunities around campus. There is something for everyone! 

Grace Canlas, ’27, is pursuing a major in English and double minor in psychology and military history and strategy. When she’s not studying, Grace can be found practicing martial arts or laughing with her family and friends.

Published in April 2025