An E&I 2-Minute Read
Designing a College Student Wellness and Fitness Space that will become the Heart of Campus | Featuring Core Health & Fitness
Facilities stakeholders are repurposing, reusing, and reimagining how to best use student athletic and wellness space. Designing a student wellness and fitness space that becomes the heart of campus requires more than treadmills and yoga mats; it demands a holistic, inclusive, and intentional approach that reflects the diverse needs of the student body.
An E&I 2-Minute Read
In today’s higher education landscape, student wellness is no longer a peripheral concern—it’s central to academic success, retention, and campus culture. Designing a student wellness and fitness space that becomes the heart of campus requires more than treadmills and yoga mats; it demands a holistic, inclusive, and intentional approach that reflects the diverse needs of the student body.
The most successful wellness centers integrate physical fitness with mental health, nutrition, and social connection. Spaces should include traditional fitness areas—cardio zones, weight rooms, and studios for group classes—but also quiet zones for meditation, counseling offices, and flexible rooms for workshops on sleep, stress, and nutrition. The goal is to create a destination where students feel empowered to care for their whole selves. This could mean adaptive equipment for students with disabilities, and culturally responsive programming. Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the space should reflect that—from multilingual signage to diverse staff representation. Accessibility also extends to affordability; offering free or low-cost services ensures all students can participate.
To become the heart of campus, the wellness center must be centrally located and visually inviting. It should be easy to access between classes and integrated with other student services. Large windows, open layouts, and natural materials can make the space feel welcoming and energizing. Outdoor connections—like adjacent green spaces or walking trails—can further enhance the experience.
Beyond the physical space, programming is key. Group fitness classes, peer-led wellness workshops, and campus-wide challenges foster community and engagement. Collaborations with academic departments, student organizations, and residence halls can extend the center’s reach and relevance.
Finally, the space should model sustainability and innovation. Energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and locally sourced materials demonstrate environmental responsibility. Tech-forward features like fitness tracking, virtual wellness coaching, and app-based scheduling meet students where they are.
When thoughtfully designed, a student wellness and fitness space becomes more than a building—it becomes a campus cornerstone. It’s where students recharge, connect, and grow. And in doing so, it helps shape a healthier, more vibrant university community.
An E&I contract partner, Core Health & Fitness, can help you to visualize how a floor plan can turn to a fitness center, then to the heart of campus life. Here is their process:
Core Health & Fitness Process:
Build a 2D Floor Plan
Every great facility starts with a plan. Core Health & fitness will build you a 2D layout map your space with precision—highlighting traffic flow, equipment placement, and functional zones. For one underperforming rec center, this step unlocked usage patterns they never knew existed. It’s your team’s vision, brought into focus with our expertise.
3D Visualization
Seeing is believing—and approving. Core Health & Fitness' 3D renderings give stakeholders a tangible look at a future facility before a single piece is installed. From winning board approvals to guiding construction, this step ensures everyone sees exactly what you’ll get—down to the last detail.
Installation by Core Health & Fitness
This is where planning becomes impact. We know the hours, paperwork, and dedication it takes to get here—so we deliver on every promise. From day one, your space is ready to inspire and serve your student body. Because for us, it’s never just an install—it’s a partnership built to last.
Core Health & Fitness Contract with E&I
The Core Health & Fitness contract provides access to highly rated, well-known brands in fitness, including StairMaster®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, Star Trac®, and Throwdown®. Core’s global network helps meet the needs of E&I members’ recreation centers from concept through installation, maintenance, and fitness programming. See your E&I contract with Core Health & Fitness.
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a private Jesuit university in Missouri. The campus's recreation facility services approximately 13,000 students who have access to over 19,000 square feet of fitness space. This SLU facility includes an indoor track and gymnasium. SLU recently replaced its cardio equipment in the recreation facility. SLU used Core Fitness on an E&I procurement contract to obtain pre-negotiated pricing, and saved 8% on fitness equipment and obtained better delivery terms and warranties. Case Study - Saint Louis Univ.
Above is a recent facility ugprade by Core Health & Fitness. Core Health & Fitness works with large and small schools across the country, and distributes StairMaster, Schwinn, Nautilus, Star Trac, Throwdown, and Wexer. E&I members save money and obtain better contract terms, using the E&I contract.
Climbing walls are a fun focal point for a student athletic facility. It takes up little room, little maintenance, and schools can have group clinics or event rent it out for private events.
Can Schools Go Too Far?
What is going too far? Some schools it may look more like a resort than a campus. From lazy rivers and water slides, massage therapy and spa treatments at a wellness center, keeping up with your rival schools is expansive. Mental stress of class can do harm, we've all heard of the notorious "Freshman 15", but a little fun and play can help make a difference.
The University of Pennsylvania, Penn's Pottruck Health and Fitness center is a 19,000 square foot facility with an Olympic sized pool, a 40-foot climbing wall. It has classes such as Pilates and cycling. It even offers a golf simulator. A smaller school Colby College in Maine has been named a "best value" liberal arts college. The Alfond Athletic Center includes physical therapy center, batting cages, squash courts, 200-meter indoor track, and new strength facility.
The Wentworth Institute of Technology recently reimagined a state-of-the-art athletic complex. The 50,000 square foot single-story athletic facility sits above a partially below-grade parking structure, including EV charging stations. The Division III school is now able to host NCAA events, and the new athletic center will support intramural, club and recreational programs. Wentworth used Gilbane Construction, an E&I contract partner. Case Study - Wentworth Inst. of Technology
Why Members Work With E&I?
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U.S. member institutions, universities, and K-12
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Member solicited buying
contracts you can access
$3B+
Yearly spend of E&I members
means large savings for you
Procurement Trends for Higher Education Professionals
For higher education procurement teams, one of the most effective ways to accomplish more with limited resources is to build strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Developing relationships that go beyond one-off transactions can provide tremendous mutual value for both the institution and its suppliers. Collegiate athletics programs are constantly being asked to do more with less, so look to strategic partnerships for savings. The supplier benefits from the stability and volume of the institution’s business. The institution benefits from the pricing discounts, service levels, and expertise that come with working closely with the supplier over an extended period. With your procurement partner E&I, your athletic department can optimize spending, use our strategic spend assessments, and eProcurement tools. Athletics departments use E&I for procurement contracts like sports equipment, facilities, turf/flooring, travel, administration, multimedia rights, software and more.
