Student view: 5 tips for navigating MSU’s busy gyms

Avery Schueller grew up in Rockford, Michigan, just over an hour away from Michigan State University. She is majoring in advertising management with minors in business and public relations and expects to graduate in May 2027.

As a senior at Michigan State University, I’m familiar with the crowds at our on-campus fitness centers. The new Student Recreation and Wellness Center is big, but it fills up fast, and finding a rack in any of our on-campus facilities is tough. With the new wellness center now open, it’s important to make the most of your time.

Here are five tips I wish I knew before stepping into an IM building my first year!

Tip 1: Go with a plan

Making time to work out is challenging. To maximize my time, I create a plan for the gym, making me more efficient and leaving more time outside of the gym.

I’ve tried going at different times during the day to find the best fit for my schedule. Having a plan that works for me has helped build motivation to get a workout in.

Tip 2: Bring a friend

The best way to deal with a lack of motivation is to bring a friend to the gym. It doubles as a chance to socialize while also making you more comfortable in the space. This year, I reconnected with my friend from elementary school, simply to work out. By extending an invite, our friendship has grown while gaining confidence in the gym.

Tip 3: Don’t dillydally

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people take up a machine or a rack just to sit on their phones. The gyms are busy; by dillydallying, you’re wasting your time and everyone else’s.

Remember, you aren’t the only one using the space, and if everyone respects each other, all our workouts would run smoothly.

Tip 4: The spotlight isn’t on you

I’ve struggled with this for years. The second I walk into the gym, it feels like everyone is paying attention to me. Let’s be honest, everyone is in the same boat, all because of the spotlight effect. We all overestimate the amount of attention and scrutiny that we receive from others; this is especially true in the gym.

Focus on your own workout and the benefits that you hope to get out of it; this will help with confidence and efficiency.

Tip 5: Utilize other rec center resources

MSU offers a variety of free group classes if you don’t want to work out alone. Freshman year, I tried group exercise classes at the IM buildings. I hadn’t taken a cycling class before, and now it’s routine. Through these classes, I’ve made friends and tried new forms of exercise. The classes fill up quickly, and many of the popular classes are in high demand. I’ve found it helpful to set reminders on my phone for sign-ups 48 hours before the class. This has helped me take the classes that work with my schedule.

With the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center now bustling with students, it’s important to respect yourself and others when entering the space. Do what feels good and don’t overexert yourself. Working out should be an outlet, not a chore.