15 Essential Things To Know Before Joining Umass Amherst Rec Center

Located in the heart of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of recreational activities, fitness programs, and services to students, faculty, and staff. Before joining the UMass Amherst Rec Center, it's essential to know the following 15 things to make the most out of your membership and to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Introduction to the Rec Center

The UMass Amherst Rec Center is a 120,000-square-foot facility that features a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, indoor track, swimming pool, basketball courts, and group fitness studios. The center also offers a range of programs and services, such as personal training, fitness classes, and intramural sports. With over 700,000 visits per year, the Rec Center is one of the most popular destinations on campus.
Membership and Access
To join the Rec Center, you must be a UMass Amherst student, faculty, or staff member. Memberships are available in various categories, including student, faculty/staff, and affiliate memberships. The cost of membership varies depending on the category and the duration of the membership. For example, a student membership costs 50 per semester, while a faculty/staff membership costs 200 per year. It’s essential to check the Rec Center’s website for the most up-to-date information on membership rates and categories.
Membership Category | Cost |
---|---|
Student Membership | $50 per semester |
Faculty/Staff Membership | $200 per year |
Affiliate Membership | $300 per year |

Facilities and Amenities

The Rec Center features a wide range of facilities and amenities, including a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, a 1⁄7-mile indoor track, a 25-yard swimming pool, and three basketball courts. The center also offers a variety of group fitness studios, including a yoga studio, a Pilates studio, and a spinning studio. Additionally, the Rec Center features a rock climbing wall, a bouldering wall, and a outdoor adventure center.
Group Fitness Classes
The Rec Center offers a variety of group fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, spinning, and strength training. Classes are available at various times throughout the day and are taught by certified instructors. It’s essential to check the Rec Center’s website for the most up-to-date information on class schedules and descriptions.
- Yoga: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm
- Pilates: Tuesday, Thursday at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm
- Spinning: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 am and 12:00 pm
- Strength Training: Tuesday, Thursday at 7:00 am and 12:00 pm
Safety and Security

The Rec Center takes safety and security seriously, with a variety of measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all members. These measures include a secure entrance and exit system, emergency phones and first aid kits throughout the facility, and a team of trained staff and security personnel on site at all times.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, it’s essential to know the procedures in place to ensure a safe and effective response. These procedures include calling 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency, reporting incidents to Rec Center staff, and following evacuation procedures in the event of a fire or other emergency.
- Call 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency
- Report incidents to Rec Center staff
- Follow evacuation procedures in the event of a fire or other emergency
Other Essentials

In addition to the above information, there are several other essentials to know before joining the UMass Amherst Rec Center. These include the center’s hours of operation, parking and transportation options, and the availability of lockers and towel service.
Hours of Operation
The Rec Center is open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. It’s essential to check the Rec Center’s website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation, as these can change during holidays and breaks.
What are the hours of operation for the Rec Center?
+The Rec Center is open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
How much does a membership cost?
+Membership rates vary depending on the category and duration of the membership. For example, a student membership costs 50 per semester, while a faculty/staff membership costs 200 per year.
What facilities and amenities are available at the Rec Center?
+The Rec Center features a wide range of facilities and amenities, including a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, a 1⁄7-mile indoor track, a 25-yard swimming pool, and three basketball courts.