Recreation and Fitness
Staying active is important for everyone’s mental and physical health, but no one kind of activity works for all of us. Through campus recreation, waterfront recreation, and fitness, we offer a variety of activities and programs—at varying intensity and skill level—to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as social interaction, so you can find the best way for you to get moving and have fun! From club sports to intramural leagues, fitness courses to individual workouts in our athletics facilities, kayaking adventures to tubing, there are endless ways to stay active, and add variety to your activity, throughout the year.
Get Active
Campus Recreation provides several opportunities for safe, structured activities that
get you physically active and help you meet new people.
Club sports – There are several club sports on campus, including Esports, equestrian, soccer, and more. Our club sports hold
practices one to two times a week, and some even travel to compete against other colleges.
Intramural sports – Intramural (IM) sports provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to compete, without the commitment
of weekly practices. Washington holds three full IM sports seasons a semester and
at least one single-day competition. Seasons last several weeks and participants join
a team to play against other Washington teams before competing in a playoff tournament
for a coveted intramural champion t-shirt. Offerings for both full seasons and single-day
competitions vary each semester and are highly influenced by student suggestion and
interest.
Fitness classes – With free offerings every semester—most common options include yoga or high fitness—
fitness classes are open to any skill level and a great way to try something new, stay fit, and meet
people who share your wellness passions. Classes are held weekly in the dance room
of the Johnson Fitness Center.
Our facilities are also available for pickup games, whether that means walking out
of your dorm onto the beach volleyball court, or reserving the back gym for a basketball
game.
Our location on the Chester River provides unique opportunities for students to get out on the water. After passing a swim test, borrow a kayak or paddle board any time, or participate in one of our group paddle excursions. Planned days at the waterfront—like Flock to the Waterfront—provide additional opportunities for waterfront recreation with boat rides, tubing, fishing, lawn games, and more. Open Sail days provide an opportunity to try your hand at sailing. Throughout the year, there are walking tours around the waterfront or downtown, each with their own theme. All of our waterfront activities are free to students.
If you’re interested in more traditional forms of fitness, we still have you covered. Students have free access to all our fitness facilities, including the pool in the Casey Swim Center; the gyms in the Cain Athletic Center; the weight room, dance studio, field house, and squash courts in the Johnson Fitness Center; and more.
