ODU Student Recreation Center

It’s about time that I praise the SRC at ODU. As a faculty member, I love being able to stroll over when the schedule permits to work out. This is a really nice facility with three full court basketball courts, a few racquetball courts, and everything you need for free weights/​nautilus machines/​treadmills and other cardio equipment. They also have I think an 8 lane pool (may be 6, not sure) for swimming laps and plenty of classes you can take. It’s all there for you.
If you are a student, it’s free (well not really since it’s in your fees but nothing additional than you are already paying) and employees pay 10 – 20 bucks a month, depending on salary. Alumni and community members can join as well but the rates are a bit higher. As for when to go, it can get very crowded in the afternoons during the semester. If you get there before say 10 am, you’ll probably be fine in regard to crowds and having access to the equipment you might want. I sometimes have to wait on a bench press bench but very rarely.
There is also a smaller facility over in the Village that is available with your membership. I’ve only been once or twice and it’s not bad. It’s got limited equipment but it hasn’t been busy when I’ve been there. ODU has really provided a nice facility for students, faculty and now the community to enjoy.

I enjoy greatly going back and being part of the ODU gym. They really have built the recreation center in the best way to provide multiple athletic opportunities for students, alumni, family members, faculty and staff.
The gym part of the recreation center has a multitude of machines and just equipment in general to get a great workout going, no matter if it’s cardio or muscle strengthening. The equipment they have is diverse, in the sense that one could work out different parts of the body. There is also sufficient space, if not busy, to get on a mat and do any exercise that requires it. I also enjoy the upstairs running section, where you can run laps while being able to see the basketball court.
They have an ample basketball court, providing room for many games to be played. I have yet to try the rock climbing, but I have heard it’s great and it is a good workout.
There are individual rooms that provided courts for different types of games, ie squash. ODU does have other rooms that are reserved for class purposes, providing different exercising classes such as cycling, martial arts, yoga etc.
The pool is decent size, and it does provide for a great workout. My only complain, is that I find it extremely difficult to find a time when it’s not being used that fits my schedule. I have give up on trying to make it to the pool.
Overall, the cleanliness of the rec center is great and it does not make you want to avoid working out there. The environment is great, for some reason I just feel comfortable at the gym. The staff are great and are great at upkeeping the rec center throughout the day. I love working out here

My review is focused on the pool where my son swims. You must be an ODU student, staff, or authorized personnel to utilize the pool. The pool is a 25 yard pool with 2 one meters and one 3 meter diving board. The pool are is very well maintained and deceiving. It was built in the early-​mid 60’s, but sports an upgraded score board for swim meets. There is a balcony area for spectators that has bench seating. The balcony is used for ODU swim meets and is part of the old area. Locker rooms are available which begins the new section of the building along with the Rec Center. Parking is reserved in the outside lots, however meter parking is also available. The chlorine utilized in the pool is UV, or ultraviolet which is a cleaner type of material than regular chlorine used in most public pools. You will not have the heavy smell of traditional chlorinated pools. During the ODU swim season it is reserved early AM (unsure when they conclude) and weekdays 3 – 5 PM. Tidewater Aquatic Club (TAC) has the pool reserved on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5 – 8 PM. Parking is reserved in the outside lots, however meter parking is also available. I will add photos of the pool another time, I was not allowed to take photo’s while TAC had swimmers in the pool. In the Summer the pool is utilized for ODU Swim camps and Big Blue Camps. It has been long speculated that a new pool will be built on campus, at this point there is no time table. However, the area where a new pool would be built is across the street from the current facility most likely. Cross you fingers at some time in the next 5 years ODU will be able to sport a brand new aquatics facility.

Very nice facility!
I come here mainly to play basketball… they have 4 full basketball courts… which makes it nice as you can usually find a pick up game or an empty hoop to just shoot around.
There’s plenty of cardio machines… however I did find the free-​weight area to be a tad bit squished. All the equipment is relatively new and the variety is decent. There’s also a nice running track on the second floor if you aren’t the type to get your cardio done in 1 spot.
Check this spot out if you have a chance. The entry is super high-​tech… with a pin# and handprint. Not a bad place to get your gym on!

Nicest gym I’ve been to in Hampton Roads! Free if you’re a student, or pretty cheap if you are a student’s Plus One ($ 80/​semester).
What I love about this place is the wide range of amenities. Three racquetball courts, swimming pool, indoor track, basketball courts, etc. Plus, this place is huge — 2 stories and lots of open space.
This place makes me want to go back to school!