Physical education has been on the rise, college students are more involved in gyms, yoga studios and other types of exercise than ever before. 

Not only does working out help on a physical level, but it also out helps improve your mind, memory and focus. A study done by Purdue University shows students who work out at their campus gyms are more likely to be better in the classroom. The study also shows students who worked out once a week saw significant improvement in grades v. students who did not go to the gym at all

Luckily for LLCC students we have a gym on campus. Lincoln Land’s gym is the Cass Gymnasium. Students must enroll in ESS 112 (physical conditioning) or ESS 113 (strength training) in order to be able to have access to the gym. Students here say it’s easier to exercise when there’s a gym on campus because they can work out between classes.

To cost-conscious students who would like to be involved with a gym, there are options available for not too heavy a price.

Planet Fitness is only $10 a month to join, which is one of the best options for students (and their wallets). LLCC students said they were attracted to not only the affordable price, but also the warm greetings from the employees at this “no judgement zone gym”.

“It’s nice not to be judged when I work out and be in a comfortable environment,” said Jerome Johnson.

The gym’s goal is to not only offer low prices but a helpful staff to help welcome you into your healthier lifestyle. The gym offers weekly group classes which makes it easier make gym friends who can encourage you in your fitness journey.

The locker room are nicely sized with showers and an area where you can check your weight. They also offer locks for your locker for extra privacy and spots to hang your keys while working out.

Planet Fitness also offers a Black Card for $21.99 a month. Black Card holders have exclusive benefits such as fitness training, unlimited usage of their hydro-massage, tanning, and 20 percent off of Reebok products. Planet fitness is a 24/7 gym which is helpful to all nighters and students who work late.  

Another Springfield gym option is the YMCA. There are two Y locations in Springfield. One is downtown and will be renovated soon, and one is on the west side of town. YMCA membership allows you to work out at any Y location.

Y’s offer many class options. Among these are cycling, Zumba, yoga, pool workouts, cardio, and boot-camps. They also offer open swim times. Additionally, the Y has CPR training that non-members can take part in.

And for college students who are parents, the Y offers child care for while you are working out.

The Y offers a multitude of memberships. Memberships for 8-18 year olds who have not yet graduated high school are $15 per month. Memberships for 18 year olds who have graduated high school through 23 year olds are $34 per month, and memberships for customers over the age of 23 are $45.50 per month.

The Y also offers bundled memberships for families.

The Kerasotas Y is open 5 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday’s, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday’s.

The Downtown Y is open the same hours with the exception that they close at 5 p.m. on Sunday’s.

LA Fitness, located in White Oaks Mall, is another gym option.

LA Fitness prices are $29.99 a month for the multi-club and $24 for the singles club.

The gym offers a juice bar, which is a main selling point for students because it’s not offered at the YMCA or Planet fitness. LA Fitness has a pool, and they also offer basketball, Pilates, hot yoga, indoor cycling, fitness classes as well as personal training. Reina, who belongs to L.A. fitness says the atmosphere is great. “The place is always clean, and repairs are done in a timely manner. I feel like their memberships are well priced, but the products inside are a little pricey but they do accommodations a lot, starting with a complimentary training session with a trainer. They have a pool, hot tub juice bar, free weight section, studio for classes or privacy, loads of machines both cardio and weight oriented.” She also stated how the have a” huge locker room with showers, shaunas, blow dryers and spacious lockers.” The gym has a 5-day workout guest pass to give your guest as much time to enjoy the gym and hopefully want to join as well. L.A. Fitness is open Monday-Thursday 5AM to 11PM, Friday 5AM to 10PM, and Saturday and Sunday 8AM to 8PM  

Fit Club is one other gym that has been a part of Springfield for over 11 years helping college students and anyone reach their fitness goals, The offer one-on one personal training, nutrition and weight loss, group exercise, swimming and even Rock Steady Boxing. Not only does the Fit Club focus on health they have three locations for you so no matter where you’re at you have a gym nearby. There is a Fit Club North, South and West which offer child care as well. Each Fit Club location has different hours however the North side is now 24 hours as well as the west side open 24 hours Tuesday through Thursday. The North side Fit Club is smaller but still has amazing selection in Cardio and weight machines. Fit Club South offers two group exercise studios and a 75’ lap pool with a warm water therapy pool along with a nine-person jacuzzi along with child care. Fit Club West is known for outstanding customer service, as well as a lap pool, one of the largest and busiest group exercise studios. The classes on the West side are known to go fast so to reserve your spot make sure to go in early. The Fit Club membership is $49 a month however some are business can qualify for a 20% off. In order to find out if your business qualifies make sure to call ahead or go in to see. 

So many places offer workouts for college students nut also so much more like child care, family bundles and fun classes. If you’re a student at LLCC who is ready to lead a healthier lifestyle there’s never been a better time then now. Every gym offers a tour of each facility to see if it’s the right gym for you before you sign up.  

Annie Staley can reached at [email protected].