Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Introduce
For residents across Massachusetts seeking an unparalleled fitness and recreation experience, the **Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec)** stands out as a premier destination. Located centrally on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, this expansive, state-of-the-art facility is far more than a typical gym. It operates as a comprehensive wellness hub, serving the needs of the Boston University community—including students, faculty, and alumni—and offering access to the greater Boston and Massachusetts public through various membership options and day passes.
Nestled within the vibrant John Hancock Students Village, FitRec brings together a vast array of physical activities and well-being services under one roof. Whether you are a dedicated lifter, a seasoned swimmer, a beginner rock climber, or someone seeking the tranquility of a yoga studio, this center is designed to support every step of your fitness journey. Its status as a university-level facility means users in Massachusetts can expect high-quality equipment, professional staffing, and diverse programming, from physical fitness classes to dance school opportunities and specialized instruction. While it can experience increased waiting times during peak hours, as noted by community reviews, the sheer scale and quality of the amenities—including multiple pools, a massive weight room, and court sports—make it a top-tier choice for holistic health in the city.
The Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center is strategically positioned at **915 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA**. This prime location places it right on the main thoroughfare of Boston University's campus, known as Comm Ave, making it highly visible and easily accessible to anyone traveling through the area, whether by car or public transit.
The location is particularly convenient for Massachusetts users, as Commonwealth Avenue is a major artery, easily reachable via the **MBTA Green Line (B Branch)**, with a stop often located right outside or very near the John Hancock Students Village complex. This excellent transit access minimizes the stress of navigating Boston traffic for local members.
Crucially, the facility demonstrates a strong commitment to serving all members of the Massachusetts community through its comprehensive accessibility features, which include:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
These provisions ensure that individuals with mobility challenges have comfortable and dignified access to the full range of fitness and recreation opportunities available at this world-class Boston facility.
FitRec's extensive operational structure means it offers a spectrum of services that go far beyond standard gym offerings, establishing it as a true wellness and recreational center in Massachusetts. The variety caters to all ages and interests, solidifying its place as a key community resource.
Key services available to members include:
- Comprehensive Fitness and Work-out Facilities: Access to the 18,000-square-foot weight and cardio room, equipped with free weights, selectorized weight systems, treadmills, and ellipticals.
- Personal Training: Professional, one-on-one coaching to help members in Boston define and achieve specific fitness goals, including guidance on form and customized workout plans.
- Group Fitness and Wellness Classes: A huge variety of classes, including **Yoga Class** and other general **Fitness** programs like HIIT, barre, spinning, and Zumba, often available through a Drop-In class pass.
- Aquatics Programs: Utilization of the two swimming pools (a Recreation Pool and a Competition Pool) for open swim, lap swimming, water aerobics, and specialized aquatic programs.
- Swimming School and Lessons: Offering **Private lessons** and group instruction for both children and adults, with programs like the FitRec Swim School designed for progressive skill building.
- Rock Climbing Instruction: Classes and open recreation hours for climbers of all levels on the impressive 30-foot Barreca Climbing Wall, including bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing options.
- Dance and Martial Arts Classes: Courses and dedicated studio spaces for various dance styles and martial arts disciplines, often available through Physical Education (PDP) classes or specific recreational programs.
- Online Classes: Offering flexible **Online classes** as a service option, allowing Massachusetts residents to participate in fitness programming from the convenience of their homes.
- Locker and Towel Service: Convenient rental services for lockers and clean towels to enhance the member experience.
The Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center is distinguished by its sheer size, the diversity of its facilities, and its commitment to a full-spectrum recreation experience, setting it apart from many other gym options in the Boston area.
The core features and highlights of this impressive Massachusetts facility include:
- Aquatics Center with Two Pools: Featuring both a **Competition Pool** and a warmer **Recreation Pool** which includes a zero-depth ramp, a lazy river, and a whirlpool hot tub/jacuzzi.
- Barreca Climbing Wall: A spectacular 35-foot **Rock climbing gym** designed for all ability levels, offering bouldering and roped climbing.
- Elevated Jogging Track: An indoor, elevated track (approximately 1/7th mile) overlooking the gymnasiums and fitness center, perfect for year-round running, regardless of Boston's New England weather.
- Extensive Court Facilities: Featuring seven total courts across two gymnasiums, accommodating sports like **Basketball court** and **Volleyball court**, as well as dedicated racquetball and squash courts.
- Wellness Amenities: Includes a dedicated **Sauna** area (often with faculty/staff-only access for added privacy) and a connection to the Ryan Center for Sports Medicine for rehabilitation and related services.
- High-Tech Payment Options: Accepts convenient modern payment methods including **Credit cards, Debit cards,** and **NFC mobile payments**.
- Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary **Wi-Fi** is available throughout the facility for member convenience.
- Affiliation Access: While **Membership is required**, the center offers specially discounted or tailored plans for BU Students, Faculty/Staff, Alumni, and even a "Friends of BU" membership for the local Massachusetts public, as well as day passes.
For Massachusetts residents interested in membership, services, or general inquiries about the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center, the facility can be reached directly using the following contact details:
- Address: 915 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Phone (Primary): (617) 358-3740
- Mobile Phone: +1 617-358-3740
We encourage prospective members to call the primary number to inquire about current hours of operation, especially on weekends and holidays, as well as to confirm membership rates and availability for non-affiliates, which are often categorized under the 'Friends of BU' or day pass options.
The Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center is truly worth choosing for its unmatched combination of comprehensive facilities and specialized programming in the heart of Boston. Unlike smaller, specialized gyms in Massachusetts, FitRec offers a **holistic wellness ecosystem** under one roof. You can lift weights in the massive fitness center, take **Yoga Class** or dance instruction, swim laps in a competition-grade pool, and even learn how to rock climb all in the same visit. This extraordinary diversity makes it the ideal venue for a family, an individual with varied interests, or anyone who values a high return on their membership investment.
The fact that it is a university facility ensures a high standard of maintenance, a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, and professional, well-educated staff and personal trainers. While community reviews acknowledge that the center can be busy during peak hours—a testament to its popularity—the quality of the facilities, especially the clean and well-maintained **basketball indoor hall facilities** and **swimming pool**, is consistently praised. For anyone in Massachusetts seeking a central, fully accessible, and comprehensive destination for physical fitness, aquatics, and recreation, FitRec at 915 Commonwealth Ave represents a gold standard in the regional health and wellness landscape.
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Services
Gym
- Personal training
- Private lessons
- Fitness Fitness
- Yoga Class
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Details
Service options
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Sauna
Amenities
- Basketball court
- Restroom
- Swimming pool
- Volleyball court
- Wi-Fi
Planning
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Photos










Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Location
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center
915 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center Reviews
studentspoolmachinesbasketballequipmentweightsworklockerwood floorsexpense
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Fitness and Recreation Centre is part of John Hancock Students Village, which also includes Agganis Arena ( named after BU top football/ baseball player).The centre is equipped with free weights and various physical exercise/ work-out machines, including tread- mills. Good facilities and novel rooms for individuals and groups.However, capacity is limited and leads to increased waiting time during peak hours. BU should keep the charges subsidised to encourage students for fitness.In the village context, high-rise towers for students' residence are appreciated...
December 21 · Khalid OmarBu fitness and facilities. The basket ball indoor hall facilities is really nice. The wooden floor also nice and clean. Went here for graduation, all the facilities is great including the swimming pool and fitness tools are good, keep it up boston university
May 20 · Hendro HioeWhile the facilities themselves are nice, the gym is always packed (too much so for members to be able to work out successfully/ in a timely manner), and management/ staff members are known to be both unprofessional and rude. Policies set by management are often too stringent and performative to be beneficial, and those policies that should be upheld (preventing slamming of weights, calling out dangerous behaviors) are ignored by part-time student staffers. Students are rarely able to secure jobs due to uncoordinated hiring efforts. Recently, FitRec held a "Membership Appreciation Day" to celebrate those who pay for a membership to the facility, with catered food. BU students, whose membership is a part of our tuition, were not welcome. I found this to be a blatant display of disrespect and neglect towards paying members. If I could opt out of attending this gym, I would. Unfortunately, students are unable to do so and paying for an additional gym is out of my financial range.
April 13 · Nathalie ChateauneufThe Fitrec has been an amazing part during my studies at Boston University. It's a great place to meet and talk to other students from BU and the building offers everything you need for doing great sports (perfect for swimming, climbing, running, weight lift, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, dancing and much more ...)
July 30 · RobertSwimming class at BU is so great for kids. very structured and professional
September 21 · Heba Moussa
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