Students at Clemson have a myriad of options available throughout the community to keep themselves in shape. One of the biggest is Fike Recreation Center.
Not only is Fike the largest gym on campus, but it has also been the core of Clemson’s athletic heritage since 1930. Initially named the Clemson Field House, the tradition of “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football” — the Clemson Tigers’ entrance into Death Valley — started because players would dress in the Field House and then run to the stadium and down the Hill.
Fike holds on to its heritage and legacy in its exterior architecture, but the inside is a new creation entirely. Equipment is consistently updated, and the amenities are top-notch. Patrons can use the basketball courts, pools, rock climbing wall, sauna and even table tennis equipment.
Peak hours can make it hard to use exactly what you need and the floor requires some navigation, but anyone alert enough to head in early or sleep-deprived enough to show up late will find no wait. Those interested in group fitness classes will find pilates, barre, F45, cycling and other exciting classes. Staff are friendly and accommodating and can often be seen reading the latest edition of The Tiger.
As with every other fitness community, there is a pervasive culture that swirls around Fike. As the central hub of fitness on campus, students obviously put in a decent amount of effort, personally and socially. Pickup basketball gets very competitive as former high school greats from around the country relive their glory days and blow off steam.
Plenty of people can be seen taking up space on the weightlifting floor, often carrying weights and having friendly conversations. Fike is a fitness center but is very much a social center as well.
Health and fitness are important, and finding a place to thrive not only physically but spiritually is paramount for many. Fike can provide that for you in droves. If you are here at Clemson for the quintessential college experience, you must visit Fike for the quintessential gym experience.
