<p>i was wondering how the gym is at rice (assuming it even has one). does anyone know?</p>
<p>it is a pretty small gym. the basketball teams do not have a court separate from the rest of the gym; it is separated by a huge certain actually. the gym has several basketball courts, swimming pool, racquetball courts, squash courts, badminton area (when set up), tennis courts outside, fields to the side for sports, and of course fitness equipment. it is fine for my purposes but it is dated and the basketball court for the teams is not really on the college level.</p>
<p>They are redoing Autry soon though and there is supposed to be a new rec center as well. But these things won't be complete for a while.</p>
<p>oh ok, so there are not any cardio machines like ellipticles, stair climbers, treadmills, and things like those?
are there any good gyms nearby in houston, then?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure they have all your typical gym equipment (treadmills, etc.); however, I'm a lazy bum, and Autry is too far away from Martel so I never go over there to work out.</p>
<p>My tour guide said that the equipment is really good, but the building itself is pretty outdated; however, they're beginning to renovate it this summer because they just received a big donation to do so.</p>
<p>yeah i used the word "gym" for all of Autry. i should have used "rec center." i think the new rec center will be done in 2 years (spring 2009). mysticpizza, there are all of those things and two types of bike machines, seated like normal and seated with legs in front. i can't think of anything that Autry doesn't have that I would like. i think people are displeased with the layout, amount of space, the exterior design, and the gym for the basketball teams. some people even think it is an eyesore, though i would call it simply nondescript. i go there all the time and i can't seem to picture the front very well (only the part i walk under). i get the impression that many people want it to have a wow factor, but i personally don't mind the current building.</p>
<p>alright cool. thanks everyone. i guess when i visit, i can check it out, and if i dont like it, i'll just join a private gym in houston.</p>
<p>DD kind of likes the old-fashionedness of it. It does have equipment for weight-training, etc. etc. The new rec center will have wow, but this one has all the stuff you need to stay in shape.</p>
<p>the renovations arent for the students actually, its more aimed towards the athletes. They are actually taking out one of the courts for stadium seating. Most of the improvements will be for the athletes locker rooms and facilities, not those of the student. And autry is pretty much old, it got AC in 1991</p>
<p>as far as i know, the whole front of the building will be re-designed, which affects everyone including the students who don't like tho appearance.</p>
<p>The first renovations to Autry Court will only affect the athletes and the students who attend basketball games.</p>
<p>After those renovations are finished, a new rec center will be built for the students.</p>
<p>To discuss fitness in general, it is worth noting that there is a very active intramural sports program and a great 3-mile running track around campus.</p>
<p>I think the weight room leaves much to be desired but you could say that everything is there. It is just a matter of availability that becomes the problem. In general, I think Rice students are very healthy looking and fit. There are a lot of things that the campus has away from Autry (which is only far for people in the North colleges, so you don't really have much to complain about in distance- unless you are in one of the north colleges). Like there are four sand volleyball courts (two north, two south) the outerloop which you can always find people using, and tennis courts up at the north college as well (and a bunch next to autry). There is also a bike track next to the stadium (I think regular people are allowed to use it. It is the track that is used for Beerbike, but I don't think it is exclusively for that). And of course there is a track course or bleachers to run.</p>
<p>In addition to all the things torrestowers mentioned, a number of colleges (I'm not sure how many) have their own weight rooms, so staying fit should not be hard for those who have the willpower.</p>
<p>good to hear!</p>
<p>There are several gyms and yoga studios near campus. Also, MANY students run or walk around the outer loop (3 miles- packed dirt) which is wonderful and mostly shaded. D says the gym isn't great, but it has what she needs.</p>