With the second half of the spring semester approaching many UNCW students are making living arrangements for the upcoming year. What factors will influence your decision? Does fitness play a significant role in your life? If so, you should read this list.

                On March 1^st restrictions on all Gold’s gym locations go into effect, eliminating access for non-members from 4pm to 7:30pm. The previously existing portion of the UNCW Student Recreation Center opened for use on February 7^th, with limited dumbbells and only select training equipment. Further renovations to the SRC are in progress with no exact date put out to students. Both Gold’s Gym and the SRC are making abundant efforts to aid the need of UNCW students exercise needs. However many gym rats find themselves using their apartment gym facilities in an effort to save time and gain easier access.

                Five of the most student populated apartment complexes in Wilmington include: Campus Walk II, The Quads, The Avalon Apartments, The Reserves at Forest Hill, and the Reserves at Mayfair. In addition to these five is a complex in the process of being built, Carolina Cove.  Four of these six have fitness centers on site at their locations. Campus Walk II and Carolina Cove are both in the process of rebuilding their locations. While small in size, these locations can be a stress free often (seldom used) environment to exercise.

 It a well-known fact that a reputable gym location beats most small apartment fitness centers. But for the sake of those students with a busy schedule trying to fit a little fitness in their lifestyle, let’s list the top five in order from least favorable to best.

The least favorable apartment location for fitness would be Campus Walk II, formally known as the Brookstone Apartments. Currently there is a new fitness center under construction. Modeling UNCW, Campus Walk II is giving free access Gold’s Gym to their tenants during this construction process.  The previous fitness center included two treadmills, a small dumbbell rack and 5 pieces of training equipment. It sounds fine, however the size of the center itself was its most problematic area. At most there could be three people in there comfortably. Four people and tenants were bound to bump into one another. In addition to that, it is the only apartment complex of the aforementioned that is not a 24 hour facility.

Fourth in line is the Quads Apartments. A 24 hour facility that includes 2 ellipticals, 2 treadmills, and 2 bikes is what is offered at the Quads. As far as strength training is concerned, there is something to be desired. But to a runner, this all fits well. Furthermore there are a series of strength training equipment, with ample space to use them. There is also a bench rack located within the facility. Space is this center’s most reputable pro. Lack of strength equipment is its largest con.

Although not fully constructed, the Carolina Cove Apartment has a promising new 24 hour fitness center. The plans include 2-3 ellipticals with TV’s inserted in them. There will be a bench with weights (something most apartment complex gyms cannot fit into their fitness area), 2 treadmills, and a series of dumbbells. A weight bench is Carolina Cove’s biggest pro.

The Reserves at Mayfaire and the Reserves at Forest Hill are separate apartment complexes both owned by Bell Apartment Living. Because they are each are owned by the same company, they have very similar fitness centers grouping them together. Both 24 hour complexes have been renovated within the last year quadrupling its previous size. Each has been equipped with new weights, cardio equipment, and exercise balls. A weight bench equipped with a safety harness for squatting and benching is included in both areas as well. Each piece of cardio equipment includes a TV. Each side of the wall includes a TV. Diversity of equipment are these fitness centers’ best pro.

Lastly, the most reputable apartment fitness center in Wilmington is located in the Avalon Apartments. Newly renovated, the size has doubled its previous size. It is one of the only apartments that include a punching bag. Along with its cardio machines there are 16 pieces of training equipment available to tenants, with a typical set of dumbbells. This 24 hour fitness center has most everything any runner, bodybuilder, or simple gym rat could want all in the convenience of a short walk from your apartment.   

Each fitness center has its positive and negative qualities based on personal preference. But the next time you go looking for your future home remember to ask the staff, how is your fitness center?