"The introduction of the Fitness Court® Studio to our campus underscores the University’s commitment to accessibility and collaborative partnerships,” stated Marcus Jackson, Executive Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (University of Illinois), as he gave welcoming remarks at the launch of a groundbreaking outdoor Fitness Court® Studio in April 2024. This new addition to the campus expands the campaign’s wellness reach for University of Illinois students and the surrounding community.

Brought to life through a statewide wellness campaign with National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, the ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased this innovative approach to fitness. Located on E. Gregory Drive, the Fitness Court® Studio will be accessible to approximately 55,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff and will be within walking and biking distance of approximately 48,211 local residents. The Fitness Court® Studio features a dual-zone workout area separated by a mural wall, blending art with exercise to motivate users either through group workouts on the Studio side or the seven-circuit bodyweight stations on the Fitness Court® side.

Alanna Harris, Associate Director of Assessment and Student Wellness at the University emphasized the importance of such initiatives in reducing barriers to fitness.

‍“We're always looking for ways to reduce barriers to access for physical activity. Now we have opportunities for outdoor resistance training and group classes,” said Harris. “This was a great way for us to make physical activity and exercise available to the campus community and a spot to bring us together,” she added. “It’s reducing barriers again, because it’s giving you ideas, it’s showing you how to do the movements, but also you can come and use it however you want.”

The launch also celebrated the powerful partnerships that brought this project to life. Behind theFitness Court® Studio are new solar-powered tables for sustainability and convenience, funded by an internal grant from the UI's Student Sustainability Committee. These tables not only offer a spot for relaxation but also enable users to charge their devices and access the free-to-download Fitness Court® App for guided & leveled workouts.

Harris highlighted the positive feedback from staff and students who eagerly anticipated the Fitness Court Studio’s opening. "I was so excited when the students were like, ‘This is so cool, I haven’t seen anything like this,'" she recounted, capturing the spirit of innovation and excitement that permeated the event.

Mallika Chowdhary, a recent alumni, said she regularly goes to the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) and likes the concept of having an outdoor fitness area.

“I saw that in Miami, people working out just beside the beach and it’s really nice during summers,” Chowdhary said. “The best part is doing all the exercises with bodyweight, so I feel it’s going be interesting with the Fitness Court App and everything.” Chowdhary also said that she intends to use the space, especially during periods of nice weather.  “I will definitely be out in the sun … I will surely come here,” she added.

The University of Illinois’ Campus Recreation department plans to incorporate group fitness classes into their campus recreation schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.

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