Two students use equipment in the Charneski Rec Center weight room

Fitness services

  1. Student Life
  2. Student wellbeing
  3. Fitness & recreation
  4. Fitness services

Facility overview

36,000 sq ft of fitness areas: a 9,000 sq ft fitness center; three multipurpose courts, a three-lane indoor track, Olympic style weight room, upstairs weight and cardio area, studio/classroom space, and aerobics/dance studio.

Campus Rec Statement

By familiarizing yourself with the Charneski Recreation Center, its facilities, rules and offerings, you’ll be well on your way to developing a consistent, fun and rewarding wellness routine that focuses on your whole development. Want help crafting a weekly workout schedule or finding which group classes fit your goals? Just let staff know!

Hours of operation:

Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Access is free for current students, faculty, staff, and abbey members—just scan your SMU ID!

Know before you go

  • Bring your SMU ID every visit—no ID, no entry
  • Scan your SMU ID at the door and at the front desk
  • Create your fitness plan: alternate cardio, weights, group fitness; include rest days
  • Track sessions: use a fitness app or journal to log workouts and progress
  • Connect with peers: join intramurals or classes—great way to meet friends and build motivation
  • Cardio & Strength Zones: treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, squat racks, benches, lifting platform machines. Staff can assist newcomers
  • Checkout sports equipment with ID at front desk
  • Virtual Les Mills fitness classes in the studio
  • Barbell Club
  • Yoga Club
  • Intramural Wednesday 8 p.m. Follow smu_saints_campusrec on Instagram for more
  • Late Night Jam select Friday’s throughout the year the Rec will be open until 1am. Check Instagram for more
  • Aim for off-peak hours (mid-morning or early evening) for quieter workouts.
  • Ask staff for a quick orientation to equipment if you're new—you’re not alone!
  • Check your email and our Instagram for programming updates
  • Have Fun!
  • Evacuation plan: In case of alarms, follow exit signs, meet at the outdoor basketball court or designated area; staff will assist
  • If you feel unsafe or have injured yourself please report it to staff and we will get you the resources needed

Reservations

Email Taylor Boster at tboster@stmartin.edu if you wish to reserve space for your club or event. Please note that reservation requests should be made at least one week before the event.

Athletics will typically have practices scheduled in the afternoon until 9 p.m. at times but there will always be an effort made to at least have one court open for all patrons.

Charneski Recreation Center reservation policies:

  • Reservations are limited to one hour maximum in half hour blocks.
  • Reservations must be made a minimum of two hours in advance.
  • Must be a current Saint Martin's student, faculty, staff or abbey.
  • If more than ten minutes late for scheduled time your reservation is automatically cancelled.
  • Reservations are limited to two hours maximum in half hour blocks.
  • Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance.
  • Scheduled SMU classes have priority in the classroom and the aerobic room.
  • Reservations are limited to two hours maximum in half hour blocks.
  • Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance.

Policies

The following policies and guidelines are developed and shared with members to ensure we create a community that shows respect for one another, ensures our safety, and takes pride in our facility. Failure to comply with policies and guidelines may result in loss of Charneski Recreation Center privileges.

  • To be a current member for the Charneski Recreation Center you must be one of the following: a current student (registered for at least six credits), a current faculty member, a current staff member, or part of the monastic community.
  • To access the facility you must have your current SMU ID card. No members will be allowed to access the Charneski Recreation Center without their current SMU ID card.
  • Alumni may purchase a yearly card for $150. Call 360-438-4305 for more info. 
  • Proper workout attire required: closed‑toed, non-marking athletic shoes and workout gear
  • Indoor non-marking closed-toed athletic shoes should be worn in all indoor activity areas.
  • Secure belongings: Individuals are responsible for properly securing their own belongings. We have some lockers. Do not leave valuables out. Charneski Recreation Center is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
  • Food/drinks: allowed only in designated lounge areas. Closed-cap bottles OK; NO GUM.
  • Please re-stack all weights and put equipment away when done.
  • Please wipe down equipment when done.
  • Please be respectful of everyone in the Rec.

For a complete list of Charneski Recreation Center policies click here.

FAQ's

To be eligible to access the rec center one must be a current student (at least six credits), staff or faculty member, or in the monastic community. Must have current SMU ID card.

All current SMU ID card holders may attend the wellness classes for free, all classes are first come first serve. Schedules are listed under the wellness class tab.

No guests are permitted at this time.  All patrons must have current SMU ID.

Yes, all SMU alumni have the opportunity to purchase a year pass through the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion for a one-time fee of $150 for the year. Before accessing facility, you must take the proof of purchase to the SMU security office (Old Main 251) to receive their SMU alumni ID card.

Yes, the studio, classroom and courts number two and number three are available for reservation with 48-72 hours in advance notice. You can email Taylor Boster to make all next day reservations at tboster@stmartin.edu.

Yes, all Charneski Recreation Center staff are trained on how to use the equipment and are happy to help! 

The Charneski Recreation Center is free to all current faculty, staff, student and monastic community members.

Contact

Charneski Recreation Center

This 36,000-square foot facility provides students, staff and faculty access to cardio, strength, and functional equipment. Members also enjoy a wide variety of physical education classes, student activities, intramurals, and free fitness classes. Includes three multi-purpose courts, a three-lane running track, batting cages, and a 9,000-square foot fitness center equipped with weights, cardio equipment, a multi-purpose classroom and an aerobics-dance studio.