Everything You Need to Know About USC’s Gyms

By: Aedan Henry ‘24 (Guest Blogger) and Raeden Tapia-Stevens ‘24 (Guest Blogger)

One of the best perks of college life is the easy access to on-campus gyms. USC has two fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centers that are completely free for all students. But they can be intimidating for students new to working out. Here’s everything you need to know to get started at USC’s gyms:

Lyon Center Overview

The Lyon Recreation Center is the original campus fitness center and serves as the hub for USC Recreational Sports. You can find it in the northwest area of campus between Uytengsu Aquatics Center and Webb Tower. It’s open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. (It also briefly closes 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. for cleaning on weekdays.)

Lyon Center’s fitness area is part of a larger sports facility containing an aquatics center, gymnasium, racquetball court, dance studio, and more. The fitness center portion offers a wide variety of cardio, strength, and cross training equipment. It also has a dedicated group fitness room, F45 studio, and cross training room. 

Village Fitness Center Overview

The Village Fitness Center is the newer and bigger campus gym, opening in 2017 alongside the USC Village. It’s located on the first floor of Cale and Irani Residential College, next to FedEx. The Village is open later than Lyon — from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 3 to 9:15 p.m. on weekends. (It also briefly closes 3 to 3:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. for cleaning on weekdays.) 

The Village features a large fitness room for cardio equipment and weight machines, along with a dedicated weight room for free weights and bench lifting. You can also take group classes in its cycling studio, Queenax studio, and yoga studio. And it has a gender-neutral restroom and shower area, if needed.

What to Bring

• Water bottle

  • There are water fountains available for refills

• Lock

  • Lockers are available for daily use, but the staff WILL confiscate your items if you don’t use a lock on the door

• Student ID

  • Can’t get in without it

• Headphones and phone for music

  • The gyms do play music but it’s nice to have control over what you’re listening to

• Towel

  • …if you sweat a lot

• Appropriate workout clothes and gym shoes

  • Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. They have locker rooms if you don’t have a chance to change beforehand.

A Note on Classes

Each gym offers a selection of group fitness classes, but they require that you buy the USC Workout pass for $140 per semester. Only purchase it if you know you’re going to use it.

If you have the pass, you can sign up for classes on MyRecSports. Lyon Center currently offers F45 and Brazilian dance classes, while the Village offers cycling, yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, and more (although the exact schedule changes between semesters).

Pro Tips

•  Go before 4 p.m.

  • The gyms get very busy between 5 and 7 p.m. It’s best to come earlier in the day (or sometimes late at night) to get access to in-demand equipment like treadmills, stair climbers, and weight racks. You might have to work out very close to people when it’s packed (and it can get kind of smelly).

• Don’t hog the weights

  • There are always people waiting to use the heavy-lifting weight racks because there are only a few in each building. If you get one, make sure you have a workout planned in advance so you aren’t holding them up for people who are waiting. Don’t waste time!

• Don’t stare

  • It’s important to respect everyone's varying shapes, sizes, and experience levels. You’ll see a mix of “pros” and “newbies.” Looking at others while they workout is uncomfortable for them and potentially discouraging for you. It’s best to just focus on yourself and not compare yourself to others.

• Go in with a plan

  • Go to the gym with a workout plan that you’ll stick to so you aren’t wandering around confused or staring at others for guidance. Do your research.

• Find a gym buddy

  • Especially for your first time, going to the gym with a friend eases some of the pressure and makes it more fun!

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