About
Lively fitness center offering a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, weight machines, classes, and showers.
The natatorium at the UTHealth Houston Recreation Center typically maintains its lap pool at approximately 79-81°F (26-27°C) suitable for vigorous swimming and training. A warmer leisure or therapy pool is also available, generally kept around 88-90°F (31-32°C) for relaxation, water walking, and therapeutic use.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? text: "People say this recreation center has a great selection of well-maintained weight and resistance training equipment, as well as cardio machines, tennis courts, a pickleball court, basketball courts, and a heated 50-meter pool. They also highlight the affordable membership options, flexible hours, and friendly staff." language_code: "en-US"
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Parking Lot
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
April 20th, 2025Lisa Matt
This is a fantastic gym. I am in Houston on a temporary basis and I love that they have affordable one month and three month membership options that do not automatically renew. And there's no annual fee! You must have certain affiliations to qualify for a membership. I am a current UT system student. UT system students / alumni and TMC staff are able to join. Spouses/partners of eligible members and their children ages 16-20 can join as well. Not open to the general public which probably helps it not get overly crowded. Limited fitness class availability. They do offer super affordable personal training packages. The heated pool is amazing. Weightlifting equipment is all new and well maintained. Anything that's out of order is fixed quickly. I just wish they had a regular calf press machine like most gyms have because their seated calf machine with plates feels like it's gonna bruise my thighs. Plenty of sanitizing wipes as well as paper towels and spray throughout the gym. These med students don't mess around with hygiene. I saw another review mention gang showers in the men's locker rooms. The women's showers are private individual showers, with a small private changing space in front of each shower. There's also a swimsuit drying spinner. There is no towel service, bring your own towel.
April 27th, 2024Varsha Vilankar
Great recreation center in the heart of downtown near UTMB. Ample of parking. Nice surrounding area. They have softball court. Restrooms available in park.
February 7th, 2018Caitlan McQuay
Older machines, nice staff, overall vibe is nice. I'm adding pictures because I get a lot of questions about what it's like inside. There's a weight lifting/machine area, a yoga room where they hold classes (but classes cost extra), a cardio machine area, a racquetball court that requires prior reservations you can do I believe at the front desk or online, and locker rooms with toilets, showers, and obviously lockers. Outside there's a tennis court I couldn't get a good picture of, a basketball court, and a pool. To my knowledge there is not a volleyball court. In the machine/weight lifting area there are also ping pong tables. If it's your first time (only current students and staff can go), walk in and you'll immediately see a desk. Talk to them and they'll sign you up. Always bring your student ID or you can't get in. After initially signing up you can go anytime you want (during their hours which I find to be reasonable)- just scan your ID to get in. If you want to do classes, talk to the front desk people. I also believe there's a personal trainer available if you so desire.
March 8th, 2025Jonathan Hansen
It’s probably the best deal in town as far as gyms go if you belong to a category of people with access to it (you have to be connected to a Texas Medical Center institution or a University of Texas System alumnus.) Good selection of weights and resistance training; lots of treadmills and stair climbers and ellipticals if you’re into that; tennis courts; pickleball court; basketball courts; and my favorite amenity - a 50-meter pool that’s heated for year-round use. The locker rooms are a little dated (gang showers) but you can’t really complain for $30-38/mo (depending on how many months you buy at a time.) Also, no contracts.
June 5th, 2018Michael Hansen
Great and affordable gym that I have been going to for several years. I tried switching to a mainstream chain but had so many problems with the people and culture at other gyms. This gym has a diverse crowd and excellent equipment that are reliably in working order. Great staff, location and price.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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