Fit for Fun: Inside NYU’s Student Recreation Centers

Few gyms have as storied a history as Palladium Athletic Facility, which sits beneath the residence hall of the same name. Once a famed nightclub and concert hall, the building now houses a mix of fitness and recreation spaces that draw students from all corners of campus.

Inside the two-story facility, students are greeted with a large lounge where they can gather pre- or post-workout. You’ll also find a strength center, a cardio room, and a 30-foot-high rock climbing wall. Additionally, there’s an eight-lane, 25-yard pool for recreational lap swimming and group fitness classes. There’s also a multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball, and intramural competitions.

“Palladium has everything you could need,” says Susie Prigozen. She’s a Politics major at the College of Arts and Science and a personal trainer with Campus Recreation. “You have a nice little cardio room, basketball courts, and a huge pool with open swim hours for anyone. It’s really cool. Plus, it’s also a dorm, so you can grab food upstairs or study after your workout.”

Located in the John A. Paulson Center, also home to a residence hall, NYU’s newest recreation facility offers modern design and top-tier amenities. The three-floor space includes a six-lane pool, a fitness room, a wrestling studio, and a two-lane jogging track. What’s more, it’s home to four all-purpose courts as well as squash courts. Here, students can enjoy open swim sessions, fitness studios, and group classes.

“In the city, it’s really hard to find access to facilities if you want to swim,” Susie adds. “Having a pool at Paulson is such a special facet of NYU gyms.” As NYU continues to evolve, Paulson will play a growing role in bringing together students for fitness, wellness, and recreation in the heart of campus.

A few blocks from Washington Square Park, 404 Fitness combines convenience and community. The smaller facility features two floors of training space. It includes a functional training zone, a strength training area, and cardio equipment. There are also multipurpose studios for classes and small-group sessions.

“404 Fitness plays a central role in student life because it’s more than just a gym—it’s a community hub,” says Ronald Morales, assistant athletic director for 404 Fitness. “It supports well-being, belonging, and balance. Additionally, it fosters connections, whether through small group workouts, meeting classmates between classes, or simply having a shared space to take care of both body and mind.”

Popular offerings include the early morning Pilates class, and the functional turf zone is one of the most-used spots. “I really love it for stretching,” agrees Susie. “It makes me feel like I’m training for something. It’s also where the NYU Barbell Club meets, for people who want to lift more or get into lifting in the first place.”

In addition to Palladium, Paulson, and 404 Fitness, NYU students can access smaller workout rooms—which Susie calls “gym-ettes”—in several residence halls. “Some dorms, like Gramercy, have a couple of treadmills in the basement,” she says. “A few Brooklyn dorms have them, too.”

NYU Campus Recreation also partners with facilities across the city and tri-state area, offering students opportunities to train and compete beyond campus. For example, there’s Chelsea Piers Sky Rink for figure skating and ice hockey, Bergen Equestrian Center for riding, Open Squash for squash, and local parks for club lacrosse and soccer.