When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Dodge Physical Fitness Center
Why Dodge Physical Fitness Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dodge Physical Fitness Center stands as a central fitness and athletic facility located in the heart of Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus. Serving both varsity athletes and recreational users since 1974, Dodge is home to seven varsity sports including men's and women's basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, and fencing. The center boasts a wide array of amenities such as a physical fitness center, indoor running track, swimming pool, squash courts, locker rooms, and a dry sauna. Beyond its facilities, Dodge also houses the athletic department's administrative offices and serves the university's physical education and club sports management. With over one million visitors annually and daily user numbers ranging between 4,000 and 6,000, the center functions as a vibrant hub where students and athletes meet to work out, compete, and engage in community events. Its extensive resources and diverse activities make it an excellent meeting place for friends interested in sports, fitness classes, or simply sharing time in a dynamic, health-focused environment. The variety of optimal visiting times — from early mornings to late nights — allows flexibility for different schedules, making Dodge accessible and convenient for many users.
Here's what people think of Dodge Physical Fitness Center
As of recent, Dodge Physical Fitness Center holds a 3.1-star rating based on 295 reviews.
User reviews of Dodge Physical Fitness Center present a mixed picture with an overall rating of 3.1 based on 295 reviews. Many users appreciate the center's comprehensive facilities and its role as a central athletic hub for Columbia University students. Positive feedback highlights the variety of available equipment, the spaciousness of the center, and the accommodating hours that cater to early birds and night owls alike. Reviewers also commend the center for supporting varsity-level competition and managing to serve large daily crowds effectively during non-peak hours. Conversely, some negative reviews point to overcrowding during peak hours, occasional issues with cleanliness, and the lack of windows or natural light that can make the environment feel enclosed or less welcoming compared to other fitness centers. Some users mention that busy times, such as early mornings or midday PE class hours, can be less pleasant due to congestion and related odors. Despite these criticisms, many users find Dodge an essential facility for their fitness routines and appreciate the insider tips on the best times to visit to avoid crowds. Overall, while the center has room for improvement, particularly in terms of user experience during busy periods, it remains a significant and well-utilized fitness resource at Columbia University.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Muneer Khan
Dodge Physical Fitness Center is one of the best place for recreation in Columbia University campus. Unfortunately it's overcrowded. It's a well equipped gym, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton and Swimming pool. It's free for students and to access some of the services or gym trainer, it'll require basic registration fee. It's an underground fitness center that's spacious and clean. Dodge Fitness Center is only open to registered Columbia University, Barnard College and Teachers College students and faculty and staff.
hjy
Undoubtedly the worst gym I have ever been to. Old equipment, little air conditioning, the entire floor of the weight room shakes when someone deadlifts (this is heard even in the lower floor), and incredibly poor layout. Too few equipment for the people it’s supposed to serve. As if numbers being an issue isn’t enough, the equipment is in terrible condition. It’s one thing to be old, but it reflects a culture of mediocrity when it is clear nobody bothers to maintain the place. Floors are plain filthy. Weights aren’t racked. Equipment is rusty. Half the time something is broken. Many aren’t oiled so it squeaks loudly. And the water fountain is broken a quarter of the time. Staff is just lounging around, not doing anything. Not a welcoming atmosphere at all for those interested in exercise at all levels (beginner to expert).
Joshua Fagan
Considering all the money the school has, you'd think they could afford a better athletic center. I went here for a swim test and was terribly lost in the labyrinthine lower floors of the structure. Columbia deserves better.
ROMAN EREMEEVSKII
My wife works in the university and we wanted to go to the gym together, so she bought the membership for a year. Today I decided to try only one day’s membership and we went together there. But outside the gym they can’t allow me to pass inside, so I am too upset because we wanted to go there only together. My wife also doesn’t have motivation to go there without me. I tried to get the refund but it was unsuccessful, the support can’t help us. It’s not fair to not have information about it on their site. She bought the membership only because we wanted to go there together and it is possibility to buy membership for spouse but no information about the prohibition to go inside the gym for people like me. I lost money for the day membership and my wife for the whole year because she definitely won’t go there without me. Why don’t post information about it on the site? What should she do, go to another gym with me and pay for another annul membership again? I am really upset that support unable to refund my money that I lost today. I paid for the service that I didn’t get, it’s stealing my money!
Sadie Neumann
This is a great gym! Good equipment and it’s huge
How to reach Dodge Physical Fitness Center
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Why Dodge Physical Fitness Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dodge Physical Fitness Center with your friends?
If you're looking for a place to gather with friends or family and engage in fitness and recreational activities, the Dodge Physical Fitness Center offers a compelling venue that blends community, opportunity, and versatility. Located at the heart of Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus, Dodge Fitness Center is a spacious and well-equipped facility boasting a rich history and a variety of fitness options. Rallying here with friends means access to a vast array of exercise equipment and courts, a swimming pool, and an indoor track—all under one roof. The environment encourages both competition and camaraderie, making it ideal for groups both large and small who want to combine fitness with social interaction. Whether you and your group are seasoned athletes or novices looking to try something new together, Dodge offers a centralized, inviting space where everyone can find an activity that suits their interests and skill level. Moreover, the facility’s long hours, including late weeknights and weekends, allow for flexible meetups around diverse schedules. The center is designed not just as a workout spot but a community hub offering shared experiences that can strengthen bonds and build memories.
What activities are available at Dodge Physical Fitness Center?
Dodge Physical Fitness Center supports a broad range of activities, making it easy to find something engaging for every member of your group. The facility includes a 6,000-square foot weight room stocked with 2,000 pounds of free weights and 65 exercise stations that feature a range of cardio and strength-training machines. This extensive equipment inventory means group members can pursue individual fitness goals in parallel while exchanging encouragement and tips. The center also has two squash courts, perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced racket sports, as well as an indoor running track that provides a space for runners or walkers to train together regardless of weather conditions. Aquatic enthusiasts will appreciate the swimming pool, which offers scheduled swim hours ideal for lap swimming, aquatic exercise, or just casual fun. For competitive sports, the facility serves as the home to Columbia University’s varsity basketball, wrestling, swimming, fencing, and other athletic programs, ensuring the presence of top-tier sports amenities like a wrestling room and a fencing salle. Additionally, the center includes a dry sauna, lounges, multiple locker rooms, and even a rowing training center to accommodate diverse interests and recovery needs.
Why is Dodge perfect for group meetups?
Dodge Fitness Center is uniquely suited to hosting group meetups because of its size, diversity of offerings, and community atmosphere. First, the sheer expanse of the facility allows groups to split up and engage in different activities or come together for group workouts or classes. This flexibility is important for meetups where members have varying levels of fitness or preferences. Second, the facility integrates varsity and recreational use, which contributes to a lively, motivating environment filled with fellow fitness enthusiasts and athletes. This energy can be contagious in a group setting, boosting morale and making workouts feel more like social events than chores. Third, Dodge’s hours are generous—open early in the morning and late into the evening, including weekends—so scheduling a convenient time for everyone is realistic, even for busy college students or working professionals. The center also provides well-maintained locker rooms and amenities that help groups freshen up and extend their visits beyond mere exercise sessions, turning meetups into mini social outings. Finding a single spot in Manhattan that combines these qualities is rare, but Dodge manages to be both accessible and comprehensive.
Are there fitness classes and specialized programs to enhance group experiences?
Yes, Dodge Fitness Center offers a range of fitness classes, specialty courses, and personal training services designed to cater to group dynamics or individual training needs. The facility supports programs such as yoga, martial arts, ballroom dance, swimming lessons, and team sports, which offer excellent opportunities for friends and family to learn new skills together or bond through shared challenges. For example, intramural and club sports—including soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and water polo—invite group participation where teamwork and friendly competition can thrive. Personal training sessions are also available for groups who want expert guidance tailored to their collective fitness goals, helping ensure that meetups are productive and safe. Seasonally, special camps and wellness events like “Sweat Out The Stress” offer themed experiences that can refresh routines and encourage group motivation. Those opportunities further highlight why Dodge Physical Fitness Center is more than just a gym—it is a full-service wellness hub fostering social connection through physical activity.
How accessible and convenient is Dodge Fitness Center for hosting meetups?
Accessibility and convenience are critical factors when deciding on a meetup location, and Dodge Fitness Center excels in both. Situated centrally on the Columbia University campus, it is reachable by public transportation and close to a variety of eateries and urban amenities, making it easy for groups to combine fitness with other social plans like dining out or exploring the neighborhood. The center’s extended operating hours—including weekdays from 6am to midnight and weekend hours from 10am to midnight during the academic year—offer broad flexibility, accommodating early risers, night owls, and weekend warriors alike. The facility’s size ensures ample parking and plenty of space to avoid crowding, which is crucial for comfortable group dynamics. Additionally, robust locker room facilities with showers and overnight locker rentals make it easy for meetups that see multiple activities or longer hangouts. Friendly staff on-site can assist with reservations or answer questions to smooth your visit, reinforcing the welcoming, user-oriented atmosphere for groups. This convenient accessibility encourages making Dodge a regular destination for fitness-focused social events.
What should you know about the environment and overall experience at Dodge Fitness Center?
While Dodge Physical Fitness Center offers a wide array of benefits, it’s notable that its 3.1-star rating based on 295 reviews suggests a mixed user experience. Some visitors praise the extensive equipment selection, variety of activities, and vibrant atmosphere, while others point to occasional overcrowding, the complexity of finding current operational hours online, and the labyrinthine nature of Columbia University’s facility management. Despite these critiques, the center remains popular because it continues to meet the needs of a large daily user base that ranges from student athletes to fitness enthusiasts and community members. The facility’s architectural design promotes movement and openness, and the community culture encourages mutual respect and encouragement among patrons. Understanding that the hustle and bustle reflect the center’s high usage can help set realistic expectations. Groups visiting Dodge will find that the positives—namely the wealth of program options and social energy—often outweigh any operational inconveniences, especially when visit scheduling is done in advance.
What kind of group would benefit most from meeting at Dodge?
Dodge Physical Fitness Center is especially well-suited for active groups who value variety and community in their fitness routines. Whether it’s college friends looking to stay fit together, family members seeking multi-generational activities, or sports clubs and recreational teams wanting a centralized training location, Dodge offers the infrastructure to support these gatherings. Its affiliation with Columbia University means the environment maintains a high-performance ethos combined with recreational openness, ideal for groups who want motivation alongside leisure. Those groups interested in mixing individual workouts with team sports, swimming, or classes will find plenty to stimulate and challenge them. However, for those seeking a boutique or luxury gym experience, or those who need easily accessible, simplified scheduling services, Dodge may present some challenges due to its size and institutional management. Overall, it serves best as a gathering spot for groups excited by active engagement, shared goals, and a community-oriented setting.
This detailed overview illustrates why the Dodge Physical Fitness Center is a compelling choice for hosting your next meetup with friends or family. Its extensive facilities, diverse programming, and welcoming atmosphere provide more than just a workout space—they deliver a vibrant social fitness hub where relationships and health can grow side by side.