NIFS: The Premier Fitness & Wellness Hub in Indianapolis, Indiana

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, who are seeking a truly comprehensive and professional fitness experience, the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, or NIFS, is a prominent name in our community. Located on the IUPUI campus, this facility stands out as more than just a gym; it's a hub for health, wellness, and athletic performance. NIFS is a well-known institution with a long history of serving the local area, offering a vast array of services from personal training and specialized fitness programs to weight loss services and fitness assessments. It’s a place where you can find everything you need to start or advance your fitness journey, all under one roof. The sheer scale and variety of its offerings make it a unique option for Hoosiers who are serious about their health.

NIFS's philosophy is rooted in providing a scientific and results-driven approach to fitness. The gym is equipped with an extensive range of state-of-the-art equipment, including a full weight room and a separate indoor track. This variety ensures that whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or train for a specific event, you have access to the right tools. The facility is also a home for various specialized programs, such as the Women's Tri-Training Program and the Ramp Up to Weight Loss Program, showing a commitment to catering to diverse fitness needs. This breadth of services is designed to support members in achieving their goals through structured, expert-led guidance.

While the facility has a lot to offer, it is important for prospective members to be aware of the experiences of current and past users. Some recent reviews have highlighted concerns about the gym's management and the condition of some of its equipment. One customer expressed disappointment about what they perceived as a lack of communication from management and issues with the indoor track being used by non-members, which created a crowded and sometimes unsafe environment. Another review mentioned rude customer service. These are important points to consider for anyone looking for a well-run, upscale, and clean gym. The overall experience at NIFS seems to vary, and while it has a great deal of potential, it's essential for new members to visit the facility and make their own assessment of its current state and atmosphere.

Location and Accessibility

The National Institute for Fitness and Sport is centrally located at 250 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Its position on the IUPUI campus places it in a convenient and recognizable area of the city. The gym is situated in White River State Park and is within walking distance of downtown Indianapolis, making it an accessible option for students, professionals, and residents alike. The location is easily reachable by car and is close to public transportation options, offering a seamless commute for many people in the area.

The facility is designed with a strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring that it is a welcoming space for everyone in the community. NIFS features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, allowing for easy access for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, which provides a convenient and safe way to get to the gym. Once inside, members can make use of a wheelchair-accessible restroom, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to inclusivity. These features ensure that the gym is usable and comfortable for all members of the Indianapolis community.

Services Offered

Personal Training: NIFS offers professional personal training services, with prices starting at $60 per session. Certified trainers can help you create a customized workout plan and provide one-on-one guidance to help you reach your goals.
Personal Nutrition Coaching: For a holistic approach to wellness, NIFS provides personal nutrition coaching at a cost of $90 per session. These sessions help you develop a healthy and sustainable diet plan that complements your fitness routine.
Specialized Programs: The gym offers a variety of specialized programs, including the Women's Tri-Training Program ($160) and the Ramp Up to Weight Loss Program, designed for specific fitness goals and needs.
Fitness Assessments: Members can take advantage of various fitness assessments, such as the BOD POD® ($45) and Aerobic Capacity (VO2) Assessment ($100), to get a detailed understanding of their body composition and cardiovascular health.
Group Classes: For those who prefer a more social workout, small group training sessions are available for $14, and various other group classes, including aerobics, are offered.
Weight Lifting and Resistance Training: The gym is well-equipped for strength training, with facilities for weight lifting and resistance exercise, providing everything you need to build muscle and increase your strength.

Features / Highlights

Extensive Facility: NIFS is a large, comprehensive fitness center with a wide range of equipment, including a full weight room and a separate indoor running track.
Swimming Pool and Basketball Court: The gym features both a swimming pool and a basketball court, offering a variety of workout options beyond traditional strength and cardio.
Sauna: For post-workout relaxation and recovery, a sauna is available, providing a great way to unwind and soothe muscles.
Professional Services: The center offers specialized services like personal training, nutrition coaching, and various fitness assessments, all of which are designed to provide a tailored and expert-led fitness journey.
Accessibility: The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, from the parking lot to the entrance and restrooms, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity.
Variety of Payment Options: NIFS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions convenient and secure.

Contact Information

Address: 250 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

Phone: (317) 274-3432

What is worth choosing

For residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, the National Institute for Fitness and Sport offers a compelling array of services that make it a worthy choice for many. Its most significant advantage is its extensive and specialized offerings. Unlike a general gym, NIFS provides services like fitness assessments, nutrition coaching, and targeted programs like the Ramp Up to Weight Loss, which are designed to give you a more scientific and comprehensive approach to your health. The presence of a swimming pool and basketball court also means you have more options for your workout, allowing you to diversify your routine and stay engaged with your fitness journey. For those who love to run, the indoor track is a major plus, especially during the harsh Indiana winters.

The professional and expert staff, including degreed and certified trainers and a registered dietitian, are another reason to choose NIFS. The availability of personalized guidance, both in training and nutrition, can be a game-changer for someone who is serious about seeing results. The gym's commitment to accessibility, with its wheelchair-accessible facilities, is also a powerful reason to choose it, as it shows a dedication to serving all members of our community. This makes it a place where everyone can feel welcome and able to pursue their fitness goals.

However, it is crucial to consider the recent feedback from members. The issues with the indoor track being used by external teams and the reported customer service problems are significant drawbacks that should not be overlooked. While NIFS offers an impressive list of services, a prospective member should weigh these concerns against the benefits. It is highly recommended to visit the gym in person, speak with the staff, and observe the environment, especially the indoor track, before committing to a membership. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and determine if this once "well respected" gym is the right fit for your personal fitness needs in Indianapolis.

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Services

Fitness center
Aerobics $100.00
What’s your cardiovascular fitness? Do you know what heart rate, intensity, or duration of exercise is best for you? These answers are easier and more accurate to answer than ever before. At NIFS, you have access to the experts and technology that was once only practical for use with professional athletes and in research departments. With our advanced Korr CardioCoach metabolic system, you can reach your fitness, training, and weight loss goals not only safer and faster, but with less fatigue and wasted time. And to make it even better – the test takes less than one hour.
Aerobic Capacity (VO2) Assessment $100.00
What’s your cardiovascular fitness? Do you know what heart rate, intensity, or duration of exercise is best for you? These answers are easier and more accurate to answer than ever before. At NIFS, you have access to the experts and technology that was once only practical for use with professional athletes and in research departments. With our advanced Korr CardioCoach metabolic system, you can reach your fitness, training, and weight loss goals not only safer and faster, but with less fatigue and wasted time. And to make it even better – the test takes less than one hour.
BOD POD® $45.00
BOD POD Body Composition testing is the gold standard in fitness assessments. The BOD POD® is highly accurate, it can detect even small changes in body fat and lean body mass (i.e., muscle, bones and organs). Body composition is one of the best indicators of overall health. The feedback you receive from your BOD POD® test can be used to measure the success of your nutrition and/or exercise program, monitor for obesity, a risk factor for major diseases, like stroke and diabetes, help you lose or gain body fat safely, fine tune your athletic performance and more.
Fitness Trainer
Personal Nutrition Coaching $90.00
A comprehensive, individualized, one-on-one consultation with a Registered Dietitian where we discuss your goals and lifestyle and what is motivating you to make a change. A three-day food diary (submitted prior to meeting) analysis which summarize your intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate, as well as important vitamins and minerals and assistance with beginning meal planning.
Personal Training $60.00
Our certified trainers will combine optimal intensity workouts, that are movement based, with the motivation and encouragement you need to be successful.
Resistance Exercise
Resistance Training
Small Group Training $14.00
Your total support system! Personal Training in a team environment with skilled training and support you won’t find with any other workout.
Strength Training
Weight Lifting
Women's Tri-Training Program $160.00
Are you training for your first or fifth triathlon? Want to improve in one or all areas of your performance? Then our women's-only, triathlon training program is for you! 10-week training program for the Go Girl Triathlon at Eagle Creek Park.

Weight Loss Service
Ramp Up to Weight Loss Program
NIFS Ramp Up to Weight Loss This 16-week program combines the expertise of both a registered dietitian and personal trainer to help achieve your nutrition and exercise centered goals.

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Details

Service options
Onsite services
Online classes

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Sauna

Amenities
Basketball court
Restroom
Swimming pool
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool

Planning
Membership required

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Photos

No photos available at the moment.

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Location

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)

Indiana Marion County Indianapolis Downtown University Boulevard

250 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 104 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I used to be a member of NIFS for more than a decade. I really liked this gym because of their indoor track, but left due to non-member track teams taking over the track and literally running members down. I left for several years and decided to stop by member services to see if anything had changed. I specifically asked about track teams and was assured by member services that they no longer had “track kids” having team practices there anymore. She stated she was on the iupui track team and that she knew for a fact the middle school and high school track teams were no longer aloud to practice there. I reiterated that I did not want to join if they still practiced there and she again assured me that they were no longer there. Based on her feedback, we decided to sign up for a family membership. Although we opened a family membership, we were made to sign up separately and both had to paySeparate membership fees. We attended for our first visit and all went well. We did notice, however, how run down the gym was compared toWhen we were last members ; lockers broken, old rundown equipment, and it was so crowded it was hard to find space to workout and to even find available machines. On Our second and third visit to the gym, we found the track littered with middle and high school track teams taking over the track for their practices. I honestly felt lied to, but gave it a go. These kids continued to run into members, slamming their shoulders into others using the track and laying on the track to spread out and do their stretches. I cancelled my membership after only attending three times. I reached out to Lisa, a manager in membership services, left her a message and never heard back. I contacted member services to cancel and ask for my membership fee back and explained how I was lied to after specifically asking about the track kids and was told I could not have a refund after only going three times. Although I have reached out to management … I never heard back from a single person . If you are looking for a well run, upscale, clean, honest place to workout … this is not that place. This once, well respected gym has become a run down side kick for the local college campus students. If you don’t believe me, goLook for yourself. I’m confident you will not disagree with me.
April 23 · Dan
When I came to check in I was told by the older man, that I was unable to due to my membership type. When I tried to speak up for clarification, since I have not been to NiFs in a year with a membership, I was rudely cut off several times and given a card. As a former student at IUI, it was disappointing service.Apparently you’re not allowed to ask questions here, unless you’re a man.
May 27 · Toreona Walls
Lots of equipment, friendly workers and clean locker rooms. A bonus is the Pacers' old floor from Market Sqaure Arena.There is a free seven day trial, there are one day fees, memberships and discount for IUPUI students. Speak to the membership lady just before hitting the main/front desk for more info.
May 30 · pbandj37
Amazing equipment paired with a great track.. for the cheapest membership cost in Indianapolis.. love this place so far. As a track athlete, it’s a big disappointment no spikes are allowed on the surface but I understand they don’t want to resurface the whole thing ($$$). Also, I don’t know how this place was designated the “National” institute but I guess Obama has visited at some point..? Sauna and whirlpool as well. Parking pass included. On the river. Very cool.
July 20 · John Ethan Baldwin
I've been going to NIFS for a while, and while the facility has its advantages, it's extremely busy most of the time. If you can go during non-peak hours, it might work better for you, but even lunchtime can get crowded. It seems that a super flexible schedule is needed if you want to avoid the crowds, which might not be realistic for everyone. Additionally, I was surprised to find they don’t have some basic equipment like adductors or abductors, which feels like a gap in an otherwise well-equipped gym. For now, it’s the only gym that’s convenient for me location-wise, so I’ll keep coming, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation unless these issues don’t bother you.
November 13 · Shushanna Baumann