UCLA REC

- John R. Wooden Recreation and Sports Center, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Introduction / Overview: UCLA REC – Your Comprehensive Los Angeles Fitness Hub

For fitness enthusiasts, students, and community members in the Los Angeles area of California, the John R. Wooden Recreation and Sports Center—better known as UCLA REC—stands as a monumental and comprehensive facility dedicated to health, wellness, and recreation. Named after the legendary basketball coach, the Wooden Center is far more than a traditional "gym"; it is a sprawling, 95,000 square foot hub that serves as the main center for intramural and recreational activities at UCLA. It’s a dynamic environment where you can pursue everything from intense functional training to relaxing aquatic activities, all under one roof. The facility is designed to support the varied leisure and wellness needs of the University community and, through various membership options, extends its high-quality resources to local affiliates and community members in the greater Los Angeles area.

The mission of UCLA Recreation is to provide extensive access to a broad range of recreational activities, encompassing competitive, passive, social, cultural, and instructional aspects. Visitors will find a vibrant atmosphere, well-maintained spaces, and a massive variety of equipment that minimizes wait times—a significant benefit in busy Southern California. Whether you're looking to hit the weights, join a club sport, or try a new fitness class, UCLA REC provides the infrastructure for your well-being journey.

Location and Accessibility in Westwood, CA

UCLA REC is centrally located in a prime part of Los Angeles, situated on the UCLA campus. The full address is: John R. Wooden Recreation and Sports Center, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. This position in Westwood makes it a highly accessible location for students, faculty, staff, and local residents in West LA.

The facility is easily reachable via major surface streets and local bus routes. For those driving, the John Wooden Center is conveniently accessible from Campus Parking Lots 4 and 7, offering structured parking options, although standard campus parking fees may apply.

A significant highlight of the UCLA REC is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that it meets the needs of all community members. The center provides:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (in adjacent structures)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

This commitment extends into programs, with Adaptive Recreation programs offered to provide therapeutically-based recreation for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, making it a truly inclusive place to work out in California.

Services Offered at the John Wooden Center

The sheer volume and variety of services available at UCLA REC are a major draw, solidifying its position as a leading recreation center in the region. The offerings go far beyond basic weight training and cardio.

• Extensive Fitness Zones: Including a massive Cardio Zone with treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and rowers; a Free Weight Zone with Olympic benches and presses; and a dedicated Functional Training Zone with squat racks, platforms, and cable machines.
• GroupX Fitness Classes: A wide range of instructor-led classes available via a GroupX Pass, including Yoga, Mat Pilates, Spin, Zumba, and various total body challenges, offering over 50 classes per week.
• Open Recreation Sports: Scheduled open hours for various sports including Basketball (Collins Court), Volleyball, Table Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, and Badminton.
• Specialized Facilities: Includes a Gymnastics Gymnasium, an indoor Rock Wall for climbing enthusiasts of all levels, dedicated dance and spin studios, and a Multipurpose Gymnasium for strength classes and body weight exercises.
• Aquatics Facilities: Access to multiple pools across UCLA Recreation facilities, including the swimming pool available at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, which features a 50-meter pool and a 25-yard family pool.
• Intramural and Club Sports: Organization of competitive sports leagues for various activities, allowing members to engage in friendly competition and community building.
• Personal Fitness Trainers: One-on-one and small group training services, including programs like "Ask the Trainer," to help users maximize their workouts and understand the equipment.

Features / Highlights That Elevate the Experience

UCLA REC is distinguished by several key features that enhance the user experience, moving it past a standard gym to a premium recreational facility:

• State-of-the-Art Equipment and Scale: With a wide variety of equipment and enough machines to ensure minimal waiting times, the gym can accommodate large numbers of users without feeling overcrowded, which is a major advantage during peak LA hours.
• Extensive Operating Hours: The facility offers excellent hours for busy schedules, typically opening early and closing late on weekdays, allowing flexibility for students and working professionals. Note: Showers and some areas typically close 45 minutes prior to the facility’s full shut-down time.
• Locker Room Amenities: High-quality locker rooms with showers, restrooms, and saunas, providing a full-service experience that supports post-workout recovery. Lockers are available for day use (requiring a small deposit) or for quarterly rental.
• Holistic Wellness Focus: The FitWell program and various instructional classes (including martial arts, dance, and art) demonstrate a commitment to wellness that extends beyond traditional exercise, appealing to a broad segment of the California populace interested in complete well-being.
• Community and Social Hub: The center is a known social nexus, fostering community through competitive sports (IM Sports), open recreation, and a lively atmosphere, often complemented by peppy background music that energizes the space.

Contact Information

For membership inquiries, facility hours, or program registration, the John Wooden Recreation and Sports Center can be reached using the following information:

Address: John R. Wooden Recreation and Sports Center, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

Phone: (310) 825-3701 (Also reachable via the mobile number +1 310-825-3701)

What is Worth Choosing UCLA REC

Choosing UCLA REC means opting for a premier, all-inclusive recreational experience unmatched by most commercial gyms in the Los Angeles area. For California residents, the value proposition is tremendous: access to world-class facilities, an unparalleled variety of sports and fitness offerings, and a community-centric, professional environment.

The center is a perfect fit for individuals who want diversity in their fitness routine. Where else can you find rock climbing, racquetball, volleyball, a full fitness center, and a swimming pool all within a single membership structure? The equipment is modern and abundant, ensuring you can focus on your workout instead of waiting for a machine. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility, including features for those needing a wheelchair accessible entrance or parking, makes it a welcoming choice for everyone in the diverse LA community. While some items at the on-site store may be over-priced (as is common with convenience shops), the overall quality of the facility, the professionalism of the staff, and the sheer volume of amenities and services provided solidify the UCLA REC as a top-tier choice for your health and fitness needs in Southern California. The wide array of options ensures you can always "do loads of stuff here," keeping your fitness journey engaging and effective.

UCLA REC

John R. Wooden Recreation and Sports Center, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA