About the Fit Zone

Established during the Fall 2017 academic year, the Fit Zone was created to better serve the wellness needs of Northern Michigan University students who may be living on campus. This NMU-student-only recreation area allows those commuting to campus and living down campus the ability to "workout" between classes or attend a group fitness class when there is not extra time to get over to the much larger PEIF Recreation Center.

The Wildcat Fit Zone is located on campus between the Hunt/Van Antwerp and Magers/Meyland residence halls. Occupying the roughly 10,500 square feet of facility space are 15 cardio pieces (Treadmills, Bikes, Stair Climber and Ellipticals), hand weights ranging from five pounds to 50, plyometric equipment, a cable cross as well as a fitness studio (which is available for rent as well as group fitness classes).

Students are able to access and utilize the Wildcat Fit Zone as well as the PEIF Recreation Center through the purchase of their student rec pass.

Call the Fit Zone

Hours

Winter 2025

Monday7am-12pm & 4pm-11pm
Tuesday7am-2pm & 4pm-11pm
Wednesday7am-12pm & 4pm-11pm 
Thursday7am-2pm & 4pm-11pm
Friday7am-7pm
Saturday9am-12pm
Sunday12pm-3pm & 6pm-9pm

Winter break: The fit zone will close on Thursday, December 12 and re-open on Sunday, January 12, 2025

Spring break: The fit zone will close on Friday, February 28 and re-open on Sunday, March 9, 2025

Closure: Sunday, April 20, 2025

In the event NMU is closed due to inclement weather, the Wildcat Fit Zone will also be closed.

Wildcat Fit Zone

NMU Rec Sports seeks to create a campus community where the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle is encouraged and valued by providing a comprehensive program of sports, recreation, wellness activities, educational opportunities and services. 


Fitness Classes

Classes at the Fit Zone are for NMU students only.

For a complete listing of our classes please click here

*There is a limit of 25 participants per class in the fit zone, please arrive early to secure your spot.

To reserve your spot for the class, please click here 


 

Equipment Rentals

The NMU Recreational Sports department can help you explore the natural environment of Marquette and the Upper Peninsula with fat tire bikes and cat cleats from the Wildcat Fit Zone. The rental center is located in the Wildcat Fit Zone, between Magers/Meyland and Hunt/Van Antwerp hall. Fit Zone equipment rentals are for students only with a student ID!

  • Cat cleats must be returned within 3 days during Fit Zone open hours.
  • Fat Tire bikes need to be returned before the Fit Zone closes the same day they were checked out.
EquipmentCostTime Frame
Fat Tire BikesFree with student IDReturn same day of rental during Fit Zone hours
Cat CleatsFree with student ID1-3 day rental

NMU/NTN Trail Access

Details

The renter is responsible for equipment that is lost, stolen, or damaged and will be required to make financial restitution accordingly. The original renter must return equipment, unless prior arrangements with the rental center staff have been made. Late fees or cleaning fees may apply. 

  • Late fees will be $5/day for free student rentals. If not returned after three business days, a full replacement of the item may be required. 
  • Cleaning fees: Fees may range from $5-$25 depending on severity. 
  • Reservations will not be taken for free student rentals or any other rental equipment.

Policies

  • Use of recreation facilities, programs and services is a privilege. Valid university or membership identification is required of all students.  Fraudulent use of identification to gain access to recreation facilities or programs will result in loss of all facility, membership and program privileges.
  • Harassment of university students, faculty, staff, members, guests or employees, disruption of activities, misuse of equipment, endangerment of others or willful destruction of property will result in loss of privileges and disciplinary actions involving NMU Public Safety (See NMU Student Handbook, Student Code).
  • Participation in programs, classes, and informal recreation contains an element of inherent danger including serious injury or even death. Participation in all activities is on a voluntary basis at the individual's own risk. All participants are strongly encouraged to undergo a physical examination and consult with their personal physician before participating in recreational activities.
  • Policies specific to recreational areas within the Wildcat Fit Zone may be found online or at the Fit Zone desk.

As a Rec Sports Member, Patrons have the responsibility to:

  • Read, understand, and abide by all policies and regulations of the Fit Zone and Programing areas
  • Respond to and cooperate with Rec Sports staff members
  • Be considerate to other patrons and Rec Sports staff members and respect their individual rights
  • Take responsibility for personal and community security. For example, patrons should not misuse safety equipment, prop open doors, allow individuals without valid passes into the Fit Zone, etc.
  • Recognize that recreation facilities and their furnishings are used by everyone and that abuse of those areas violates the rights of others
  • All members using the Fit Zone, activity areas or programs, are required to present a valid NMU Student ID upon admittance.
  • Attire:
    • Shirts (t-shirts or full tank top completely covering the stomach/chest and back)
    • Athletic bottoms (without zippers or rivets)
    • Shoes must: be non-marking, fully enclose foot, and be clean/indoor shoes
    • Excessive clothing is not permitted (vinyl clothes, gloves, multiple layers)
  • Food, gum, and beverages are prohibited. Note: Water bottles with a lid are permitted in Fit Zone areas.
  • Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and tobacco products are not allowed in the Wildcat Fit Zone or other activity areas.
  • Profanity or vulgar language is not allowed. Any display of poor conduct, abusive language, fighting, or willful destruction of NMU property may result in loss of facility privileges.
  • Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Weapons are prohibited.
  • Cameras, web cams, and video cameras are not allowed to be used unless prior permission is granted from NMU Rec Sports Administration.
  • Personal Items should be secured in cubbies.  NMU Rec Sports is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
  • Participants utilize all facilities, activity areas, and programs “at your own risk”.
  • The Wildcat Fit Zone incorporates the entire student code of NMU into its rules. All county, state, and federal laws will apply as needed.
  • Individuals wishing to utilize the facility on their own must be a current NMU Student with a valid Rec Pass
  • Participants must have a fitness pass or hand stamp depending on the type of class or studio that the class is held in
  • Participants must return and clean equipment, weights, and mats after being used
  • Participants must wear appropriate attire and indoor athletic shoes
  • Participation is “at your own risk”
  • ​Student members may reserve the Fit Zone Studio for no more than one hour per day per individual or group. Reservations can be taken over the phone or in-person at the Fit Zone desk.
  • There is a limit of 20 participants per group fitness class or group reservation within the Fit Zone fitness studio.
  • Proper attire is required (shirt, fully enclosed shoe, shorts)
  • No Chalk
  • Do not drop or stand on: Dumbbells or Benches
  • Return all equipment when finished using
  • Equipment or machines should be cleaned after use
  • Equipment should be used in a safe manner, consistent with manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • The NMU Athletic & Rec Sports Departments hold the exclusive right to all personal training in the facility. Any trainers not employed by NMU Rec Sports are not permitted to train clients within the Fit Zone.
  • Patrons may not bring in personal weight or resistance training equipment or machine(s)
  • 30 minute time limit on all cardio machines
  • Weights and running backward is not allowed on the treadmills/incline trainers
  • Individuals wishing to take pictures or use a video recording devices in the Fit Zone must be approved in advance by Rec Sports full time staff.
  • The use of personal speakers is prohibited.