The Need for Upgrades at Baylor’s McLane Student Life Center

By Jeffrey Cohen | Sports Writer

With a growing fitness culture at Baylor and across the country, the McLane Student Life Center (SLC) is faced with the critical task of upgrading its equipment, amenities, and overall environment. In a time where physical fitness and well-being are gaining increasing prominence, the SLC stands as a beacon for student activity and engagement, yet it is in dire need of improvements to meet the rising demands.

Crowded Conditions: A Common Experience

Picture this: after a long day of classes, you enter the SLC only to find it buzzing with activity. Every weight machine is occupied, and your favorite treadmill has a long waitlist. Frustration mounts as you discover that one of the machines you rely on is out of service. This scenario is all too familiar for many Baylor students, highlighting a pressing need for enhancements in both capacity and equipment reliability.

Fitness on the Rise

Nationally, gym attendance is surging, especially among college students. The 2024 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report shows that gym memberships have reached an unprecedented 72.9 million Americans, marking a 5.8% jump from the previous year—the largest increase since 2017. Baylor students are part of this trend, emphasizing the need for access to high-quality fitness facilities.

The increasing influx of students has translated to higher fitness center visits, jumping from about 158,000 in the 2023-24 academic year to around 173,000 in 2024-25. Despite this rising demand, the SLC has not seen substantial upgrades, leaving many students frustrated with outdated equipment and cramped conditions.

Importance of Modern Amenities

The quality of gym equipment and amenities plays a vital role in creating a conducive environment for workouts. As fitness culture continues to infiltrate social media and daily life, the SLC must reflect its importance to the Baylor community. It should not merely be a place to exercise but a hub for holistic wellness and social interaction among students.

Notable Campus Improvements

Baylor has shown a commitment to modernization with various recent renovations, including the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and the updated Ruth Collins Hall. Additionally, major improvements to residential spaces like Alexander and Memorial Halls signify a broader trend of focusing on student facilities. However, the SLC has lagged behind, particularly regarding its main fitness center.

The last significant upgrade to the SLC occurred in 2024, involving an $850,000 renovation of the back porch area, adding basketball, pickleball, and sand volleyball courts. While these improvements are welcomed, the fitness center continues to receive only sporadic updates to its equipment. Currently, there are no specified plans for future renovations, even as the Division of Student Life’s Strategic Plan puts a spotlight on enhancing health and wellness.

Investing in the Future

Given that the SLC is one of the most frequented buildings on campus—housing facilities such as the counseling center, numerous playing surfaces, a comprehensive weight room, and a pool—there is a compelling case for prioritizing renovations here. As an essential hub for students, staff, and faculty, investment in the SLC should align with Baylor’s commitment to supporting student life.

Equipment and Policy Challenges

Despite the growing demand, the SLC’s fitness center has not kept pace with modern expectations. Outdated machines frequently sit idle due to maintenance issues, and certain policies, like the attire regulations, lag behind contemporary standards seen in other institutions. This contrasts sharply with other campus buildings that are receiving substantial makeovers annually, underlining the disparity in priorities.

The Campus Evolution

As Baylor’s student culture continues to evolve, it is imperative that the SLC mirrors these changes. A lack of investment in updates and enhancements to the fitness center does not adequately support the needs and aspirations of the student body as it strives for health and well-being.

By focusing on the improvements necessary within the SLC, Baylor can ensure it remains a relevant and supportive space that meets the demands and expectations of its vibrant student community.