More Than Just a Gym: How I Ended Up at the CNU Sports Center

By Dhivyaa S. P. ||

So lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with deadlines, research, and a few personal things that completely drained me. Both mentally and physically, I felt exhausted. At one point, I couldn’t even carry a carton of drinking water from the first floor to the second floor of my house. That was the moment I realized something had to change.

A few days later, while walking to the university, I happened to pass by the CNU Sports Center. My brain immediately went, “Maybe I should just go in and see what programs they have.” Five minutes later, I found myself standing at the administration office, registering for Equipment Pilates.

Safe to say, it was one of the best impulsive decisions I’ve made this year.

It’s been a little over a month now, and I’ve attended around twelve classes. The sessions are only 50 minutes long, but don’t let that fool you. They’re intense. Every class combines resistance-based exercises that work muscles you didn’t even know existed. By the end of some sessions, my entire body is literally trembling like a leaf in an autumn breeze.

The best part? Equipment Pilates classes are limited to just five participants. That means the instructor has enough time to observe everyone individually. If your posture isn’t quite right, she’ll correct it immediately. If an exercise feels too challenging, she’ll modify it to a beginner friendly version until you’re comfortable. It made the whole experience much less intimidating, especially during those first few classes.

The biggest surprise, though, wasn’t becoming stronger overnight. It was noticing the little things. Climbing stairs became easier. Carrying groceries no longer felt like a workout. I had more energy throughout the day, and even after spending hours in research, I didn’t feel as physically drained as before.

That experience also made me curious about what else the Sports Center had to offer.

As it turns out, the CNU Sports Center isn’t just for students. It’s open to students, faculty members, staff, and even the general public. Alongside its fitness center, it offers a variety of programs that cater to different interests and fitness levels.

Equipment Pilates was my choice, and for good reason. It uses specialized machines with adjustable resistance to improve core strength, posture, balance, and overall body control.

Mat Pilates focuses on body weight exercises performed on a mat. It’s a great option if you’re looking to strengthen your core while improving flexibility and stability.

Yoga combines stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness into one session. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of lectures, research, or staring at your laptop screen.

Ballet Stretching isn’t about becoming a ballerina. Instead, it focuses on improving flexibility, posture, and graceful movement while gently strengthening your muscles.

Circuit Training is ideal if you enjoy fast-paced workouts. Participants rotate through different exercise stations that target strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness, so every session feels a little different.

If you prefer racket sports, tennis lessons are available for different skill levels, whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or looking to improve your technique. It’s a fun way to stay active while learning something new.

The Sports Center also houses a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment for independent workouts.

Beyond the building itself, there are plenty of outdoor facilities to enjoy. Students can rent futsal courts, practice at the golf range, book the tennis courts, or use the indoor gymnasium for recreational sports. They’re perfect for gathering a few friends after class and getting some exercise without leaving campus.

One thing that genuinely surprised me was the affordability. Student gym membership costs 32,000 won for one month or 90,000 won for three months. Faculty and staff enjoy the same discounted rates, while general members pay 36,000 won for one month or 100,000 won for three months. Considering how expensive many commercial gyms are, having all these facilities right on campus at student-friendly prices feels like a pretty good deal.

Here’s another little bonus I wasn’t expecting. If you register for Circuit Training or Equipment Pilates, you can use the fitness center free of charge during your enrollment period. So, you’re essentially getting both the guided classes and gym access, which makes the package even better.

If you’re planning to sign up, it’s worth keeping an eye on the registration schedule. Fitness center memberships are available through rolling recruitment, so you can register anytime. For all the other programs, including Pilates, yoga, and circuit training, registration opens at 6:00 a.m. on the 20th of each month on a “first come, first served” basis and continues until the 10th of the following month. From my experience, some classes fill up pretty quickly, so it’s a good idea to register as early as possible.

Looking back, I only walked into the Sports Center because I felt physically exhausted and wanted to do something about it. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to become part of my weekly routine. But somewhere between shaky legs, corrected postures, and the satisfaction of slowly getting stronger, it did.

So, if you’ve walked past the CNU Sports Center countless times like I had, maybe this is your sign to step inside. You don’t have to become a fitness enthusiast overnight. Sometimes, all it takes is one class, one workout, or one small decision. You never know where it might lead.

Cover Photo: CNU Sports Center entrance. (Dhivyaa S. P.)