School is upon us and that means the possible onset of the “freshman 15,” or the continuation thereof for returning upperclassmen. For college students with limited budgets and full schedules, finding a time and place to exercise is the most difficult part of warding off those extra pounds and unwanted stress. Our Lincoln Center campus is surrounded by a number of fitness facilities. Facilities range from the costless, albeit small, McMahon Hall fitness center to the luxurious, yet pricey, Equinox Sports Club.

Reviews of the McMahon Hall gym span from ideal to adequate to disgraceful; however, opinions have changed since additions were made to the facility last April. In the past, the fitness center was filled with outdated and often broken cardio equipment, including treadmills and exercise bikes. Renovations not only updated the existing equipment, but also added more free weights, rowing machines and elliptical machines making the gym more versatile for the average gym goer.

One of the biggest complaints coming from the student body was that the gym didn’t have the proper equipment for building muscle. That is no longer a concern as nautilus equipment and dumbbells were added to the fitness facility to accommodate the growing needs of students. Additionally, updated stationary bikes, new treadmills and other cardio equipment were incorporated in the renovation. While there is still room for improvement, the McMahon Hall gym will suffice for those looking to get a good, basic workout in without straying from campus.

Another option for Lincoln Center students is the YMCA on 63rd Street. The facility boasts nearly every amenity a gym goer could ask for, including multiple weight lifting areas, several  cardio rooms, two swimming pools, an indoor track and basketball court, a spin room, a yoga studio and racquetball courts. In addition to the vast amount of equipment, the Y also has classes for members to workout in group sessions with professional trainers. The biggest perk? The gym offers discounted memberships for Fordham students.

For $75 per semester, students will have access to all of the facility’s amenities, including the daily fitness classes. Students looking to incorporate many different aspects of fitness into their routine should consider the YMCA.

For students who make fitness one of their highest priorities and are able to endure the exorbitant cost of a membership, Equinox is the most upscale facility imaginable. It is also the most expensive, costing nearly $200 per month. There are multiple locations surrounding our Lincoln Center campus and all of them are stocked with strength and conditioning equipment, spas, pools and cycling studios.

Equinox focuses on the entirety of one’s health, as they have classes not only for slimming down or bulking up, but also to provide diet tips and post workout relaxation. The Equinox Sports Club on 67th and Columbus is also equipped with a rock climbing facility, rooftop track, basketball courts and a state-of-the-art boxing studio. If cost isn’t a factor, the Equinox facilities are filled with the widest selection of amenities available for students.

The hidden gem of the Upper West Side is the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center on 60th Street. Only a block away from our campus, the facility is cheap compared to other options, at only $25 annually for a membership. Even though it is not a large building, the center manages to encompass fitness equipment, a basketball court, a swimming pool and a small dance studio in its facility. Though it lacks free weights, its other amenities more than compensate for it. The center holds multiple classes for members, including yoga, cross training, and even dancercize if you are not looking to pack on muscle and just want a diverse, relatively cheap workout, then the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center may be your best option.

The ideal gym should fit within your budget and satisfy all of your fitness wants. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the school year.