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UTHealth Houston Recreation Center

The original 26,000-square-foot space plus outdoor areas is located on the South Campus at 1832 West Road.  This full-service facility aims to improve work-life balance by offering facilities, equipment and programs designed for fitness, fun and friendly competition. Highlighted by a heated outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, the Recreation Center also features a full range of cardiovascular equipment, free weights and resistance equipment, courts for racquetball, basketball, tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball, table tennis and multi-purpose athletic fields surrounded by an outdoor jogging trail with fitness stations. Programs consist of personal training, motivational and incentive programs, group fitness classes, team and individual recreational sports, seasonal swim lessons and certification courses by the American Heart Association. Convenient location adjacent to University Housing with easy access to the UTHealth Shuttle and a free parking lot while using the Recreation Center.  Important Note: The parking lot is monitored and vehicles left will be ticketed and towed.

Membership is open most to students, residents, faculty, staff and family of the Texas Medical Center and UT System and Sponsored Guests.  Proof of eligibility required.  For UTHealth students currently enrolled in class, membership is included in the Student-Service Fees.  Exceptions: MMSI to II and other schools not enrolled in summer classes will need to purchase a membership for summer access.  For all other students, residents, faculty and staff, TMC or UT System Institution ID required at every purchase and renewal.  For alumni, a photo or copy of diploma required at initial purchase only.  Rates vary based on affiliation and exceptions may apply.  For a list of eligible Texas Medical Center Institutions, click here and for a list of eligible UT System Institutions, click hereEligibility subject to change

McGovern Medical School Fitness Center

The new 1,800-square-foot space is located on the penthouse floor of the McGovern Medical School at 6431 Fannin Street.  This unstaffed satellite facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and includes two single-user all-gender restrooms with showers, daily lockers with programmable locks to use while working out and a concise range of cardio and resistance machines to ensure a full body workout.  The variety of equipment totaling 24 pieces includes 16 cardio machines: treadmills with next-generation monitors featuring workouts, streaming and charging technology, steppers, ellipticals, rowers, recumbent bikes and the ever-popular Pelotons. The 8 remaining resistance machines focus on strength with a leg press, leg extension, seated leg curl and chest press plus a multi-functional weight modular system and a multi-stretch station to top it off.

Membership is open to students, residents, faculty and staff of UTHealth only, no spouses, partners, children or sponsored guests and includes dual membership to the McGovern Medical School Fitness Center and the Recreation Center.  Both facilities are included at no additional charge for all UTHealth students paying student-service fees.  Exceptions: MMSI to II and other schools not enrolled in summer classes will need to purchase a membership for summer access.  For faculty, staff and residents, dual access membership must be paid by EFT only.


  • I'm a new UTHealth student. How can I use the Recreation Center?

    The Recreation Center and the MMS Fitness Center are included at no additional charge for all UTHealth students paying student-service fees.  Exception: MMSI to II and other schools not enrolled in summer classes will need to purchase a membership for summer access.

    How to Register for Access to the Recreation Center:

    • If you're a new UTHealth student beginning classes in fall, your student-service fees will cover your Recreation Center membership beginning August 1st.  If you'd like to use the Recreation Center before August 1st, you'll need to purchase a membership for June and/or July.
    • Bring your UT ID to the Recreation Center's Front Desk.  Staff will take a photo and update your barcode in our system.  If you don't have your UT ID yet, you'll need your acceptance letter or other official letter showing you're attending classes at UTHealth Houston beginning in the fall.
    • Access to the Recreation Center is immediate after initial set-up.


    Note: The MMS Fitness Center requires a separate (online) registration.

  • I'm a UTHealth student. How do I get access to the McGovern Medical School Fitness Center?

    Everyone, students included, need to register in advance for access.  

    Like the Recreation Center, the MMS Fitness Center is included at no additional charge for all UTHealth students paying student-service fees.  Exception: MMSI to II and other schools not enrolled in summer classes will need to purchase a membership for summer access.

    How to Register for Access to the MMS Fitness Center:

    • To get badge access, complete this Registration Form.
    • Wait for confirmation email within 2-3 business days that your UT ID has been approved.


    Note: Students and any faculty, staff or resident already using the Recreation Center are still required to complete the Registration Form in advance for access to the MMS Fitness Center.

  • I'm a UTHealth faculty, staff or resident. How do I get access to the McGovern Medical School Fitness Center?

    For faculty, staff and residents of UTHealth, membership is available to purchase by EFT only for a $28 monthly autopayment and gives dual access to both the MMS Fitness Center and Recreation Center.

    How to Register for Dual Membership to the Recreation Center and MMS Fitness Center:

    Registration and payment must take place in-person at the Recreation Center at 1832 West Road.

    • There is free parking while using the Recreation Center, so it’ll be quick and easy!
    • The free UT Shuttle also goes from MSB to the REC weekdays from 6AM to 8PM.


    Stop by the Recreation Center Monday – Friday 5:30AM – 10PM, Saturday 8AM to 8PM or Sunday 10AM to 8PM:

    • Bring your UT ID and a voided check, direct deposit form or other official bank letter with account and routing numbers.
    • Complete the EFT Authorization Form (Please read thoroughly for all details and deadlines.  May also be completed in person.)
    • Pay $28 by Visa, Mastercard or Discover for the first month.
    • If you haven’t already, complete this MMS Fitness Center Registration Form.
    • Access to the Recreation Center is available immediately after payment.
    • For access to the MMS Fitness Center, please wait for email confirmation within 2 – 3 business days.


    Students and any faculty, staff or resident already using the Recreation Center are still required to complete the Registration Form in advance for access to the MMS Fitness Center.

  • Badge Access Troubleshooting for the McGovern Medical School Fitness Center

    If you've received confirmation that your UT ID is approved for access to the MMS Fitness Center and it is not working, please verify/try the following:

    • Verify that the badge is not in a sleeve with other cards (metro cards, credit cards, etc.)
    • If the badge reader does not beep when the badge is pressed against it, the badge may have been demagnetized. If the badge has been demagnetized, the badge will need to be brought to the ID Badging Office.
    • If the badge reader does beep when the badge is pressed against it, please send an email to [email protected] indicating that the badge reader is beeping, but access is not being given.  Be sure to include the name of the individual and a photo of the back of the UT ID with clear, legible numbers visible.  The Recreation Center will review and troubleshoot to ensure that badge activation was set up accurately and will forward the approved requests to UTP-H and cc the requester.
  • McGovern Medical School Fitness Center Rules
    • FOR USE BY REGISTERED/CURRENT MEMBERS ONLY THIS FACILITY IS NOT SUPERVISED
    • Facility is monitored by security cameras and UT ID badge access.
    • UTHealth Houston ID required in your possession when using facility.
    • Use equipment and shower/restroom areas at your own
    • You are solely responsible for your own safety and wellbeing
    • Use equipment properly & follow directions carefully
    • Read/utilize equipment operating resources provided before using
    • Use of exercise equipment involves  risk of  serious  injury, including permanent disabiIity or death
    • Consult a doctor before exercising
    • Proper athletic attire required (no scrubs)
    • Closed toe athletic footwear (tennis shoes) required while using facility (no barefoot/ socks, crocs, slides or flip flops, )
    • Please be courteous and respectful of others
    • During peak hours or while others are waiting, limit your time on cardio equipment to 30 minutes
    • Allow others to use machines between sets
    • Please use headphones - no speakers, speakerphone or phone conversations
    • Wipe off equipment after each use with wipes provided
    • No guest or children under age 18 allowed in the MMS Fitness Center
    • No food, eating or glass containers
    • For maintenance, equipment or housekeeping service requests, contact UTHealth FIX IT: 713-500-3498 or [email protected]
    • UTHealth is not  responsible for  property that is lost, stolen or damaged, while in, on  or about the premises
    • Any misuse or failure to abide by rules, subject to loss of membership and facility-use


    IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911
    and or use the blue Emergency Pull Stations. Then, call UT Police at 713-792-2890.

    LOCATION: McGovern Medical School Fitness Center 6431 Fannin Street-Penthouse Floor

Recreation Center

1832 West Road
Houston, TX 77054


Monday - Friday: 5:30AM to 10PM

Saturday: 8AM to 8PM
Sunday: 10AM to 8PM
Pool closes 30 minutes prior to facility.

For general inquiries, contact:
[email protected]
713-500-8420

McGovern Medical School
Fitness Center

Penthouse Floor
6431 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Requires prior approval for UT ID badge access.

For general inquiries, contact:
[email protected]