Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre

This gym has most of the equipment you need to complete a thorough workout. If you're a University student the cost is usually covered and its typically inexpensive otherwise. The problem is the gym itself is kind of unorganized and can be very crowded during peak times. Also, the locker rooms have been under construction forever.

Great gym with lots of new equipment. The staff are helpful and friendly. This is a university gym, and as such, the busy times are around lunch hour and after class (or work). I've had no more issues finding free equipment than at any other gym. If you're machine/rack is being used, try one of the other many pieces of equipment. Get creative and stop your complaining.

Excellent equipment and wide range of free weights. Lots of treadmills, rowing machines and stationary bikes for cardio. Most mats and rollers have been removed because of COVID but you can bring your own.

I am beyond appalled by the performance of the VVC. First, all students are charged a membership fee in their tuition despite the facility being barely open for almost two years at this point. When restrictions are eased, and gyms are allowed open, the VVC is unconcerned with reopening. This lack of intuitive the gym has towards paying members has been demonstrated through each and every reopen, sometimes delaying the process by months in comparison to other gyms. Another issue is the hours, as the VVC is only open during working hours, closing around 5 pm. Most students work during these times, making it impossible to utilize the facility. Further, there are one hour long time appointments which make it difficult to have an effective workout and they are always fully booked within hours. Honestly, the performance of the VVC is beyond terrible, but it is the U of A after all.*UPDATE*Despite my utter detest of this facility, since I am forced to pay for the membership against my will, I regretfully decided to utilize my access today. Upon arriving at the facility, I was greeted with yet another opportunity for the u of a to rob an unsuspecting paying student. Although I have been a student for three years and will unfortunately be returning in the fall, I was denied access and was told I would needed to pay a $10 drop in fee or buy a $22 dollar pass for the remainder of the month (two weeks). Honestly I wish I could say that I was surprised, but the unrelenting robbery and crooked behaviour are the unfortunate realities of the operation of the u of a. The university completely disregards their students and has absolutely no limit on how inconvenient to their service will be. The facility is disorganized and unprofessional, I feel like a group of monkeys could take charge and there would be a massive improvement. So if you my dear reader have the misfortune of encountering the VVC, good luck and you have my condolences.Pros:-Lots of equipmentCons:-Delayed reopens-Extremely limited hours-Minimal spots in appointments-Most of the equipment is blocked off-Constantly waiting for equipment-Have to bring a physical copy of one card or you will be charged $10 to use the facility-Can't breath too heavy"-Rude and confrontational staff"

The gym is clean and has excellent equipment and a number of free weights. It opens at 6:00 and gets quite packed because it serves students so it’s better to go early to avoid the crowd.There are a lot of lockers and showers for use.

Constantly packed to unbelievable levels. There never seems to be a time of day where there isn't a line for a bench or power rack. For some reason, you need to bring your card with you into the actual gym itself (you cant leave it in the locker) which means you are carrying your keys or wallet with you in the gym. Parking also costs $6 every time you want to go there, unless you take public transit. I'm giving two stars because the equipment is really nice.

The Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre is fairly new, opening in November 2014. I actually took the opportunity to go to the gym in its early stages, and since them it has undergone some fine-tuning to put the equipment in more appropriate areas. While this gym a plethora of equipment, it’s generally still pretty crowded given that the University has nearly 40,000 students attending it, but that's not really in their control.

Really nice gym. Equipment is new, clean, and professional. However, it's just not big enough. This gym is packed at almost all hours. Keep in mind 35,000 students are sharing this space (plus 8,000 staff) on North Campus alone. There doesn't seem to be a time in the day except VERY early or VERY late that you are not waiting for a bench, squat rack, etc. U of A should be investing in a larger space, or multiple spaces around campus.

It gets busy, so come early if you still wanna use some equipment. Tons of showers available as well as lockers too.

Top-notch gym and fitness facility. Members know how to re-rack their weights. Large, clean space with every bit of strength training equipment you could ask for.