Payne Whitney Gymnasium

Looks Castle but modern and finest gym

Went here to see women's basketball. The place was pretty empty but it was a good time.

Great shopping experience, John the man to go to...very knowledgeable.

Professional staff and professional wellmannerd and civilised people coming here.

One of the best gyms in the world.

Nice gymnasium, friendly atmosphere

The one and only Cathedral of Sweat.

They play hoops here and whatnot.

Great place for any workout

Best gym

Free to Yale students.

I love Yale!

A little walk from the main campus near Morse and Stiles and the Yale Bookstore. In my time, it had an "old school" feel--stonework, small classrooms, studios and some gym space.

More disheartening than inspiring, especially considering the institution's prestigious reputation, rich history, and substantial endowment.

To begin with, the equipment at the gym appears to be stuck in a time warp. Far too much of it is outdated, giving the impression that the facility hasn't kept up with the times or invested adequately in maintaining a modern and effective workout environment. Given Yale's resources, I expected cutting-edge equipment that would match the institution's standing.

Space is another glaring issue. The gym feels cramped and lacks the expansive atmosphere one would anticipate from a university with such a significant endowment. The limited space becomes especially noticeable during peak hours, turning what should be a rejuvenating workout session into a struggle for elbow room.

Moreover, the lack of unique equipment or machines is a considerable letdown. For an institution of Yale's caliber, one would expect a fitness center to offer a diverse range of workout options to cater to the varied preferences and fitness goals of its users. Instead, it falls short, providing a rather mundane selection that fails to excite or challenge.

What exacerbates the disappointment is the limited choice in the surrounding New Haven area. With few alternative gym options available, one is left feeling trapped with this subpar fitness center. It's disheartening to think that, in a city with such a storied history, a leading institution like Yale cannot provide a gym that meets even the most basic expectations.

The PWG is a regrettable letdown. From outdated equipment to a lack of space and variety, the overall experience falls far short of what one would expect from a university of such prestige. For those seeking a fulfilling fitness center experience, it's disheartening to realize that in this particular case, one has no choice but to settle for this excuse of a gym.

Oh, and there are no lockers for ordinary students. Yay. (And all pictures were taken when the gym had practically no one inside, which is an occurrence you should not expect.)