PHILADELPHIA – The founder of the University of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin, was ahead of his time for his approach to personal improvement and wellness. He advocated for and modeled a life of regular exercise, including lifting weights, wrestling and swimming, a moderate diet, and mindfulness.
 
It is fitting, then, that the campus recreation center at Penn, the David S. Pottruck Health and Fitness Center, which offers programming and physical space for Franklin's ideals, has been ranked as the second-best in the nation according to College Consensus.   
 
"I have been quite delighted that the facility we created over a decade ago continues to provide state-of-the-art fitness and recreation opportunities," David S. Pottruck C'70 WG'72 said.
 
"It is imperative for Penn Athletics to operate a first-class fitness center with innovative programming to help the University meet its priority of improved wellness for all students, faculty and staff," Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. M. Grace Calhoun said. "We are extremely excited that the Pottruck Center has been recognized nationally and look forward to continued involvement in the wellness conversation on campus to help provide an unrivaled experience for all members of the Penn community."
 
"We are pleased the David S. Pottruck Health and Fitness Center has been recognized as one of the best campus recreation centers in the nation," Senior Associate AD for Recreation and Wellness David Leach said. "The facility continues to serve the University of Pennsylvania community with modern amenities to enhance the health and well-being of its patrons. The Pottruck Center has become a vibrant hub of student activity on campus, providing fun and innovative programming. We look forward to many more years of student, faculty and staff use of this outstanding facility."
 
The 120,000 square-foot-facility includes four fitness centers, an Olympic-sized swimming pool (Sheerr Pool), co-ed sauna, basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall and fitness programming (including yoga, Pilates, spin and more) for students, faculty and staff. A golf simulator allows participants to try their luck at 35 championship courses around the world.
 
The Pottruck Center is the only Ivy League fitness center listed in the top 50 and joins the University of Chicago (#1), Colby College, UCLA and Rice in the top five.