When people think about Swarthmore, their minds often go to our stunning arboretum campus, renowned rigorous academics, or the tightly-knit student body. But one of the most underrated resources on campus is something a little more unexpected and niche: our on-campus gym, known as the Matchbox. Tucked slightly away from campus life yet central to many students’ weekly routines, the Matchbox is a space where students reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves in the midst of their jam-packed schedules.
The Matchbox spans three levels, each designed to support a different aspect of fitness and exercise. Whether you’re an experienced lifter, a casual gym-goer, or someone just looking to break a light sweat and get some physical activity in after a long day of classes, there’s a space for everybody at the Matchbox On the bottom floor, you’ll find people typically strength training. This level is dedicated to heavy lifting, with squat racks, barbells, and all the equipment you’d expect from a serious weight room. This floor specifically is a favorite for students who are deeply passionate about strength training or looking to build a structured lifting routine. In my opinion, the energy here can feel a bit intense, and I don’t find myself down here often, but I also find the energy on the floor to be motivating at times to push me past my limits.
The middle floor is where I, and most students at Swarthmore, spend most of our time exercising. It’s a wide, open and versatile space filled with cardio machines, dumbbells, Smith machines, and open areas for people who enjoy doing more flexible workouts. Whether you’re doing a 12-3-30 on a treadmill, doing a quick ab circuit in the corner, or squeezing in a short lift on your lunch break, this floor is the main area where students gravitate towards.
Lastly is the top floor, one of the most underrated parts of the entire gym. Because it has open hardwood flooring, this floor is one of the most versatile spaces in the entire Matchbox; personally, I come up here whenever the middle and bottom floors become too overwhelming and I need a quiet space to do my exercises or even just stretch and cool down. If you were to visit the top floor, you might walk in and see a dance rehearsal in progress (shoutout to Rhythm n Motion, our favorite Tri-Co dance group!), or find students practicing yoga, pilates, or simply stretching after a long, tiring workout. It’s a quieter, more reflective space, and a markedly different change of pace from the rest of the Matchbox’s bustling environment.
Beyond its physical layout, the Matchbox also offers a wide range of resources to students, the best part about it being their accessibility to all members on campus. Students have access to certified fitness trainers, who are often fellow students, who can help guide workouts, create plans, or simply offer advice if you’re new to the gym and need some support. There are also group fitness classes led by members of the campus community, including yoga, pilates, and other forms of exercise. These classes make fitness feel more communal, especially if you’re someone who likes to try new forms of exercise but are worried about doing so without proper guidance and instruction.
Another great thing about the Matchbox is its flexibility. It’s typically open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, with slightly shorter hours on weekends, closing at 9 p.m. That wide range of hours means that no matter how packed your schedule is, there’s usually a time that will work for you. Personally, I tend to gravitate toward late-night workouts; after a long day spent mostly sitting, whether in classes, studying, or attending meetings, the gym is my preferred way to release built-up energy and clear my mind before I go to bed for the day. That being said, everyone has their own rhythm and preference for the timing of their workouts. Some of my friends swear by early morning workouts, heading to the Matchbox right when it opens, because at 7 a.m., the gym is noticeably quieter and less packed. Other friends of mine fit in workouts whenever they can find time, whether that’s between classes, after extracurriculars, or even during study breaks.
If you’re trying to avoid crowds, there is one important window to keep in mind: the dinner-hour rush. Between roughly 5 to 7 p.m., the Matchbox tends to be at its busiest because this is when many students finish classes and head to the gym, and when athletic teams often have practices or group workouts nearby. During this time, certain areas, especially the weight room and many of the cardio machines, can get crowded. But even then, there’s usually still space to find your own corner, especially on the upper levels, which is where I find myself going if I only have time to squeeze in a workout during this time of day.
At a place like Swarthmore, where academic intensity is real and schedules can feel overwhelming at times, having a space dedicated to taking care of your physical well-being is invaluable. In many ways, while the Matchbox may not always be the first thing people talk about when it comes to the amazing aspects of Swarthmore, once you discover it, it quickly becomes essential to many people. It’s certainly one of my favorite spots on campus, and I’m definitely going to miss it once I graduate.