Indiana University Redefines Campus Fitness with Inclusive Rec Center

When Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington, Indiana embarked on a major renovation of its Student Recreational Sports Center, the objective extended well beyond aesthetics. The vision was to create a dynamic, inclusive space that reflected the IU brand while supporting the physical and mental well-being of a diverse student body.

“At the beginning of the year, we set out to really change the branding and feel of our building,” says Nick Horton, Director of Service Operations at IU. “We wanted students to feel a connection—not only to our facility and their well-being goals—but also a stronger sense of belonging to the IU campus.”

Meeting Demand with Durable, High-Performance Flooring

The main student rec center renovation was driven by student demand for more strength training and functional fitness space. To meet these demands, IU selected Ecore Athletic’s Performance Beast Plus flooring system—paired with Modzilla 32 ShockPad tiles—to provide a durable, resilient surface that could absorb impact, protect equipment and subfloors, and reduce risk of injury.

The facility originally had just four lifting platforms—far from sufficient. Today, there are 16 custom inlaid platforms installed over Ecore flooring and they’re in constant use. “There was some concern early on that 16 platforms might be too many,” says Brady Bowdoin, Assistant Director of Personal Training & Wellness at IU. “It turns out 16 is not enough. On peak days, we could double that and still have all of them in use.”

As part of the branding initiative, IU incorporated its iconic logo directly into the flooring on each of the 16 platforms. Custom inlays featuring the IU trident were seamlessly integrated into the surface, creating a visually striking and cohesive design that reinforces school spirit. This attention to detail not only enhances the aesthetic of the space but also helps students feel a stronger connection to the university—a place where wellness and school pride go hand in hand.

Engineered for Performance, Designed for Well-Being

The Encore Athletic flooring system installed at IU’s rec center was designed with both performance and sustainability in mind. Made from upcycled rubber—often sourced from used tires—the surfacing helps absorb impact, manage sound and improve overall safety in active environments. These types of recycled rubber floors are commonly used in athletic and wellness spaces for their balance of durability and ergonomic support.

For the strength training zones, the project team selected a 10.5mm surface system that combines a durable wear layer with a thicker rubber base. This combination provides reliable traction and helps manage energy return, making it well-suited for high-traffic fitness areas where users need stability and protection during intense workouts.

To enhance impact absorption beneath the top layer, 32mm shock pad tiles were added underfoot. These modular tiles, which interlock for easier installation and maintenance, help reduce stress on both equipment and building infrastructure while supporting user comfort and performance.

The IU team selected the underlayment in part because they needed to float the new floor over an existing court they didn’t want to tear up. This decision played a key role in the renovation strategy, allowing them to modernize the space while preserving the original substructure.

“The floor allows us to take the impact of any activity, protect the subfloor and keep students focused on their well-being—not on whether the floor is holding up,” Horton says. “With the Modzilla subfloor underneath, we know it’s going to last and support everything our students throw at it.”

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when manufacturers, dealer partners and facility leaders are all aligned,” said Ryan Clavenna, Ecore Athletics Territory Representative. “Marla Toigo and the team at Direct Fitness Solutions played a key role in helping us deliver a flooring solution that fully supported IU’s vision for performance, durability and branding.”

Beyond flooring and platforms, IU’s operations team looked at ways to repurpose space more effectively. Former racquetball courts that sat idle for much of the day were transformed into functional training areas with turf and rubber flooring—giving students space to stretch, warm up or engage in athletic-style workouts. “We’d heard the same feedback for years—students wanted more open space to move freely,” Bowdoin says. “Now they have that flexibility, and they’re using it in creative ways.”

Building a Space for Everyone

Since the transformation, the rec center has seen an increase in usage and in the diversity of users. “One of the biggest changes is our user group,” Bowdoin says. “Before, it was mostly traditional gym-goers. Now, we’re seeing students from all backgrounds using the space. What we thought might deter some users has made the space more welcoming.”

With more than one million visits annually across IU’s rec facilities, the university needed materials that could handle constant, high impact use while supporting its commitment to student well-being. The flooring systems have delivered on every front, from durability and safety to acoustics and performance.

“Everything we do is about helping students feel like they belong here,” Horton says. “From the IU branding on the floor to the way the space functions – it’s all meant to support them, whether they’re here to train, de-stress or just feel more connected to campus.”

Rich Willett, President of Flooring & Industrial at Ecore is responsible for the growth and strategy of the company’s flooring and industrial business unit across sales, marketing, product development, customer experience and operations. He has 30-plus years of related industry experience from the front lines to senior leadership across sales, product management, customer service, and technology. Rich has a passion for building and leading business units and developing high-performing teams that deliver results and exceptional customer experiences.