University of Washington Intramural Activities Building (IMA) — Attraction in Seattle

UW alum here:

A lot of these reviews dislike the new locker rooms which I have mixed feelings about. While it may beg the question of safety, I have not had a single issue with people being weird to me (a visibly queer/trans individual) in the 3 ish years that the new locker rooms have been open. Since it is a college gym, people are less likely to care and for the most part just mind their own business because it doesn't matter. Changing rooms, shower rooms, and toilet rooms exist in all 3 of the locker room spaces that are all lockable and private. It doesn't matter tend to back up a little during peak hours but again there are 3 locker rooms so finding a place to change is really not that difficult.

Outside of that, the weight room is appropriately sized and I've watched them replace and get new equipment over the years. Most if not all the benches and equipment is not falling apart and there are spray bottles and towels available for cleaning. They also have an extensive cardio section on the main floor that also has some weight equipment so if being in the weight room with a bunch of college kids bothers you that is available. They also have a 3rd floor with a small track and more equipment that is available and has a nice view. I personally have not been in the pool area or to the Crags climbing center but I've heard good things about them both.

I would say overall this a very well rounded gym and all encompassing for students and outsiders alike. Speaking from a (former) student perspective it is great for the cost being included with tuition so take advantage of it! There are plenty of events, clubs, and classes you can take that I have not explored the full extent of (shoutout uw bjj and uw mma clubs!!). The price of a membership for non students can be a bit off putting but it comes with a lot of access and variety. With all that being said, there are improvements that could be made such as keeping the locker rooms a bit more clean especially during the evening after the evening rush and ventilation during the warmer months. Either way, great gym for students with a lot of variety and pretty...

As a UW alum, I recently went to the IMA with my renewed membership for my Husky Card. Unfortunately, the experience was far from what I expected.

When my card did not scan at the card-activated gate, I attempted a second time — just as I normally would, since everyone ahead of me had entered without any issue. I was wearing my headphones at the time, and within just a few seconds of realizing the scan had failed, I suddenly heard a staff member (who had no name displayed on his badge) loudly call out to me from the desk in a manner that felt abrupt and discourteous. Surprised, I removed my headphones and approached the counter to clarify, explaining that I had renewed my membership almost ten days ago and that my credit card payment had already been processed. This stuff realized he can not solve this stupid problem, then he called his colleague.

I was repeatedly questioned as though I had not paid my fees — including suggestions that I might not have registered correctly or that the system had refunded me. I was even asked to produce my personal payment records on the spot. In reality, I had already accessed the facility since my renewal without any problems, and had also renewed my locker.

Once another staff member finally confirmed my membership, the only explanation given was essentially, “oh, our system made a mistake.” There was no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, no apology for the error, and no recognition of the time that had been wasted.The combination of an unreliable system and the lack of professionalism in handling the situation left me deeply disappointed.

As alumni, we return to campus facilities hoping to feel welcomed and respected. Instead, I left feeling as though my integrity had been doubted. I hope IMA can improve both its membership system and staff training so future members do not encounter the...

Some people graduate from UW having never visited this place. What a waste! I used to hit up this place 3 times a week (graduated in 2018). This place is great though very far and out of the way. The IMA is on the very south top of the school, 5-min walk from the Link but at least 15min from main campus. 4 floors total. IMA used to close around 10pm and parking is free at 9pm.

Underground floor has a big weight rooms and the gendered locker rooms. Any machine you can think of they have them here ;) There are also rooms for dace practices and martial arts.

First floor is where the entrance is. There are people who id you. Only valid husky card holders can get in. To the right of the entrance is a small convenience store that also sells slushes and soups?! If you walk to the back there is also a huge student lounge. First floor also has many basketball courts that are sometimes used as badminton courts. The first floor also consists of a workout room but more geared towards cardio lovers. As is third floor.

The workout room on the third floor is in the middle with running tracks surrounding it. You can look down to second floor basketball courts from the third floor. The running tracks also have a nice view to the outside. Outside of IMA are a bunch of tennis courts. The IMA also has swimming pools and...