Campus Athletics Facilities & Policies
The Taylor Gymnasium is home to the Lehigh Athletics Administrative and Coaches offices. It houses the Welch Fitness Center and Racquet Sports Complex, Lane Challenge Climbing Wall, Basketball Courts, 2 Swimming Pools, 3 Fitness and Dance Studios, Locker Rooms, Penske Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame, the Athletics Partnership.
The Welch Fitness Center and Racquet Sports Complex, located in Taylor Gymnasium, is a multi-dimensional facility intended for use by students, faculty, and staff. The center provides the university community the opportunity to improve their health and physical fitness through the use of the center's "state of the art" equipment and programs. The 10,000 square foot 3 tiered complex offers an expansive amount of cardiovascular and weight training equipment, racquetball and squash courts and the Lane Challenge Climbing Wall.
The Mountaintop Fitness Center, located in Iacocca Hall, B013, next to the Iacocca Cafe. The center features both cardio and strength training equipment.
Membership and Policies
Lehigh Fitness and Recreation membership:
- Lehigh Fitness and Recretion facilities (including Taylor Gym and the Mountaintop Fitness Center) and programs are open to current Lehigh ID card holders only in the following categories: full time undergraduate and graduate students; full time benefits eligible faculty, staff, and their spouses; benefits eligible retirees
- All current faculty and staff and benefits eligible retirees and spouses/partners** will be required to complete the Lehigh Fitness and Recreation Registration for Privileges form annually in advance of any access or participation within Lehigh's fitness facilities. To access the form, please use the below link. All information will be confidential and the completion of this form will ensure that your LUID will interact with fitness facility ID card readers. Because this is not an automated process, please allow up to 1-2 business days for this to be processed towards allowing your access to the facilities.
** Benefits eligible spouses must first have their own Lehigh ID card and LIN in order to complete the Taylor Gym participation form. Benefits eligible faculty and staff may contact inideal@lehigh.edu to request an ID card for their spouse, and they will provide instructions how to complete that process. Once the ID card is obtained, the spouse may fill out the below form with their own LIN.
Lehigh Fitness and Recreation Registration for Privileges
For your safety, and the safety of others around you, we ask that you become familiar with our facility policies.
- Unauthorized individuals entering Lehigh Athletic facilities will be treated as trespassers by gym management and campus security officers.
- Operational hours will be posted in the appropriate areas of activity. Access to or usage of any recreational area is limited to scheduled appointments only, during normal hours of operation. Special events, inclement weather, or the academic calendar may impact hours of operation. Unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. For enforcement purposes, violators of this guideline will be subject to the University’s trespass policy.
- Unauthorized personal training or instruction is prohibited at any recreational facility.
- All individuals are expected to comply with all policies and guidelines which govern the particular area in which they are recreating. Failure to comply with any policies or guidelines may result in removal from the facility and loss of usage privileges on a temporary or permanent basis.
- The following groups have priority for use of all recreational facilities:
- Scheduled Group exercise classes
- Scheduled intramural events
- Scheduled intercollegiate activities and practices
- Scheduled LU events
- All court/activity areas must be reserved in advance with the Athletics Facilities management office for all organized activities, scheduled events, and team practices. This space is normally used for student open recreation.
- Proper attire and footwear is required (i.e. shorts, sweatpants, sneakers, etc.) when engaged in an activity. No sandals, open toe shoes, work boots or street clothes. Barefoot training is not permitted in any activity space at any time.
- The athletics, fitness, and recreation staff have the authority to terminate any activity and remove individuals or teams from the facility that violate building or program policies.
- Facility management may restructure activities and schedule as necessary.
- Spitting on the floor or in the drinking fountains is not permitted.
- No bicycles, mopeds, roller skates/blades, skateboards, or animals other than mobility guides for the disabled will be allowed within the facility.
- No announcements, fliers, posters, etc. may be affixed to building walls or doors. Any item to be posted must be approved by Campus Athletics Administration. All others will be removed.
- Chairs, dividers, tables, or other equipment not approved by the Fitness Director may not be used on the gym floor.
- All requests to film or photograph images, architecture and/or general activity inside the facility must receive prior approval from the Director of Fitness. This includes requests associated with school assignments, personal memorabilia, campus related projects, and commercial or news agencies.
- Use of photography, video and/or recording devices must be pre-approved by the facility director.
- Fitness facilities are coed. Ensure proper dress when walking in public areas.
- Proper dress includes – shirt, shoes and footwear at all times.
- Lehigh is not responsible for any personal items that are brought into the Taylor Gym facility i.e. personal computers, personal listening devices, phones, athletic gear, etc..
- If the Taylor Gym management cannot properly staff the facility at the level determined for safety, then areas of use may be determined closed.
- The use of cell phones is discouraged and camera phones are prohibited.
- The use of any device capable of recording photos or video in all restrooms and locker rooms is prohibited.
- Expectation of all facilities users is to abide by all the posted policies within the specific activity areas.
- Dependants of the above outlined allowable populations do not have access to facilities.
- Minors are not allowed in the facilities.
Welch Fitness Center
A WORKOUT AT LEHIGH INCLUDES:
- Notifying Staff of any faulty equipment
- Returning dumbbells and free weights to proper rack
- Stripping free weights from bar when finished
- Gently lower weight stacks on strength training machines
- Sanitizing equipment when finished
STRENGTH TRAINING SAFETY:
- Breathe when lifting-exhale on exertion
- Use a spotter with free weight exercises
- Lift in a slow, controlled manner: No use of momentum
- Warm up and cool down with every exercise session
- Feel free to ask for assistance
WELCOME TO THE LEHIGH UNIVERSITY TAYLOR GYM FITNESS CENTER, PLEASE:
- Be courteous to fellow participants
- Wear proper workout attire (i.e. shirts, shorts, sweatpants, sneakers)
- Refrain from using profanity
- No food or open drink containers in fitness center
- No book or gym bags in fitness center; store in cubbies or lockers
- Abide by all posted fitness center policies
- BE ALERT!
- THE FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN THIS FACILITY PRESENTS HAZARDS WHICH, IF NOT USED PROPERLY, COULD CAUSE INJURY.
- PRIOR TO USING THE EQUIPMENT, READ THE WARNING LABELS AND INSTRUCTION CARDS AFFIXED TO OR NEAR EACH MACHINE.
- IF AT ANY TIME YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE USE OF ANY EQUIPMENT OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE SHOWN PROPER TECHNIQUE, PLEASE SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF OUR FLOOR PERSONNEL. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO INSTRUCT YOU ON HOW TO USE THE EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
- IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY TO OUR FLOOR PERSONNEL SO THAT IT MAY BE EVALUATED AND SERVICED PROMPTLY.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR FIX ANY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.
- TRAIN SAFELY!
Locker Rooms
Taylor Gym offers 3 locker rooms and multiple single occupancy, gender inclusive rest rooms.
- All lockers will be issued on an academic year annual rental basis, including half lockers and full lockers.
- Faculty, Staff, and Benefits Eligible Retirees may rent a full size locker for $35 HERE. Once the rental fee is paid, please visit the fitness center office located in the Hall of Fame area of Taylor Gym to pick up your locker assignment.
- STUDENTS: Half lockers will be available for students via a lottery beginning the first week of the fall semester. Interested students can fill out this FORM August 21 - August 31 to enter the locker lottery. Student lockers will be free of charge for the 25-26 academic year. Students who are selected for a locker will be notified beginning September 2. After September 15, students may obtain a locker for free on a first come first serve basis by visiting the Taylor Gym fitness office during office hours
- No use of phones or camera devices are permitted in locker rooms at any time.
- All lockers must be vacated and cleaned out by May 31st annually
Please do not leave any items unattended at any time. Any items not properly stored in lockers are subject to removal. Lehigh University is not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items at any time.
Lehigh University reserves the right to terminate a locker rental at any time and to remove locker items such as un-returned equipment or known hazards that may pose a safety risk to the campus community.
Guests
Current Lehigh students, faculty, and staff may bring up to 3 guests over the age of 18 per term (terms are defined as fall semester; spring semester; summer) to Taylor Gym. No guest privileges are extended to the Mountaintop Fitness Center.
Guests at Taylor Gym are required to be accompanied by the current Lehigh ID card member at all times. Both parties are required to fill out the participation waiver prior to facility usage at each visit. The guest waiver is available by visiting the front lobby desk attendants upon entry. Lehigh ID card holders will need to provide their full LIN on this form. Minors are NOT permitted entry at any time.
Basketball Courts
TAYLOR GYM BASKETBALL COURT RULES
- Basketball Courts are for Lehigh University students, faculty & staff only
- Use courts at your own risk
- Yield to access route for studio participants
- Proper athletic non-marking shoes and shirts must be worn at ALL times
- Winning teams may only stay on court no more than two consecutive games or 1 hour if others are waiting
- No glass, gum, eating or open drink containers, (capped water bottles only)
- No skateboards, roller blades or bikes allowed
- No pets allowed
- Do not hang on the rim
- Lehigh Athletics is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items
- Lockers are available for rent – please visit the Fitness Center Office for more
information.
Courts are available during facility open hours, when not reserved for club or varsity athletic use. Schedule will be posted outside the basketball courts and on our website. Schedule is subject to change.
Campus Recreation personnel reserves the right to remove any individual
who exhibits behavior that is believed to be unsafe or inappropriate.
In case of emergency, please contact Campus Police at 610-758-4200 or the main lobby Facility Supervisor for assistance.
The Lane Challenge Climbing Wall
The Lane Challenge Climbing Wall is located on the 4th floor of Taylor Gym and provides a fun and challenging alternative workout for Lehigh students. Bouldering below the red line is available during open Fitness Center hours.
Climbing Area Rules
BE ALERT – SUPPORT SAFE CLIMBING CONDITIONS
Top roping is currently unavailable
Recklessness, unsafe behavior or improper equipment use are prohibited
Loose chalk is prohibited
Holds may only be moved or adjusted by Taylor Gym Staff members only.
Bouldering Rules
Bouldering is a dangerous activity, and is conducted at your own risk
Boulderers should use a spotter when attempting difficult moves
No bouldering is permitted with hands above the Red Line on the wall
Jacobs Pool (Recreational Swim)
Jacobs Pool
Recreation swim is offered during the fall and spring academic terms. No recreation swim hours will be available during break periods.
Jacobs Pool Recreation Swim hours Fall 2025 *hours subject to change based on staffing and facility availability
Monday - Thursday : 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Tuesday: 12:10pm - 1:30pm (starts 9/9)
Friday: 11:45am - 1:45pm
Sunday: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Valid users are those outlined in Taylor Gym membership and policies only; all participants must sign in with valid Lehigh ID card upon entry
Notice: Jacobs pool is not designed with a typical recreational pool entry and exit. Pool entrance and exit are located in the corner of the pool closest to the entrance door.
Entry depth is 5ft and as a participant you must be able lower yourself into, and lift yourself out of, the pool. DO NOT ENTER THE POOL IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM.
Recreational swim is open to ONLY to current Lehigh ID card holders (undergraduate and graduate students; full time benefits eligible faculty, staff, and their spouses; benefits eligible retirees). For everyone's enjoyment and safety we will operate under and enforce the below rules:
- Use is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty
- All participants must check-in upon arrival and provide their Lehigh ID to the lifeguard
- Appropriate swimwear is required at all times
- As a courtesy to other patrons, please rinse off before entering the pool
- If you are ill or have open cuts/wounds please do not enter the pool
- Recreational swim is for lap swimming only
- No running, diving, or horseplay
- No prolonged underwater breath holding
- No food or glassware in pool area or on the pool deck
- Lane lines are not to be used as support or moved by the swimmer except in an emergency
- Personal items for specific aquatic exercises are permitted. Varsity team equipment is off limits
- Personal items cannot be stored and must be removed by owner
- Pool deck must be kept clear at all times and should not be used to store personal items
- Management/lifeguard/aquatic staff reserves the right to deny use of pool to anyone at any time
- Participants that are non-compliant with any of the above expectations will be subject to suspended use of Taylor Gym Facilities
Hours may be subject to change due to required staffing levels, break periods, and inclement weather!
Racquet Courts
Taylor Gym offers 2 racquetball courts and 2 squash courts for recreational use by valid Lehigh University participants as outlined in the Taylor Gym membership policy.
Courts are available by reservation, maximum 2 people per court at any given time.
- Summer play opportunity is drop in only, no reservations.
- During the regular academic year, Reservations can be made on IM Leagues no earlier than one day in advance during normal business hours (except during break periods). Walk-on playing opportunities are permitted only if court space is available, however, play shall not exceed one hour or court must be vacated for next reservation, whichever comes first. Reservations are not available during breaks.
• Ten-minute forfeit rule - If you are ten minutes late for your court time, you forfeit your reservation and a walk-on may be permitted to use the court. In any case, court use will be limited to reservation time period.
• Please be considerate - if you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel your reservation in advance to accommodate all users.
Usage Regulations
• A valid Lehigh I.D. card is required for access to the court area. In addition, equipment is available for loan, at no cost, with a valid Lehigh University I.D. card. The user is responsible for any damaged or unreturned equipment.
• White-soled shoes are required for court use. No other footwear will be permitted.
• Goggles are strongly recommended upon entering each court. Goggles are available for rental for with a valid Lehigh University I.D. card.
Recreational Equipment Loan
- All equipment is loaned at NO CHARGE.
- An LU ID card is required for all equipment loan as collateral until equipment is returned.
- We DO NOT supply ping pong balls or squash rackets.
Notice:
It is the responsibility of the borrower to ensure the return of the exact item(s) and all loaned equipment. All returned equipment must be returned in good working order.
Equipment NOT returned or returned broken will result in the following corresponding charges to your Bursar Account:
Taylor Gym Rental Equipment Replacement Cost:
Basketball: $35.00
Racquetball Racket: $55.00
Sport Goggles: $30.00
Jump Rope: $25.00
Racquet Ball: $10.00
Ping Pong Paddle: $18.00
Ping Pong Net Assembly: $180.00
4¾'' Weight Belt: $85.00
6'' Weight Belt: $100.00
Fitness Studios
Taylor Gym offers 3 multipurpose studios. Our 3rd floor studio is used for cycling, yoga, and meditation. Our 4th floor studio is used for cardio and strength based fitness and certain academic dance classes. Our 5th floor multipurpose fitness area is also used for exercise, fitness classes, and Rowing team training. Please note, Taylor Gym is an Athletic facility and may not be scheduled by anyone outside of Athletics Administration.
All patrons in all studios are expected to adhere to all posted studio policies as well as the general policies as follows:
- Participants are encouraged to bring a clean towel, mat, and sealed water bottle for any workout.
- Entry to any scheduled fitness class is not permitted 5 minutes after the class has begun.
- Personal items must be stored in the cubicles.
- Personal items may not be taken onto the floor.
- Neither the Athletics department nor its employees will be responsible for lost or stolen property.
- Equipment provided in each studio may not be taken out of the room.
- Food and drinks are not permitted, except water bottles with water that have secured lids.
- Shoes are required at all times in activity spaces, including studios. Only non-marking athletic shoes are allowed. Aerobics or cross-training shoes are recommended. Spin shoes or sneakers are permissible for spin classes. Yoga and barre classes are the only exceptions to the footwear policies.
- Tobacco chewing or dipping is not permitted or spitting on the floor or equipment.
- All weight equipment must have a vinyl or rubber coating to be used in this space.
- All participants are asked to assist with sanitizing the equipment and replacing it in the proper storage location after use.
- Leaving any class before the cooldown period is strongly discouraged.
- No outside instructors or guests are permitted.
PLEASE RESPECT OUR FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.
“Respect prolongs opportunity.”
Studios are scheduled by Athletics Administration only. A reservation process is opened up to Student Senate-approved performance groups at the onset of each semester. Individuals may not request reservations, however individuals may use the studio only during posted Drop In available times. All times are subject to change, and Athletics reserves the right to use the studio at any time. ABM Cleaning staff cleans the studios in the mornings and as necessary throughout the day, and individuals or groups may not prevent cleaning from being performed. Please note the 3rd floor and 5th floor studios are not reservable outside of Athletics as any time.
Adverse Weather
In instances of potential inclement weather overnight, the Fitness Center and Taylor Gym Facilities will activate the Inclement Weather Schedule. During inclement weather the facilities will open at 8:30 am. In instances when the University delays opening the Fitness Center and Taylor Gym will follow the University scheduled opening.
Additionally, during instances of weather increasing in severity throughout the day the Fitness Center and Taylor Gym facilities will work to stay open. However, if the decision is made that the conditions are hazardous to the Lehigh Community the facilities may close. In all instances we recommend that you call the Fitness Center Hotline at: (610) 758-4300 prior to traveling, for further details and adjusted facility hours.
Job Opportunities
Work Study Opportunity
In order to qualify for a student job position at Taylor Gym, you must be a Lehigh Undergraduate Student who has received Work Study in your financial aid package. You can view the jobs we have available by logging into the Handshake system at : http://lehigh.joinhandshake.com/
Mountaintop Fitness Center
Mountaintop Fitness Facility Policies
- Authorized access is permitted to valid Lehigh ID card holders only.
- No unauthorized use of the facility is permitted, NO GUESTS
- No one under the age of 17 is permitted access or use of this facility
- This facility is not supervised; use of the equipment is the responsibility of the participant, who assumes all risks
- Use equipment properly, following all instructional cards and placards
- Shirts, athletic clothing, and sneakers must be worn at all times; no sandals, flip flops, or bare feet permitted
- No food, alcohol, glass containers, pets, smoking or horseplay permitted
- Only sealed, non-breakable water bottles are permitted
- Do not drop weights or slam weight stacks
- Wipe down all equipment after use
- Rerack and store all equipment to the appropriate area after use
- All equipment is to remain in the fitness room at all times
- Report all equipment needs to management per posted instructions
- Lehigh University assumes no responsibility for injury or loss of property that may occur during the use of this facility
Summer Conference Participant Fitness Facility Policies
Access to Taylor Gym and Mountaintop fitness centers and amenities will be available to pre-registered summer conference participants (18+ only) under a membership fee structure. Summer conference program leaders who wish to offer the use of the aforementioned fitness facilities to their registered participants may apply for access by contacting Genna Albano, gma314@lehigh.edu atleast 2 weeks in advance for details and information. Last minute requests cannot be accommodated.
