Whether students are squeezing in a quick workout before class, paddling out on the water with friends, or joining an intramural team for fun, there are countless ways to stay moving while balancing the chaos of college life.
Here is your student guide to staying active, recharging, and making the most of wellness at Flagler.
The Heart of Campus Fitness
If you are ready to start, restart, or simply stay consistent with your fitness routine, the Flagler College Fitness Center is an easy place to begin. Open daily and conveniently located next to the Campus Bookstore, the facility gives students quick access to workouts without having to leave campus.
Inside, Saints will find treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, squat racks, and a dedicated free weights area.
For students who enjoy a more structured workout, group fitness classes offer a fun way to stay active while meeting other students. From yoga and Pilates to dance and trainer-led strength sessions, there is something for every comfort level and fitness goal. The full class schedule is available on Saints Connect, making it easy to fit workouts into even the busiest class schedule.
Students living in FEC Towers or Abare Hall do not have to go far to get a workout in. A secondary fitness space located on the second floor of The Commons provides added convenience for students balancing residence life with packed academic schedules. While smaller than the main Fitness Center, the space includes essential cardio and strength equipment, making it perfect for a quick lift, run, or stress-relieving sweat session between classes.
Cardio on the Coast
One of the biggest perks of attending college in St. Augustine is that staying active does not have to happen indoors. With beaches, trails, waterways, and parks all nearby, students have plenty of ways to turn Florida’s natural landscape into their workout routine.
From the dock on campus to the 41 miles of beach throughout St. Johns County, opportunities for outdoor recreation are everywhere. Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach are located roughly five miles from campus, while Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach are both within driving distance for day trips.
Popular beach access points throughout the county include Mickler’s Landing, Butler Beach, Crescent Beach, Vilano Beach, and Marineland’s River to Sea Preserve, an area known for its coquina shoreline and scenic walking areas.
Florida’s outdoor access also connects students to a variety of trail systems and adventure opportunities. Campus Recreation regularly organizes outings to Anastasia State Park, Ravine Gardens State Park, Faver-Dykes State Park, and the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The department also hosts a Spring Break Camping Trip, a free two-night, three-day experience centered around camping, hiking, trail maintenance, and outdoor exploration along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Transportation, meals, equipment, and even campfire treats are included.
On campus, students can access the water directly at The Dock, located behind Abare Hall on the San Sebastian River at 1 Malaga St. Serving as Flagler’s watersports headquarters, The Dock allows students to check out kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment at no cost.
For students who would rather relax poolside than swim in natural waterways, Flagler also features two resort-style pools.
The main pool, located next to Ponce de Leon Hall, serves as a central gathering space for swimming, studying, relaxing, or playing volleyball between classes. Students living in Sebastian House also have access to a second pool reserved exclusively for residents.
Competitive Enough to Be Fun
Not every student wants the commitment of varsity athletics, but that does not mean competition is off the table. Flagler’s Intramural Sports program gives students the chance to stay active, compete, and have fun without adding another major commitment to their schedule.
Team sports such as flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, and tennis provide organized competition throughout the semester. Students can also participate in individual and small-group activities, including billiards, table tennis, bowling, mini-golf, Zumba, Pilates, and yoga.
In addition to league play, Flagler hosts one-time events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, the annual Roberson Cup racquet sports challenge, and open play days for pickleball and beach volleyball.
For more information about intramural offerings, students can contact Michael C. Roberson, Coordinator of Campus Recreation, at robber@flagler.edu.
Mind and Body Wellness
Physical health is only one part of overall well-being, and Flagler offers resources to support students mentally and emotionally throughout their college experience.
Flagler College Counseling Services provides confidential psychological services to currently enrolled students, helping them navigate personal concerns that may interfere with learning, relationships, or day-to-day life.
Services include initial assessments, brief individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, educational presentations, crisis intervention services, and consultations for students, faculty, staff, and parents.
The office also hosts therapy dog visits throughout the year, giving students a chance to de-stress, recharge, and take a break during especially busy times in the semester.
Students seek counseling support for many reasons, including stress management, anxiety, depression, adjustment to college, relationship challenges, grief, academic difficulties, and other personal concerns. Support is also available for more urgent needs, including self-injurious behaviors and thoughts.
The Counseling Center is located at 65 Valencia St. Students can stop by the office to schedule an appointment, email counseling@flagler.edu, or call 904-819-6305.
Fueling Your Fitness
Staying active also means fueling your body properly, and Flagler’s dining program is designed to make healthier choices easy and accessible for students.
The Ponce de Leon Dining Hall offers a variety of fresh options, including salads, vegetarian dishes, and made-to-order meals. The dining program also works with local produce distributors to incorporate fresh, sustainably grown ingredients whenever possible.
Whether students are grabbing a quick bite between classes or refueling after a workout, there are plenty of options designed to support busy college schedules and different dietary needs.
The dining team accommodates dietary restrictions such as lactose or gluten intolerance, as well as religious food considerations, and can customize menu items to meet individual needs.
Students can also access nutrition information online through CampusDish at Flagler College. Nutrition icons, ingredient lists, and meal calculators allow students to review options and make informed choices based on personal health goals.
Additional grab-and-go options, including salads, wraps, and balanced snacks, are available at The Bistro in the Ringhaver Student Center and Provisions on Demand Market in The Commons at Abare Hall and Sebastian House.
Find Your People, Then Get Moving
For students looking to take their fitness interests beyond workouts and intramurals, Flagler’s student-led clubs offer additional ways to stay active while building friendships and community.
The Rock-Climbing Club gives students opportunities to learn and eventually compete in climbing while focusing on safety, skill development, and personal growth. The Surf Club, formally known as the Flagler Collegiate Surf Team, encourages athletic development, sportsmanship, and connection through time spent in the water.
Students interested in strength-based training can also join the Weightlifting Club, Flagler’s first competitive weightlifting organization. The club welcomes students of all experience levels and focuses on fitness, nutrition, supplementation, and weightlifting-related sports.
