Henry Crown Field House

As others mentioned, yes, Henry Crown is old and dirty.
In spite of its grime, though, HCFH is still the superior gym on campus if your goals are strength-​related. With 6 power-​racks and benches, free weights, a full-​sized indoor track court, and squash/​racquetball courts, Henry Crown is a place for serious gym-​goers looking for serious results.
If you want to watch TV while bouncing on an elliptical in a pristine, air-​conditioned environment, go to Ratner. I daresay that people frequenting Henry Crown are not looking for this experience and if what you seek is a well-​stocked and serious place to work out, this is where you’ll be!

Yes HCFH is old, but I love it all the same. I spent the vast majority of my 4 years at UofC hanging out here… it’s not fancy but it serves its purpose (kinda like the UofC). If they still have the pole vault/​high jump mats upstairs, they are a good place to take mid-​day nap if you need a change of pace from the Reg (and since the evil GSB ruined the romper room).
correction to Joseph B — the track is 200 yards. But if you want to count it as 800 to pad your workout stats, be my guest.

I wish I could give this a 3.5. It’s better than a three, but not quite a four.
Now that Ratner is the main gym, HCFC functions quite well as a supplementary gym. I’ve gone there when I want to do a long cardio workout and don’t want to fight for a machine (so what if they don’t have TVs here? That’s what iPod video was invented for!) I haven’t used their weight room, but a lot of the varsity athletes I know prefer it, and my team is going to start doing our conditioning workouts there next quarter so we don’t have to jostle for space in Ratner.
The multi purpose room and gym on the second floor (with track!) serve as great spots to get in a circuit workout. Most club sports teams use HCFC for practice, and it serves its purpose well.

The older two of the University of Chicago athletic centers. This place is definitely feeling the weight of years. No pretty colors or shiny new equipment here. Instead, Henry Crown caters to people who like to workout to the scent of generations of sweat, blood, and tears.
The 800 indoor track and the batting cages are great for the winter. In general, the machines are in good shape, and rarely busy. Unlike the nearby Ratner Athletic Center, nobody has to wait for the machine they want. HC also has a large, open room that is perfect for martial arts-​bags, mirrors, and mats.
Henry Crown is free to enrolled UC students, and memberships can be purchased. A discount is available to University-​affiliated individuals and their families.