The KIMEP Sports Center has become an integral part of student life, offering a space for physical activity, social connections, and personal development.
For students who incorporate fitness into their daily routines, the center plays a crucial role in balancing academic stress with healthy habits. While many appreciate the facilities, some students say there is room for improvement.
“The stretching room is a very cool space in the sports center,” Timur Skorobogatov, a third-year student, said. “The fitness and cardio rooms are quite small.”
“It would be great if it were possible to move them to another building,” he added.
Aituar Aitzhanov, a fourth-year student, said the gym was basic.
“It has the essentials, nothing more,” said Aitzhanov. “For someone who just wants to get a solid workout in, it’s absolutely enough.”
While the equipment is generally well-maintained, students express concerns about cleanliness.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say 7,” said Skorobogatov, rating the cleanliness. “Yes, all the halls are quite clean, but the men’s locker rooms are quite dusty.”
Aitzhanov pointed to the “old Soviet-era hairdryer” in the men’s locker room.
And much like much of Almaty, there are issues with the hot water.
“The hot water supply in the showers could be improved,” said Adil Valikhanov, director of the Translation/Interpretation Office at KIMEP.
“It takes about three-to-four minutes for the water to get hot enough,” he said, adding that when the central heating is off, it takes about 30 minutes.
University officials said the sports center, on the third floor of the Dostyk Building, underwent a cosmetic renovation last year including improved lighting in numerous places and upgrades to some of the facilities including the locker room. The field outside of the New Building was also upgraded with rubber crumb to make the field safer as well as constant maintenance on the equipment in the sports center.
“Over the years we maintain the equipment, vacuum it, lubricate it, change cables, tighten dumbbells,” said Yergazy Orazaliyev, director of sport center.
“We specifically hire a company; they service our equipment every six months to ensure quality and safety,” he said. “We also conduct student surveys to assess their needs and make informed decisions on future improvements.”
The surveys helped the sports center introduce new programs students said they wanted.
Additionally, students said the sports center has become a place to make new friends.
“I found one-third of my university acquaintances through the gym,” Skorobogatov said. “Some of my friends and I try to come to train at the same time.”
More importantly, students who use the sports center regularly say it helps with their academic work too.
“I noticed that when I didn’t exercise, my academic performance dropped,” said Skorobogatov. “That was another reason to come to the gym more motivated.”
“An hour at the gym in the middle of the day allows me to have a good fitness break from intellectual work in the office,” said Valikhanov, who has been using the sports center since 2005.
“Training gives me discipline,” said Skorobogatov. “Discipline already gives me balance in life. And balance gives a feeling of fulfillment and then happiness at the end.”
With a variety of facilities and equipment, the center caters to diverse fitness needs. It offers everything from cardio workouts to organized sports.
“Sports activities in general and the work of the sports center contribute a lot to fostering the sense of community among students, faculty, and staff,” said Valikhanov.
“There is almost nothing better to understand and to learn teamwork than to play some team sport such as basketball, football, or volleyball,” he said.
While generally satisfied with the facilities, which are free for students to use, some students said they would like to learn more at the sports center.
Skorobogatov said trained students could work as coaches to help others with training.
“It could provide students with opportunities to assist others in their fitness journeys,” he said.
Added Aitzhanov, “It could be helpful if the sports center provided simple workout guides or quick-start programs.”
“For example, a brochure with suggested exercises and rep ranges.” Aitzhanov said providing simple workout suggestions, making the gym more accessible to beginners.
This commitment reflects the administration’s dedication to fostering a vibrant sports culture.
“Some students leave weights scattered on the floor,” said Valikhanov.
“There should be a rule enforced to keep the gym organized for everyone’s safety,” he said. Maintaining order is an important aspect of keeping the gym environment welcoming.
“Many students find it difficult to balance their studies with workouts due to limited hours,” said Skorobogatov.
“An extension of operating hours would be a significant improvement,” he said.
“Weekend hours are a concern for some students,” said Skorobogatov.
“The gym closes earlier on weekends, yet it remains crowded during those times,” he said.
“Many people don’t realize how much the sports center contributes to student well-being. In addition to providing gym services, we organize wellness fairs, fitness challenges, and sports competitions throughout the year to engage students in a holistic fitness experience,” said Valikhanov.
“Beyond fitness, it helps students relieve stress, improve mental health, and stay socially connected,” he said.
“I would advise everyone to visit the sports center in one way or another,” said Skorobogatov.
“It helps to keep yourself in shape and release stress, especially during exam periods,” he added.