Modern Comparison: Recreation Centers
Similarities
A recreation center in Plano
Recreation centers are similar to Roman baths in that they offer ways to bring people together from all over the community. Recreation centers are commonly centered around physical fitness and health, which is similar to how the thermae were centered around promoting hygiene-related health. Recreation centers almost always have a swimming pool as the main attraction. Although the swimming pools are not used for bathing, they are similar to the fact that thermae were centered mainly around large pools. Recreation centers also usually have a gymnasium, just like the thermae have palaestras (an area where men can exercise before bathing). Some recreation centers also have vending machines that serve snacks and drinks, which relates to how some thermae had restaurants and tourist stands to purchase food and other goods. Recreation centers follow a similar model and layout across the U.S, much like the Roman thermae were based on a common structure across the empire. The social aspect of recreation centers should not be downplayed. People from the community can come together and catch up with each other while exercising. This makes these centers popular destinations for outings with friends and family. The thermae also served the purpose of offering a public place where very large numbers of people could participate in activities together.
Differences
Although the recreation centers relate to the Roman thermae in many ways, they also differ. One of the biggest differences is the fact that women can use the same facilities as men in recreation centers. Bathrooms and locker rooms are segregated based on gender, but all activities are open equally to men and women. In the thermae, there was a separate bath area for women, and it was usually much smaller and less elegant. Also, for upper and middle class Roman citizens, visits to the thermae were almost obligatory, as hygiene was a very high priority. Attending recreation centers is purely optional.