Great news for those students who have been finding it hard to work out during this time of hardship, the gym in the Athletic Center is open for business! It’s excellent for those students who have been looking to get in an early morning workout just before class. One student seems particularly excited about it. 

“I’m glad it’s open, “said Thomas McKenna, member of the SFCC Baseball team, “Definitely excited that it’s open. If it wasn’t open, I would probably have to pay for a membership somewhere else.” 

For those who still worry about the current Covid-19 pandemic that is currently affecting the nation, there are safety precautions put into place. A maximum of fifteen students are allowed in at one time and there is a list of rules at the front desk. One gym employee was confident about the gym safety. 

“The main rules are making sure you wear a mask and are hand sanitizing as much as possible,” said Ryan Webb, gym employee, “We have boxes around the floors that measure to six feet, one person in each box to help maintain social distancing. We have daily symptom checks and are working to limit numbers and creating more space to avoid any close contact.” 

Items on the list of rules include: 

• No access to locker rooms or showers, the lavatory will be open 
• Wash hands often throughout your day (utilize hand sanitizing stations located at entry and exit points of building) 
• Clean any personal equipment before arriving 
• Maintain social distance (minimum six feet) 

• WEAR A MASK EXCEPT WHEN ON CARDIO MACHINE 
• If you have any symptoms, please let your supervisor/instructor know and STAY HOME 
• If you have been in contact with anybody that has a confirmed case of Covid-19, please let your supervisor/instructor know and STAY HOME 
• Personal water bottles are permitted. No sharing water bottles during, before and after workout (there are no contact water bottle fill stations in the hallways) 
• Spacing for workout stations will be directed from markings on the wall (x’s on the wall will mark out safe socially distanced areas for personal exercise space) 

Of course, there are more rules than just what is stated on this list, but it is worth knowing that these are the main set. According to a sign on the gym door, a maximum of fifteen students are allowed inside the gym at one time, but Webb has confirmed that the gym will have more than fifteen recipients on a typical day. 

“Somewhere around forty-five to fifty students usually come in on a given day,” Webb said, “if it’s one of the sports teams, it’s typically higher.” 

If all students follow protocol, there shouldn’t be any need to worry about the new restrictions. So, are you tired of working out at home? Feeling the need to use proper equipment? The Gym in the Athletics Center should have you covered!