Group fitness classes at the Rec are a thing of the past; instead, try the Recreation Center’s triweekly Facebook live stream, “Yoga with Steve!”
With the new semester transitioning to online, and COVID-19 restrictions in place, campus facilities are finding unique ways to keep things going and students happy.
The University’s Recreation Center, which has been closed due to the pandemic, is taking a quick turn to virtual.
“Since we closed in March, we have been offering many fitness and wellness programs online, and we will continue to do so. These include online fitness classes, dietitian consultations, intramurals, and other services,” said Laurie Kay, Marketing and Membership Coordinator for Campus Recreation.
However, these virtual wellness “classes” that the rec center offers like “Yoga with Steve” and “Hip Hop Cardio With Katie” seem promising, but are live-streamed on Facebook and lack the two-way feedback and guidance that occurs in in-person classes.
“No one is there to tell you if you have the form down correctly, which could also potentially get someone hurt,” said Stephanie Scruggs, a junior studying business management. “I also just feel cheated of my money because none of the amenities that make college tuition worth the cost are going to be available.”
Campus health-related facilities are also going virtual, limiting in-person contact. So if students do get hurt doing yoga, the Student Health Center Facility is doing telehealth. Virtual appointments will be available to set up from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday.. Similarly, the counseling center wants to encourage students to use their services during these hard times. They are offering virtual walk-in appointments between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.
The Mcwherter Library on Campus, where students study and enjoy bagels, is also making needed adjustments to create a safe return to campus. In order to enter, students must scan their student ID for tracing purposes, wear a face-covering mask and keep a social distance from others.
“Starting August 17th, [students] may get the books they need from the third and fourth floors and bring them to the Check-Out Desk,” said Bess Robinsons, the Library Department’s Head-Supervisor. “Anyone [including groups] may study in McWherter, but for everyone’s safety, we strongly encourage individuals to stay at least six feet apart.”
Robinson also said that we could expect their open food policy to remain. As for the bagels, like most things these days, it is unclear and students can only hope that Einstein Bros’ Bagels will reopen in the fall.
Following a similar route, the Tech Hub in the University Center, which serves as a resource for students without computer or printer access, is set to follow the university’s guidelines and allow entry with a valid student ID. The Tech Hub will remain open 24/7, however, due to the social distancing practices, it’s unlikely that all computers or areas for studying will be available to those with no other alternative.
“I feel like it’ll be really hard for people who absolutely need the computers to do their work, said Prince Williams, a sophomore studying Public Relations. “For myself, I think I’d be comfortable using these spaces and computers as long as they’re sanitized, and people are wearing a face mask as they should, but I don’t see that happening.”
The future of campus facilities seems uncertain with everything up in the air. During these times it is essential to remain positive and healthy. In the meantime, everyone can try Yoga with Steve.
