By: Lizzy Lankford
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas has taken numerous precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many of those guidelines apply to University Recreation as well in order to ensure the safety of students wanting to work out.
Kristin DeAngelo, University Recreation Director of Facilities, urges students that the campus gyms and exercise areas are safe to work out in.
“We have to have 12 feet of space between anyone working out at any given time, it can be six feet if you have a barrier like a shower curtain” DeAngelo said.
Students who choose to use the recreation facilities must adhere to the rules and regulations put in place by University Recreation.
“Right now, you don’t have to have a mask on if you’re actively exercising within our weight rooms and fitness centers” DeAngelo said, “as soon as you stop [exercising] it needs to be back on.”
Elizabeth Green, a University of Arkansas Law Student, said that she feels safe when she’s using the Union Gym.
“I watched them wipe down the equipment after people leave, so I at least know it’s being cleaned” Green said.
Those wanting to use the recreation facilities are heavily encouraged to make a reservation through the member portal, this is used to control capacity and to ensure student have a spot.
“When I’ve gone, it’s never been really crowded” Green said, “I always look online to see how many spots are supposedly available so if one session looks crowded, I’ll go to another session.”
In addition to all the changes made to the recreation centers, University Recreation had to forego with most intramurals for the semester except softball.
Students still wanting to participate with intramurals can take part in virtual 5K races, Zoom fitness classes and club sports like racquetball and badminton.
DeAngelo said University Recreation is “constantly reevaluating what we can offer and what can be available depending on the Arkansas Department of Health regulations are and with spacing guidelines”.
For more information about intramurals, other ways to get involved with University Recreation and COVID-19 updates, click here.