On Monday, Sept. 14, the Andreasen Center for Wellness (ACW) opened for the first time since March. Although the center offered Zoom classes and outdoor workouts, many have been anticipating this opening and the chance to work off some of that quarantine fifteen. Most people are excited to be able to work out again, and to have access to not only the equipment but to the community of the ACW. Being able to work out with others gives them the motivation to become stronger and healthier.
Kristin Ferrer (senior, biology, public health) said, “I’m excited about the Wellness Center opening! I haven’t been to a gym since quarantine happened and I’m excited to get back into a good workout routine. I have no concerns; I think the plan for the Wellness Center is being handled really well.”
However, there are some people that are more concerned with the logistics of how the new guidelines will actually be able to protect people working out in the gym. Especially given that the ACW is open to the public community and not just Andrews University. The ACW has implemented steps to increase the safety of its guests and employees, these steps follow state and CDC guidelines and include wearing a mask when exercising within the ACW and maintaining social distancing rules.
Brent Laporre (junior, medical laboratory science) said, “I’m glad that the Wellness Center is now open for service but I still don’t find myself working out there right now. Although I understand how they are now making scheduled times to use the facilities, I feel like I wouldn’t be helping the cause to prevent the spread of COVID by going there. If the men’s residence gym was open, I would be a lot more comfortable with working out there because then it would be a lot more contained within the dorms.”
Some of the new guidelines that ACW has implemented apply even before entering the gym area: at the front desk, the worker will make sure that the member has signed the waiver, signed up for a work time, has an all clear checkmark from Campus Clear, and will take the member’s temperature. While in the ACW, everyone is required to wear a mask and maintain six feet distance when not exercising and ten feet distance when exercising. The machines must be wiped down before and after use, and the locker sprayed before leaving. There are also group classes offered outside in which masks will not be required, although physical distancing will also be in effect. Despite these restrictions, many people are looking forward to getting in shape again.
Wambui Karanja (freshman, nursing) said, “I’m really happy that the Wellness Center has opened because I feel as though that’s a really good way for a lot of people to exercise when they otherwise would not–though I am a bit skeptical of exercising with masks and all the other restrictions and how exactly that will play out.”
If you wish to visit the Andreasen Center for Wellness (ACW) make sure to download the app and fill out the waiver. You must also book a 60-minute time slot for your workout on the app before attending. More information about the protocols/guidelines in place and general information about the ACW and its events can be found at andrews.edu/wellnesscenter/.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.