Changes to the SWRC amidst COVID-19

With the stay at home orders and widespread economic shutdowns that have occurred over the past several months, many have struggled to maintain their mental and physical health, and with colder weather just around the corner many will find it even more difficult to stay active. Despite a number COVID related of setbacks, the Student Wellness and Recreation Center (SWRC) has taken great strides to ensure its ability to stay open and operating so that members of the NIC community may stay active throughout the fall semester.

The SWRC has been a thriving campus amenity since it opened its doors in August of 2017, but nowadays things look a bit different inside the facility. NIC’s coordinator of recreational sports and fitness programs, Angie Rios, has instituted a number of new rules and regulations in order to protect the health and safety of its members amidst the current global pandemic.

“There was no definite answer on how to operate the SWRC because all recreation facilities are different.” Rios said.

Over the summer, Rios said she consulted with many of her colleagues at NIC, as well as other campus recreation professionals through the National Intramural and Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA), in order to figure out exactly what changes needed to be made to the SWRC in the fall semester in order for everyone to feel safe and comfortable using the facility.

NIC student, Ethan Mitchell, said he has had a hard time adjusting to the SWRC’s new block schedule and regulations. “Trying to workout with the mask, not being able to breath right, it’s really frustrating.” Mitchell said.

Like most places on campus, everyone is required to wear a face mask at all times while in the facility. A number of students said they have found it difficult to perform their usual workout activities with the face mask, so Rios suggests treating it like exercising a new muscle. “Start off with light, low intensity workouts with a mask to let your body adapt, and when you’re ready add more intensity and see how you feel.” Rios said.

Aside from wearing a face mask, upon entering the facility everyone must grab a spray bottle and towel at the front desk to clean equipment before and after they use it. Students and members using the SWRC are encouraged to practice social distancing by avoiding routines which require a spotter or the use of multiple pieces of equipment at once. Sweat towels and equipment checkout at the front desk are no longer available, so members are encouraged to bring their own.

Emily Stuart, a student employee at the SWRC, said that the pandemic has changed the way she works out, but she’s still doing her best to stay active. “It’s more challenging, you just have to be more creative with what you do.” Stuart said.

The facility now operates on a block schedule to allow the custodial staff time to deep clean areas throughout the day, and has a maximum capacity of 50 people.

According to Rios, some equipment and amenities the SWRC offers are closed off for now because certain things are too difficult to keep clean and not worth the risks associated.

Certain equipment and amenities the SWRC offers are closed off or limited use only. The basketball court now allows only one person per hoop, fitness rooms are only available for group classes, and the locker rooms are for changing only- showers and lockers are closed.

Rios said that so far, everyone has been doing an excellent job at keeping the SWRC safe and clean. “If we all keep doing this, my team and I are positive we can keep offering a safe place for everyone to be active and recreate.”

For more information about the SWRC’s fall 2020 operations and new block schedule, click here.