COVID-19 hit all of us pretty hard, college students included. In a period where we are supposed to be having the time of our lives while pursuing our passions, we are stuck with little to do and burdensome online classes. It should go without saying that this pandemic has caused substantial stress and anxiety.

For many, the virus has been a wake-up call. The urgency for a healthy lifestyle has never been greater. Currently, our gym access is restricted from 10am to 6pm. Speaking for myself and everyone I’ve talked to about the issue at MSU’s Hub, it doesn’t make much sense for it to be open for a mere 8 hours. We already have quite a modest-sized gym, so when there are 9 people inside, it’s packed. The rationale behind keeping the gym open 24/7 is rather simple: the longer the hours, the fewer people are crammed into the small space, the less likely germs are to transmit.

Exercise has always served as an outlet, I know that for myself and many others, the gym is a sanctuary. It’s the only time to let go of absolutely everything except the task at hand. There are no worries about school, rent payments, or anything of the sorts. It’s a chance to improve daily by driving past limits. Profoundly restricting this outlet from students in a present saturated with uncertainty is a harsh play.

If the corporate managers at Hub on Campus are truly concerned for the well-being of their residents, the most sensible decision would be to keep the gym open 24 hours a day.