Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has left the city of New York in shambles. It took a cooperative effort throughout the majority of the population in order to flatten the curve, and with the help of the massive rollout of vaccinations, the city has been doing considerably better. Numbers have been steadily declining, and indoor capacities have been increasing as a result. The majority of institutions have been able to host a greater amount of guests, including many gyms. 

Students at NYU are left paying ridiculously high prices for outsourced gyms while staring at the Palladium Athletic Facility, still closed, as they walk by on 14th street. While the Palladium dining hall has even allowed students to eat indoors, the question remains; Why is the athletic facility still closed? NYU is worried about the possible high infection that could come with opened facilities, but NYC gyms that have been open for months have only seen a .06% positive infection rate. NYU has over 350 medical locations in the New York area, collectively being ranked #9 for best hospitals by the US News and World Report, giving NYU no excuse for not creating procedures to allow its students a gym to exercise. The incompetence of NYU administration, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, has caused great harm to the mental health of its student body and NYU couldn’t care less. 

Research has shown that regular exercise can significantly improve mental health and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression.  For example, a new study suggests moderate exercise is not just good for your body but improves mental health as well. Exercise may change the way the brain functions, which could account for the decrease in depression or anxiety. Benefits to regular exercise include: sharper memory and thinking, higher self-esteem, better sleep, more energy, and more resilience to change. With easier avenues to exercise, the NYU student body would be better equipped to face the harsh demands of classwork NYU demands from its students. 

21 of New York University’s Varsity Athletics teams are located in the Palladium Athletic Facility, leaving many athletes without a season, let alone a single team experience this year. It is unfair that the majority of gyms throughout the city are able to be open, yet students are left empty handed looking for a far more expensive outlet from the stress and anxiety of college life.

Every other college in NYC is having athletic seasons, but the University known for its abundance of medical expertise can't? 

As the Student body of NYU, we kindly request that the Palladium Athletic Facility and 404 Fitness Center be opened as soon as possible.