Recently, Northeastern University reopened their two gym facilities, Marino Recreation Center and SquashBusters, to its community with new guidelines and procedures within the COVID-19 Massachusetts Safety Standards.

As a student who regularly exercises and is passionate about individual health, Northeastern's current solution to the reopening of their health facilities is entirely unreasonable and unfair to its student body.

First, all workouts at any NEU facility are limited to 50 minutes per day in a choice of a zone and must be scheduled in advance using a newly introduced platform "ATLETO", with a first-come first-serve signup procedure to ensure that COVID-19 protocols may be followed. In theory, this is a great solution to the problem of limiting numbers, however the app has numerous issues when attempting to schedule workouts--giving "connection error" messages--and if you don't schedule a time at least 2 days in advance then all the times will have filled up. Additionally, there are 4 hours between 6:15 am-10 pm where no workouts are allowed to be scheduled, reducing the number of possible workout slots by 25%. Also, by implementing the one zone per day protocol, student's workout choices are extremely limited to the exercises available within their zone. Nowhere under the MA COVID-19 Safety Protocols do they recommend OR enforce these procedures unique to Northeastern. Overall, the current implementation of ATLETO is not student-friendly and unreasonably restricts a student's ability to workout. 

Next, at the facilities, the machines and equipment have been noticeably spread out to maintain a distance of 14 feet between each other. As a result, some equipment has been entirely removed or unavailable for use. While the MA Safety Protocols recommend 14 feet, this is not the only option. The protocols also recommend a distance of 6 feet between equipment if barriers between equipment are implemented. Implementing barriers would allow for more equipment to be in use at a time and a safer workout environment. Northeastern's current decision to avoid barriers makes little sense if their goal is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and satisfy their community. Without barriers, there are less exercise options and a greater risk of COVID-19 spreading within the facilities. 

Lastly, after holding discussions with different students about the current NEU gym procedures, many have either begun to explore memberships at off-campus gyms/facilities or purchase their own equipment. If Northeastern's goal is to keep all of their students in a healthy environment, then the current shift among students to explore off campus health facilities would increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure to possible individuals not being tested by NEU or following recommended precautions and guidelines. Also, not every student can afford or has the space to purchase their own exercise equipment which would also lead them to exploring off campus options.

During an unprecedented time, cautiousness is at the top of everyone's mind--but there is always a common ground to be found between being responsible and being reasonable. Northeastern's current approach to offering their students an opportunity to pursue fitness goals and establish a healthy lifestyle is entirely impractical.

To improve this flawed approach, Northeastern must increase the accessibility of workouts within the current sign-up system, expand facilities, add additional workout hours, implement barriers in between equipment, maximize the available equipment allowed to its students, and follow actual Massachusetts COVID-19 Safety standards to provide its students with the best opportunity to maintain their health and well-being.

Not only is health a necessity for a strong immune system in the face of COVID-19 but an escape for many students and staff from the stresses of life. For the students remaining on campus for the semester, this will be a long few months without an improved approach. Thank you for your time, your signature would be greatly appreciated.