By Kiersten Hacker
Now that the spring semester two-week quarantine has ended, University Recreation and Wellness group fitness classes returned to in-person delivery at the Eppley Recreation Center, Ritchie Coliseum and some areas in the School of Public Health.
In the fall, in-person group fitness classes were continually delayed following the two-week quarantine period as UMD was still adjusting to new limitations brought by the coronavirus. Now, students and staff know what to expect and are better equipped to handle pandemic circumstances.
“Because of that experience in the fall where we could eventually reopen and redo our classes and have in-person group fitness classes, this time around for the spring, it was a little bit easier,” Sarah Grace, the coordinator of fitness programs for RecWell said. “We have set protocols in place, they worked in the fall and now we can do it in the spring so there wasn’t a need for delay.”
Reservations for the gym or classes, which students cannot enter without, are available up to one day in advance starting at 6 a.m. There is no waitlist available once time slots are fully booked, but students can sign up for push notifications, text messages and emails regarding reservation updates if availabilities open due to cancellations. Group fitness classes are spaced apart with about 30 minutes in between each session to limit any crowding that may occur and studio capacities follow Prince George’s County guidelines.
Strict precautions are followed in and outside of the studios from mask requirements to sanitizing, to social distancing. When students arrive, they show their university ID for contactless check in. Then, students are provided with a spray bottle and a rag to wipe down necessary equipment before and after use as they stand in their space marked by red dots that are 10 to 15 feet apart.
In addition to socially-distant spaces, sanitizing spray and hand sanitizer, instructors mop the floors with disinfectant between classes and also sanitize the spray bottles used by participants. Other facility staff members will refill sanitizing stations and disinfectant, working together with instructors.
“We want students to know that we are here for them to keep them engaged and keep them moving and keep them active and looking forward to things whether that’s here on campus or at home,” Grace said.
Mask checks are yet another precaution taken during classes to build a comfortable space for students to exercise in outside of a virtual environment. Instructors always remain on their stage but if an instructor notices a student without their mask on properly, the instructor kindly reminds the class to adjust.
“We’ve really tried to give our instructors phrases and ways to feel empowered if they do run into a situation where a participant is not wearing a mask,” said Grace Gaynor, program assistant and body pump instructor and senior majoring in animal science.
Gaynor said she and other instructors feel safe going into the gym and teaching classes because participants cooperate in order to protect their own safety as well. But for students who may not feel comfortable attending in-person fitness classes, there is a virtual class schedule and YouTube workout videos on the UMD Fitness channel.
Many students and instructors prefer in-person group fitness classes for the community environment, interaction and injury prevention from an instructor’s personal insight.
Erin Burnett, a freshman journalism student and technology entrepreneurship minor, said she is excited to attend more in-person group fitness classes this semester, especially boxing classes. As someone who struggles with motivation to workout, Burnett said she enjoys the group motivation and appreciates the extra health precautions as well.
“Being tricked into something fun like Zumba or boxing or cycling makes it so much better, and there’s a group atmosphere and support that you wouldn’t get by working out by yourself,” Burnett said.
The unique sense of community from group fitness also motivates freshman journalism student Madelyn Willoughby, a member of the CHAARG fitness organization, to keep attending classes. Willoughby is happy that classes have returned to an in-person delivery because the interaction and exercise helps her feel like she is making the most of her college experience.
Willoughby said she thinks that out of the many activities occurring on campus, group fitness is one of the safer opportunities to participate in while still having social interaction. Managing her mental health through exercise is also a priority while dealing with draining circumstances of the coronavirus.
“Once I joined group fit stuff at home too, I realized it’s so much more about your mind and your mental health than people realize,” Willoughby said.
Both Grace and Gaynor agree that group fitness and exercise in general is helpful for students physically, mentally and academically as the pandemic continues. Gaynor said she feels that group fitness provides a safe space for students of all experience levels to workout, feel empowered and be loved and cared for.
“I think that the power of group fitness, it really should not be overlooked, it does have an impact on people and people do care about the program and I’m excited to see where we go next,” Gaynor said.
Featured photo: Though few activities are held in-person, students can exercise individually or in classes at the Eppley Recreation Center. Kiersten Hacker/Stories Beneath the Shell