The Half-Acre Gymnasium has been booked since they reopened less than a month ago.
“It’s great to be open. Exercise helps with mental health which has been important personally,” said Ryleigh Sutcliffe, a secondary English education major who works as a business office employee at the Half-Acre Gym.
In order to go to the gym, students must reserve a time and spot on the Half-Acre Website. Masks are required at all times as well as taking the COVIDPass available on WyoWeb.
“It’s been fine wearing a mask, everyone has a good attitude here about them,” said Ava Salazar. Salazar is a communication major who also works at Half-Acre.
Salazar also goes to Chuze Fitness in her hometown of Denver, Colorado. Both gyms have similar policies for masks, sanitizing, and social distancing said Salazar.
“You can still reserve a time to reserve a personal trainer,” said Kenny Vuyk, an accounting major who also works at the Half-Acre Gym.
Vuyk said going to the gym has been relatively normal despite all the safety guidelines in place.
Half-Acre Gym has also rearranged the equipment for social distancing and follows the state guidelines for gyms regarding COVID-19.
“We’ve had to hire more people to keep up with sanitizing equipment,” said Brooke Baker, the business manager for Campus Recreation.
Baker said that another requirement for sanitization is that after every time someone is done using the equipment it must be disinfected before it can be used by another person.
“We’re just working with university. Our goal is to remain opened, but in a safe way,” said Baker.
Additionally, Half-Acre Gym is providing single use disinfectant wipes to be used. Only a specific amount of people are allowed per floor which is maintained through the availability in reserving times to work out.
The rockwall recently closed again due to sanitation problems.
“We’re working on a better sanitizing routine,” said Baker. “We’re hoping to open it back up.”
While the rock wall closed, the pool has recently been opened. The pool is open from 4 pm to 7 pm and there are only three time slots available to reserve a spot.
To maintain social distancing separate lanes have been made in the pool and designated chairs have been spaced apart for personal items. The spa is still closed.
“It’s usually busy. The weight room has been completely booked up,” said Baker.
