The campus community can find plenty of room to work out with a temporary fitness center in the spacious Marano Campus Center arena, assembled via hard work and teamwork.
The arena that often is filled with Laker hockey fans this time of year is now full with treadmills, ellipticals and free weights. Fitness Centers staff and student workers moved the equipment over last week in preparation of opening in time for Wellness Day on Feb. 24.
Facilities many students know and love from Cooper and Glimmerglass relocated to the arena to accommodate social distancing. An advanced HVAC system constantly refreshes the air of the spacious arena.
"MCC provides us a bigger, more open space. We can have a larger occupancy while also maintaining those safe protocols,” said Thomas Kozlowski, a Fitness Centers student manager.
Kozlowski says to be admitted into the gym, students must wear a mask, present confirmation of weekly COVID testing and complete a daily health screening. The biggest safety measure is keeping distance.
“Were really focusing on keeping six feet apart to ensure safety,” Kozlowski said.
For Kozlowski and many of the Fitness Center student workers, the job is an opportunity to help others will taking part in a labor of love.
"I’m just really excited to get back into it and have a place to safely workout,” Kozlowski added.
Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on operations or membership, check out the Fitness Centers website.
-- Story and video by Stephanie Shtoyko, Class of 2021