Argyros Fitness Center reopens through the end of the academic year

Chapman Fitness and Recreation reopened the Argyros Fitness Center April 19, welcoming news to many Chapman students eager to hit the gym. CLARISSE GUEVARRA, Staff Photographer

Depressive symptoms in American adults have increased dramatically during the pandemic. That, in many cases, can stem from a lack of activity due to isolation — and one of the best combatants of these symptoms, exercise, has been at times more difficult to do consistently. 

“When you don't have (exercise), then everyone's just sitting, staring at their screens,” Chapman senior Abbey Umali said. “That's going to make people feel even more isolated.”

For Chapman students, access to that outlet just got a little easier. Free weights, barbells and machines is open, as of April 19, for use again at the Argyros Fitness Center. The facility will reopen at limited capacity — defined as one person per 200 square feet.

During the past year, Chapman’s Fitness and Recreation Center has worked on a plan to get students back in the gym safely. Mike Keyser, head of Fitness and Recreation, said his team worked with local health authorities and the university risk management department to arrive at their decision to reopen. 

“We knew we would reopen once the university could start to have classes again,” Keyser said. “When we saw some positive trends in February, early March, we started to put our plans into place and ultimately decided that once Orange County reached the orange tier (of the county watchlist) for reopening, that we would be comfortable opening one fitness center — not all of them.”

As was protocol before the pandemic, students must sign up for an online membership through the Chapman Rec Portal in order to access gym facilities. The membership is free, but signing an online waiver is required.

However, there are also several new requirements in place. Students must have an online reservation to utilize gym facilities, and face coverings and social distancing of six feet are mandatory.

Keyser hopes students will utilize the center to help their physical and mental health through the rest of the semester. 

“Our purpose continues to be to provide services and facilities so students can relieve stress and achieve positive well-being,” Keyser said. “The science is there to back that up, that working out and exercise help with your well-being, and that’s a driver; that’s definitely a motivator for why we are doing what we’re doing.”

Umali is confident in the health and safety protocols that the Argyros Fitness Center has in place, and believes that opening up the gym will be beneficial in the long run. 

“I would definitely feel safe with that, because you know what you're getting into,” she said. “With the gym in general, the etiquette is already to clean your station after yourself … I think the reward will be significantly greater than the risk.”