Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order is making it difficult for Hillsdale College students to achieve their New Year’s health resolutions. Gyms and fitness centers across the state are restricted to 25% capacity, limiting students’ workout opportunities.
Director of Events and Game Day Coordinator Pat Hornak manages the fitness center in the George C. Roche Sports Complex. He said there has been an influx in student attendance at the fitness center as the New Year has begun, and while this typically would be positive, this year is proving to be different.
“Right now we can operate at 25% capacity, so for us, that’s 17 people,” Hornak said. “Once [Whitmer] lifts or changes that order, it can increase.”
The Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Senior Megan Poole, a member of the gym’s staff, said the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. time slots are often the busiest.
“It’s a little stressful,” Poole said. “In the afternoon it’s crazy. People line up out the door.”
Poole, along with all other fitness center employees, sits at the table outside the fitness center counting the number of people inside. Once the number dips below 17, employees can allow one more to enter.
Senior Aidan Wheeler is becoming all too familiar with this line up. He said he typically works out in the afternoon, and always has to wait before getting into the fitness center.
“We have to wait all the time, usually 30 minutes,” Wheeler said. “We still eventually get in there after like three years of waiting. I don’t think it’s really affecting my workouts, but it’s just annoying.”
As of right now, there are no plans to make any adjustments or changes. Students are allowed to use the basketball courts if available, go upstairs to the spin room, or go downstairs to use the pool when open.
