Outdoor fitness pods now open for RIT students, faculty, staff

More than 20 outdoor fitness pods have been set up inside tents at the RIT Track and Game Field and are available for RIT students, faculty, and staff beginning today.

Equipment in the pods include spin bikes, rowing machines, elliptical machines, dumbbells (5 to 52.5 pounds), a step platform bench, jump rope, medium resistance bands, a squat rack, and a weightlifting area, with a deadlift space, an Olympic bar, and a set of weighted plates.

‌

A. Sue Weisler

One of more than 20 outdoor fitness pods were set up Friday in tents on the RIT Track and Game Field. Students, faculty, and staff may now make reservations to use fitness equipment daily.

“While we continue to work with the university on the reopening plans of the Wiedman Fitness Center, we’re excited to offer outdoor fitness to students and promote fitness in ways that can be done as safely as possible,” said Jennifer Lewis, associate director for Recreation Facilities.

The units, which are set up 12 feet apart and will be cleaned after each use, are available by reservation (at reserve.rit.edu) under “reserve outdoor recreation space” for 30- or 45-minute sessions. Walk-ups may be allowed if equipment is available.

They are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, although times may change to follow daylight changes. Reservations will be honored rain or shine, but may be canceled due to severe inclement weather.

Policies have been established for those using the pods:

• Check in at the main entrance of the RIT Track.
• Please arrive to your reservation on time and finish your workout by your scheduled end time. Reservation times must be strictly followed in order for staff to clean equipment between reservations and allow for proper queuing of participants.
• Present your valid RIT ID to verify you are a student, employee, or retiree.
• Scan the QR code for contact tracing purposes.
• Proper fitness attire (shirt, shorts/leggings, sneakers) required.
• Masks are strongly encouraged but only required when the tent walls are down or when proper physical distancing cannot be maintained inside or outside the tent.
• No spotting due to physical distancing requirements. Only lift what you can safely on your own.
• No partner workouts. Pods are single-use only.
• Equipment is permitted outside of tent for exercise (i.e. walking lunges, jump rope). However, track users have first priority.
• Chalk use is permitted for power lifting.
• Please keep tents clean and dispose of any trash at the end of your reservation.
• Report equipment issues or concerns to the Fitness Attendant.
• Non-compliant individuals may be asked to leave the facility or may have privileges suspended.
• Locker, restroom, and shower access is available through the lower level Field House entrance when the SLC and Field House are open, Mondays through Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Fridays 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, the Aquatic Center opened last week for lap swims and therapeutic activities only.

Outdoor tennis courts are also available by reservation (at reserve.rit.edu) for tennis or pickleball.

Otherwise, the Hale-Andrew Student Life Center and Gordon Field House remains closed for all indoor recreational activity.