California Baptist University 2022

Mask On, Mask Off W orkout set back s

A As CBU transitioned to the fall semester, there were new in-person opportunities like the Recreational Center (Rec Center) reopening. However, students underwent a change from being required to wear a mask during the beginning of the semester, to having the mask mandate lifted mid-semester, representing a sign of the pandemic slowly restructuring after hiatus. In order to create a safe

Camila Rivas, sophomore business major, said “I was not bothered at all about wearing masks at the Rec Center. it was understandable and a needed measurement to stay cautious in the pandemic.” Wyatt Bodle, freshman computer science major and rec center employee, found that listening to policies was better than

being shut down for not following protocol. “I think it keeps people safe,” says Bodle. ”Even though it sucks to work out with a mask on, it’s better to wear a mask

Mask on or off, either way, we are still exercising to better our health. Ryan Dehart junior engineering major

space for students on

campus in the midst of a pandemic, restrictions were put in place in Spring 2020 that caused the Rec Center to close immediately. The access for students to exercise was unavailable until the summer before the Fall 2021 semester. As CBU announced that they would begin welcoming

and be able to work out, than to get shut down for not wearing a mask.” The mask requirement has been lifted as of October 2021, according to Tyler Cox, senior director of campus recreation.

students back to campus to attend in person classes for the fall semester, the enforced regulations caused students to exercise in their masks. As a result, students had to comply with uncomfortable yet necessary steps to keep them safe in the recreation center. Some students disagreed with these mandates, like Armando Magana, freshman kinesiology major, who said “I say that wearing a mask while in the Rec (Center) should be a personal choice.” However, others found that masks were a good precaution during the time they were enforced, even if they were not fun to wear.

Students responded positively to the opportunity to exercise without these restrictions. “After hearing masks aren’t required in the Rec Center I was excited I could workout without something covering my mouth,” said Nathanial Felipe Jimenez, sophomore business adminstration major. Students continue to transition as we progress towards a better and healthier world.

KEEPING HER HEAD UP Emily Garcia, sophomore pre-nursing major, lifts weights to build her muscles at the Rec Center.

WORDS Anyssa Gonzalez Brett Rosen Kia Harlan

PHOTO Kia Harlan

DESIGN Kassidy Blount

63

Masks in the Rec Center