The fitness centers in the residence halls at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, are closed until next January for repairs and renovations.
A letter from Kathy Collins, the director of residence education and housing services at Michigan State, was delivered to students notifying them of the change, according to The State News student newspaper.
Ashley Chaney, the assistant director of communications for residence education and housing services, said in an email that the residence hall fitness centers did not meet safety requirements and posed a high risk because students would be unable to receive help in an emergency due to the centers’ isolation, the newspaper reported.
Kelcey Gapske, president of the campus’s Residence Halls Association, said other safety issues included a lack of supervision and the dangers posed by free weights and outdated equipment, The State News reported. Renovations to the fitness centers will include the installation of windows, telephones and upgraded cardio equipment, along with the permanent removal of free weights.
During renovations, students living in the residence halls will have access to free exercise classes through Michigan State’s recreational sports and fitness services, according to the newspaper.