Dear On-Campus Gyms,

My experience with you has been positive until recently.

I have been working out in the on-campus gyms since I arrived on campus in the fall of 2021. During my first year, I worked out in the IM Building, as most freshmen do. Now, as a sophomore, I go to the Hepper Fitness Center in Rec Hall.

I like to work out when the gym isn’t crowded. Arriving at the gym at a quiet time allows me to get in and out with no trouble. I can use all of the machines I want to without waiting around, and, more importantly, I always can find an empty locker to use.

Ever since the beginning of the semester, though, a plague of broken lockers has started to spread through the on-campus gyms. It started with a few busted lockers here and there, but it has gotten to the point where people can’t find a single locker to store their belongings in.

This shouldn’t be an issue, but it is.

In the gyms’ defense, it’s probably not the easiest thing in the world to keep three fitness centers and all of their appliances functioning at all times, especially when thousands of students are using them daily.

Regardless, students will continue to go to the gyms, even if they have to put their belongings on top of the lockers. And unless you’re rocking MC Hammer’s baggy pants, it’s going to be difficult to keep everything you brought with you in your pockets.

This isn’t a universal problem because not everyone works out, but for me, it feels just as bad as running the ball on 4th and 5 against the No. 4 team in the country. In other words, pain.

In general, the on-campus gyms have more going for them than against them, to be fair. They’re free for all students and staff, machines generally tend to free up, and at least one of them is likely within walking distance. However, these lockers are currently overshadowing the positives. We need change.

One thing I do wonder, though, is if it takes more time to make the orange “out of service” signs that they put on the lockers as opposed to actually fixing the broken lockers.

Since there’s clearly a lack of urgency to solve this issue, the lockers probably won’t function again until after I graduate. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I’ll still stay loyal to Rec Hall and its broken lockers, despite its current woes. Otherwise, I’d find myself fighting through a swarm of frat bros at some gym downtown.

Just keep in mind that when you’re at your lowest point and feel broken inside, don’t lean on the gym lockers, since they’re probably broken, too.

Sincerely,

Aidan