The university is reopening the Pulse Fitness Centre in a limited capacity for students beginning Monday, July 26.
 
In reopening under a staged Return to Service, the facility will use physical distancing methods to create workout pods, and deploy a wide range of additional screening, social distancing, registration and cleaning procedures to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
 
The gym reopening comes after careful planning and consultation with Hamilton Public Health.
 
The fitness centre reopens Monday, July 26. Due to the ongoing S.A.F.E. construction project, The Pulse will be operating out of a temporary space within the David Braley Athletic Centre.
 
Online pre-registration is required for all workout visits. The registration portal can be found at macmoves.mcmaster.ca and opens Saturday, July 24. Students will be required to complete an Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment no earlier than one hour prior to their scheduled workout time.
 
•   Each workout reservation will be for 1 hour
•   Capacity will be limited
•   Students must pre-register for a workout time no more than two days prior, and must sign a waiver
•   Must complete the McMaster COVID-19 Awareness Training prior to registration
•   Staff will be thoroughly cleaning the facility between all scheduled workout times
•   Masks must be worn at all times while in the building, except while exercising or working out in your designated pod
•   Washrooms will be open —change rooms and locker access will remain closed until further notice
•   Arrive no sooner than 10 minutes before your scheduled workout time
 
Masks or face coverings that securely cover the nose and mouth are required to be worn at all times while in the David Braley Athletic Centre, except during exercise activities.
 
McMaster Recreation will continue to offer outdoor and virtual instructional classes. All classes are free to join for McMaster undergraduate students. Please visit our Virtual Event Calendar on the MacMoves website for complete class lists and times.
 
 
Availability
 
Q: When is the Pulse Fitness Centre opening?
The Pulse Fitness Centre will open at limited capacity to McMaster students only starting Monday, July 26.
 
Q: What hours is The Pulse open?
The Pulse will be open Mon-Fri 8:30 – 4:30 for the remainder of the summer. We will return to regular operating hours in the fall.
 
Q: Is The Pulse Fitness Centre open to all McMaster students?
Access to The Pulse is included in student fees for all full-time undergraduate students.
 
Q: Is it safe to workout at The Pulse?
Athletics & Recreation staff have implemented strict procedures and policies to ensure the utmost care is being taken to protect the health and safety of those visiting our facility, including enhanced visitor screening, rigorous cleaning and sanitizing of facilities and equipment, capacity limits, and social distancing measures. For a full list of adjustments to operating policies, please visit macmoves.mcmaster.ca
 
Q: What about gym access for staff, faculty and other members?
Due to capacity limits set by public health authorities, this step of the Return to Service plan allows workout access to McMaster University students only. Please stay tuned for further updates as to when other groups, including members, faculty, and staff, will be welcomed back to our facilities, when allowable under the guidance of Public Health and McMaster University.
 
Q: Can I drop in like usual?
Entry to the Pulse Fitness Centre is by appointment only. Only students who have registered online for a scheduled workout time will be permitted access to the facility.
 
Online Pre-Registration
 
Q: How do I register online?
All students must pre-register for workouts using McMaster Recreation's online booking portal at macmoves.mcmaster.ca, which will open Saturday, July 24, 2021. Workouts can only be booked up to two days in advance. You will be required to complete the McMaster COVID-19 Awareness Training, as well as sign a waiver as part of the registration process.
 
Q: Is all workout equipment available?
Each pod is set up with its own equipment, containing cardio equipment, weight equipment, or both. Please check macmoves.mcmaster.ca for a list of equipment available in each pod.
 
Q: What if I need to cancel my workout time?
In an effort to maximize opportunity for students who want to work out, those who do not cancel at least 1 hour prior to their scheduled workout will be considered a 'no-show' and will receive an email advising of the no-show status.
 
Additional 'no-shows' may result in loss of privileges to ensure opportunity is available for other students.  
 
Facility Use
 
Q: What happens when I get to the David Braley Athletic Centre?
Students will be permitted to enter the facility no more than 10 minutes before their scheduled workout time. A staff member will verify your information, verify that you have completed your Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment no more than one hour prior to arrival, and confirm your reservation time. Please sanitize your hands upon entry.
 
You will be screened by a staff member upon entry and will be asked for updated contact information for your account. You must produce your McMaster student ID at the designated check-in station to workout.
 
If you satisfy all of the requirements for entry, you will be directed to your reserved workout pod in Therese Quigley Sport Hall.
 
Customer service representatives at the Joan Buddle Service Desk (JBSD) and The Pulse staff will help direct you to your reserved space.
 
Please watch this video to familiarize yourself with how to access your pod.
 
Q: Will I be able to change in the change rooms or washroom?
Changing is not permitted in the washrooms and the change rooms remain closed at this time. Please arrive prepared for your workout. All personal belongings (bags, jacket, outdoor shoes, etc.) will remain with you in your pod.
 
Q: Will McMaster Recreation continue to offer virtual classes?
Yes. McMaster Recreation instructional classes will remain online until further notice to accommodate those who are studying remotely. All classes are free for anyone to join. Please visit our Virtual Event Calendar on the MacMoves website for complete class lists and times.
 
Q: Can I have a spotter help me with my workout?
No. To adhere to social distancing measures, spotters will not be permitted at this time. Please be sure to workout within your comfort level.
 
Q: Will I be able to talk with my friends who are working out at the same time?
No. Facility users will be required to remain in their assigned workout pod for the duration of their workout. To adhere to physical distancing measures, you will not be permitted to visit other pods.
 
Q: Can I use the indoor track?
No. The indoor running track has been temporarily repurposed during the renovation and expansion of our fitness facilities.
 
Q: Do I have to wear a mask while working out?
Guests are required to wear their mask all times while in the David Braley Athletic Centre except while working out at their designated personal workout pod. 
 
Q: What facilities remain closed?
•   Change rooms
•   Showers
•   Lockers
•   Pool
•   Equipment rentals
•   Gyms
•   Indoor running track
•   Studios
•   Squash courts
(7/23/21)
 
Q: Am I able to access my previously rented locker to retrieve personal items?
If you were unable to attend one of our previous locker-retrieval opportunities and have outstanding personal belongings in a rented locker, please contact Manager of Facilities & Events, T.J. Kelly (kellyt@mcmaster.ca). 
 
Q: When will other recreation facilities on campus reopen?
McMaster University and the Department of Athletics & Recreation will continue to assess how it can best serve its community given the many challenges surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Any future plans for additional phases will be conveyed via social media, department websites, and email communication.
 
Macmoves.mcmaster.ca