Q: What changes can I expect to facility check-in procedures?
A: Upon reopening, many of our processes will be altered to adhere to safety guidelines set forth by the City of New Orleans and Tulane University. Most notably, all members will need to reserve a time to access the facility. Reservations can be made in 50-minute increments at designated times. Please plan for longer than normal wait times during the check-in process.
Q: How do I make or cancel a reservation?
A. If you are reserving a court (badminton, racquetball, squash, tennis, or ping pong), visit our Reserve a Court page. If you are reserving access to strength or cardio space, the track, or a group exercise class, visit our Reserve a Workout page.
If you are requesting a group reservation for your registered student organization, visit our Facility Reservation Request page.
NOTE: If you can no longer visit the facility at the time you registered for, you must cancel your reservation. No-shows may have reservation privileges revoked.
Q: Why do I need a reservation?
A: In order to comply with state and city guidelines, Campus Recreation must limit the number of people in our building. The online reservation system will allow us to effectively manage capacity. The COVID-19 situation remains fluid, and it is possible that some of these guidelines will change, especially if there is a significant increase or decrease in cases as the semester progresses. We will keep our website and social media updated with the latest information. Be sure to check back frequently for any updates.
Q: What new policies and procedures should I be aware of?
A: Members are asked to bring their own water bottle, workout towel, member identification, equipment (i.e, yoga mat, tennis racket, etc.), and face covering. A face covering is required in the facility at all times, even when exercising.
Members should not have a temperature of 100 degrees or more, show common symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days. We have some great virtual options for those unable to enter our facility until symptoms have passed.
For a full list of updated COVID-19 specific policies, please refer to our new Member Code of Conduct above.
Q: What do I need to know about exercising with a face covering?
A: Please see the following recommendations for exercising while wearing a face covering:
- Pick the Right Face Covering for You: For repeated use, cloth face coverings are a very good option during exercise. Disposable face coverings were not developed for environments where the user is sweating and may collect more moisture, thus restricting airflow. Experiment with different face coverings to find the best one for your workout.
- Take it Slow to Start: Monitor the intensity of your workout when you first return to exercising with a face covering. It may take several workouts before you are training at your regular exercise intensity while wearing a face covering. Even those who have a relatively high level of fitness should expect to fatigue faster when exercising with a face covering.
- Take a Break If Needed: If you begin to feel short of breath, lightheaded, or dizzy - slow down, reduce your intensity, and/or stop exercising until these symptoms go away.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to prevent dehydration and fatigue. This may require you to slow down or take a break from activity so you safely remove and replace your face covering.
- Bring a Backup: Exercisers may want to bring multiple face coverings per workout if they find their face covering is collecting a lot of moisture.
- Wash before Reusing: Wash your face covering after every workout, and do not reuse face coverings designed for a single use.
Q: How will social distancing work in the Reily Center?
A: In all cardio areas, equipment has been spread out, allowing for a minimum of 10 feet between each patron. Some cardio machines have been marked offline.
Because each piece of strength equipment is unique, all strength equipment in the weight room will be available. However, everyone must still maintain a minimum of 10 feet between each person. A good rule of thumb is to allow two pieces of equipment in between each user and rotate between sets. We will have staff monitoring the facility and enforcing this ten foot distancing.
No more than two individuals at a time will be allowed on a tennis court, on a badminton court, or at a ping pong table. No more than one individual at a time will be allowed in a racquetball court.
Q: What areas are currently offline?
A: The following areas and services pose challenges to both manage social distancing and meet safe expectations for sanitization: Locker Room, Pool, Cycling Studio, and Equipment Check Out (including towel service). Therefore, all of these areas and services will be offline upon reopening.
In addition, the following areas are being utilized for academic classes or other functions during COVID-19 and will be offline for drop-in use: Diboll Mind/Body Studios (Mind/Body classes will take place in the Auxilary Gym), Riverside/Boxing Studio (this has become the new cycling studio), and Basketball Courts (utilized for organized activities only).
Q: Why are the locker rooms closed?
A: Given the issues that can be associated with close contact in confined spaces, our locker rooms will remain closed until further notice. Complimentary day use lockers located outside of the locker room are available to store your personal belongings. Access to restrooms in these spaces are still available for use.
Q: I pay for a long-term locker. Will I be charged? How can I retrieve my belongings?
A: All existing locker reservations have been canceled. We will contact patrons who had existing locker reservations prior to the closure and offer them the opportunity to reserve the same locker before it becomes available for rental. Items belonging to patrons who opt not to reestablish their locker reservation will be bagged and stored for 30 days after the facility reopens. If you would like to retrieve your belongings, please contact sleitch@tulane.edu to make an appointment.
Q: What is expected of me?
A: When using shared equipment and spaces, it is essential to consider all other users. Members are required to wipe down all machines and equipment before and after use and wear a face covering at all time, including while exercising. Members must stay home if they are sick. You are required to follow all posted instructions while inside our facility. Please help keep each other healthy.
Q. What precautions are taken to ensure my safety?
A. In addition to each user being required to wipe down each machine before and after use, the Reily Center will close midday for a deep clean from 2-4 pm. The Reily Center will also undergo a deep clean after closing each night. Additionally, a sanitation team will sweep the building top to bottom every other hour, making sure to hit high touchpoints.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Please see our facility hours of operation page for the most up to date information.
Q: Where can I get more information about what Tulane is doing with regard to COVID-19?
A: The University's resource page is continually updated with the most current information regarding Tulane's response. Tulane students, faculty, and staff should also monitor their Tulane emails for any university communication.
