At the Emerson Fitness Center, we’re all about fostering a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. This is a space to grow, challenge yourself, and have fun while respecting others around you. We encourage all members to:
- Be mindful of others’ experiences.
- Follow Fitness Center staff guidance to keep the environment safe and enjoyable.
- Treat the facility and equipment with care.
When we all work together to respect one another, we create a place where everyone can thrive. Let’s make the Fitness Center a place where kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect are part of every workout!
General Membership and Access
- All members must complete and sign a Membership Enrollment Form online before using the Fitness Center. Access will not be permitted until this form is submitted.
- Membership is for actively enrolled students and current faculty and staff in their official roles. Guest passes are not available—only active members of the Emerson College community may access the Fitness Center.
- Members must sign in with their Emerson ID card upon entering the Fitness Center and when moving between different floors.
- Locker use: Free lockers are for day-use only while working out in the Fitness Center. Any items left overnight will be disposed of during daily cleaning.
- The Fitness Center is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged. Members are encouraged to secure belongings with a personal lock.
Attire and Hygiene
- Proper fitness attire is required at all times, including:
- Shirts (T-shirts, sweatshirts, full-length tank tops)
- Pants/Shorts
- No jeans or khakis — these ruin the upholstery on the equipment
- Closed-toe athletic shoes (e.g., sneakers, running shoes).
- Street shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and non-athletic footwear are not permitted. High heels, shoes with metal spikes/clips (except for cycling shoes), or any footwear that may damage floors are also prohibited.
- In the winter months, please bring a change of footwear to keep the facility clean.
- Members are expected to practice good general hygiene, such as using deodorants, wearing clean workout clothes, and avoiding the Fitness Center if feeling ill or contagious.
Equipment Use and Etiquette
- Return equipment to its designated area after use and wipe down all pads and surfaces after contact.
- Sharing equipment: Allow others to use equipment between sets if you’re doing multiple sets. Adhere to the following time limits during peak hours (7:00–8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3:00–7:00 p.m.):
- Maximum of 30 minutes per session on cardiovascular machines.
- If using circuit machines during peak times, allow others to use equipment between sets.
Proper use of equipment:
- Do not drop weight stacks, dumbbells, or plates. Weight stacks and bars must be returned to their proper racks after use.
- Weights should not be leaned against walls, pillars, or mirrors.
- Weight belts with buckles should not come in contact with upholstery.
- Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts on machines. Do not place hands/feet under weight stacks or on parts other than grips and foot pads.
- Report any damaged equipment to staff immediately—do not attempt repairs.
- Do not kick or punch plyometric boxes. The suspension schedule for offenders is as follows:
- First offense = one-week suspension;
- Second offense = one-month suspension;
- Third offense = suspension for the remainder of the semester.
Noise and Amplified Music
- Loud or disruptive behavior, such as shouting, singing, or using profanity, is prohibited as it can disturb others.
- Amplified music is restricted to official Emerson staff. Members must use personal listening devices (earbuds or headphones), and music should not contain profanity, sexual innuendos, or offensive lyrics.
Photography and Recording
- For privacy and safety, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms.
- Taking photos or recording videos in the Fitness Center is not permitted unless express permission has been granted by the Fitness and Recreation office and from all individuals involved.
Personal Training and Instruction
- Personal training or fitness instruction conducted by members for other members, especially for compensation or as part of any informal business arrangement (e.g., advertising, charging for services), is strictly prohibited. Repeat offenders may lose membership privileges.
Food, Beverage, and Substances
- Beverages must be in nonbreakable, resealable containers. Protein powders and other powder beverage additives are not permitted in workout spaces.
- Food is not permitted in any workout or recreation spaces.
- Emerson Fitness facilities are alcohol-, tobacco-, and drug-free zones. E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and nonprescription drugs are also prohibited.
Ejection and Suspension of Membership
- Immediate ejection: Fitness Center staff reserve the right to immediately eject any individual who:
- Fails to follow policies and procedures.
- Trespasses or enters the facility through unauthorized means.
- Engages in actions that threaten the emotional or physical safety of others.
- Destroys property, disrupts activities, or appears under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Violates any College policy or local, state, or federal law.
- Violations of Fitness Center policies; College guidelines; or local, state, and federal laws will be reported to the appropriate reporting authority on campus (Community Standards, Human Resources, etc.).