The Falk Center: Paving the Way to Normalcy After the Pandemic

The Falk Center at Einstein, often a respite from work for members of the campus community, went through pandemic pains with the rest of us during the various phases of COVID-19. Forced to shutter its doors in March 2020, center staff offered a gradual reopening of various programming beginning in September 2020 and has now returned to 100% capacity.

As the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, the Falk Recreation Center offers opportunities for pursuing fitness and a haven for normalcy after the pandemic

Throughout the challenges of the past three years, he, the center’s four other full-time staff, and 15 part-time volunteers worked tirelessly to offer options and opportunities for maintaining fitness and enhancing our outlooks while also adhering to strict health guidelines for keeping us all safe. “We’re thrilled that we’re now able to welcome Einstein community members who are eager to return to their normal workout routines and fitness activities,” said Andrew Adham, director of Falk.

Phases of a Pandemic

In September 2020, Falk initially reopened with reduced capacity and a redesigned workout space that followed COVID-19 safety standards. At that time, equipment was regularly disinfected, masks were mandatory, and proper spacing was enforced to prevent the spread of the virus. For those who were still hesitant to return to the gym, the staff created the Einstein Virtual Gym. This included virtual workouts led by favorite instructors, with recordings and specific exercise instruction sheets made available on our COVID-19 website. The center also offered a system for borrowing equipment for those wishing to create their own workouts.

Andrew Adham, director of the Falk Center

As of May 11, with the pronounced “end” to pandemic measures, Falk staffers are further supporting center members in returning to their usual workout routines. In addition to installing a new functional fitness area just off one end of the basketball court, members can choose from an expanded array of fitness classes led by skilled instructors. These include dance jams and Zumba Cardio blast, various forms of yoga, and options for working one’s core our strength conditioning.

The center also has run monthly promotions to help members and their friends and family members keep up with their fitness goals. For example, in May the center invited non-members to take part in several of these class offerings for free. And during June, members were encouraged to bring a friend for free to select group fitness classes offered in the morning or the afternoon.

Now, with summer at full force, the center is running its Refer a Friend program, throughout July. “If a current member refers a friend to sign up for a membership and the new member remains an active member through the month of August, the current member will receive a free membership for the month of September,” explained Kymberly Nolden, manager at Falk, who coordinates Falk’s fitness offerings.

When making a referral, one’s friend must be eligible for membership, which means they are Einstein, Montefiore, or Jacobi employees, or significant others or family members.

Kymberly Nolden oversees group fitness programs while Jake Kuhl makes sure team sports and use of facilities run smoothly

“We’re hoping that folks will see that membership has its privileges,” said Kymberly. “Whereas guests could take part in some classes last month, during July they can participate in all of our offerings, including those for members only.”

One such fitness class is an AquaFit class, set in the center’s swimming pool. “It’s great,” noted one participant. “You get aerobic and muscle-conditioning exercises along with some relaxed stretching, and you feel great.”

“Our team is open to any ideas that bring fun, effective workouts to our membership,” said Andrew.

Kymberly added, “We offer personal coaching in addition to the group classes. Our aim is to provide a variety of ways that folks can meet their fitness goals.”

A Gathering Place

Many Falk members are students and postdocs, making Falk Center a social place as well, particularly for international students and postdocs. While they may team up with other center members to take part in select sports, like hockey and pickleball, the center affords them an avenue for building community.

“Group fitness classes or personal training sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and meeting like-minded individuals,” observed Alessandro Valdez, a student from Brazil. “We come from different countries and have no families here, so the gym provides a place for us to meet new people and form connections through team sports or simply by interacting with other gym users. Falk Center is our home.”

“The gym is where we can meet new people and build connections,” agreed Geoffrey Terral, a postdoc from France who met and befriended Alessandro when the two played on the same volleyball team. “It also provides a way to release tension and maintain a good work-life balance. I feel more energized to work after my workout.”

Moving Forward

With the pandemic now behind us, Andrew said, “Falk Center would like to help our members move forward in returning to more normal activities and enjoying the benefits of recreational fitness.”

Added Jake Kuhl, assistant director of Falk, “Maintaining physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being, and it can be especially important after we come back from the pandemic. Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including strengthening the immune system, reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and promoting better sleep quality.”

The entire Falk staff welcomes both old and new members and is committed to helping our campus community be more healthy through regular exercise.

Posted on: Wednesday, July 05, 2023

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