By forcing gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, private studios Crossfit and all other physical fitness locations to be closed for such a long time it not only damages the companies but the communities they belong to. I feel gyms can reopen with a stricter protocol on how members enter the facility, how staff conducts their duties, cleaning and day to day operations that can meet ALL the CDC guidelines and exceed their expectations. Gyms can be equal or lower-risk businesses than the ones allowed to open earlier and the ones that are open. Places that see such high volume on a daily basis such as a Wal Mart, Home Depot, and markets pose a higher risk factor compared to a private club that not only can control who is allowed in their facility but the flow and process of all it's members.
A gym is more than just a place for fitness, but a sanctuary for so many people who are dealing with mental health issues, stressful work conditions, tough home lives and, the complex issues of this world. The gym is a second home to so many people in its community and allows them to get the relaxation and benefits of a healthier lifestyle all at the same time. For so many service-based companies that see such high volume, it can be hard to understand. For that member, that time in the gym and seeing friendly faces and knowing someone out there truly cares for them and their well-being might be the ONLY interaction that person has on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to the community to allow gyms to reopen and spread the good nature and healthy lifestyle of its industry.
All gyms' main focus is the safety of its members, and this is why we go to such great lengths to ensure each and every member and staff can be protected from the spread of COVID-19. Having controls is key to ensuring everyone's safety
1. Having entry control points that limit the traffic flow and time stamp all members entering
2.Limiting capacity to fit in reasonable degrees of space given
3. Having a non-contact temperature device to check all members and staff's temperature, entering and leaving the facility to lower risk,
4. Providing hand sanitation stations for members before and after gym use
5. Have available fresh clean/sanitized towels for each member to personal use to clean equipment and lower risk of spreading
6. Provide medical-grade cleaning chemicals that disinfect equipment repeatedly throughout the day and overnight cleanings
7. Provide masks and gloves
8. Space out equipment to meet social distancing guidelines
9. Limit class participation to meet social distance guidelines
10. Work with the local officials and state to constantly improve the process and prove it can work and be just as effective while being open to prove we can be a low-risk industry.
All gyms can take multiple steps to lower the risk and ensure safety to all its members and staff while providing a much-needed service that not only keeps its community physically in shape but mentally as well. So much goes into providing the best experience for members and their health is our top priorities and being grouped with casinos and night clubs, just doesn't seem fair especially when we have the ability to mitigate all the issues that some consider make gyms a high-risk.
Stand up with us and do what is right and allow small businesses such as gyms to have a fighting chance to reopen and get a fair shake in the reopening plans. With a little bit of education and actual insight, people will see what great lengths so many gyms take to stay clean and create a positive experience for each member.
