You are already looking forward to reopening your gym post-coronavirus. You have taken the necessary steps to ensure your facility is safe. You have everything mapped out. You already have a system in place to track members coming in and out, limiting members to the required numbers, and even incorporate home-based training.
Despite having all the checks and balances in place, the biggest challenge post-pandemic for gym owners will be following social distancing measures.
In this article, we’ll try and provide ways gym owners can practice social distancing and make their facilities extra safe for staff and members.
Before we get started, it is important to know that nobody really knows when the pandemic will fully be eradicated. Scientists believe it would take up to 12-18 months for a vaccine to be created. So, it is important to ensure facilities are fortified to ensure all-round safety.
So how do gyms practice social distancing?
Comprehensive training for employee
Before you reopen your doors, ensure you carry out comprehensive safety training for your employees. Teach them about social distancing measures, government safety protocols, and so on. You can create various guides and directories to aid their learning process.
No visitors allowed
In the past, employees and sometimes members might have allowed friends and family to accompany them to the gym. But in this era of social distancing, having them around would be counterproductive. Instruct employees and members to limit the number of visitors. This will reduce the chances of exceeding your limit.
Create a cleaning strategy
Cleanliness is a must at this moment. It s important to clean the site and equipment as often as possible. Ensure surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.
Provide hand sanitizers and soaps at entering points of your gym. Also, advise clients to come with their personal hand sanitizers and other cleaning materials.
At the initial stage of reopening, it is advisable to encourage members to bring their towels, mats, and drinks. This will help curb the spread of the virus by limiting the number of objects that are used members.
Create more space
The easiest way to make people adhere to social distancing is to give them the necessary room to carry out their workout. You might need to reduce the number of machines/equipment or reduce the number of users at a time.
The instructor can remind the class beforehand of the need to practice social distancing. Gym owners can post reminders on their social media handles, as well as send members personalized messages.
With these guidelines, you can be sure of having a safe gym for you, your staff, and members. Social distancing rules are easy to follow, especially when you are prepped.
