Virgin Active has provided members with a look at what gym will be like when facilities eventually reopen amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
While there is no date set for when gyms will finally reopen, Virgin Active says it is working closely with the government to re-open clubs in a safe and sustainable basis as soon as possible. Announcements regarding developments will be made in due course.
New-look gym experience
Until then, Virgin Active has shared some of processes and procedures it will implement to ensure a safe return to gym-based training and an environment where members feel safe.
Member safety remains the chain’s top priority. To this end, new measures will include:
- Daily health screenings for staff and members on entry.
- Online booking systems and contactless club access.
- Continual monitoring of club capacity.
- Increasing fresh air filtration in clubs to 6-minute intervals.
- Improved social distancing measures in group class environments and between exercise equipment.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers, sterilisation and hand washing facilities throughout the gym.
- The use of hospital-grade cleaning products and protocols.
- Increased cleaning frequency from hygiene teams.
Guided floor markings in what Virgin Active calls ‘GRID lines’ will maintain social distancing as members move around the gym and create safe training spaces. GRID lines will also appear in the change rooms and in the studios take the guessing game out of social distancing.
No towels allowed
A gym towel can spread the virus from surface to surface, so members will need to bring a single-use disposable wipe or use the paper towel provided on the training floor to wipe down equipment before and after use.
There will also be clearly marked ‘weight drop-off zones’ where members should take their free weights to be sanitised after they’ve finished their set or training session.
The club’s health and hygiene crew will sanitise and disinfect the equipment throughout the day.
New change room etiquette
Virgin Active is also requesting that members arrive dressed and ready to train if possible as this will reduce potential contact in the locker rooms.
Based on government guidelines, signs will be posted indicating restrictions for the water fountains, steam rooms and saunas.
Mask up to train
All staff will wear masks and members entering the public facility will also be required to based on the government’s updated guidelines. Virgin Active will have training masks available for sale once gyms reopen.
And all sit-down service will remain closed, but members can use the Kauai app to conveniently order healthy post-workout takeaway meals.
Ultimately, exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting Covid-19, which is why Virgin Active is working hard to offer a safe environment where members can exercise with confidence.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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