While there is no confirmed date yet when gyms will reopen, once they do the workout experience will be vastly different from what we’re used to.
Many gyms expect that facilities will be busy due to the pent-up demand due to lockdown, with members eager to access the weights and other specialised equipment after weeks and months spend doing basic bodyweight and make-shift resistance exercises at home.
Not all at once
Given the potential demand, many gym chains will likely adopt a phased reopening approach. This could include opening a few gyms initially to test and perfect their model, and extend operations as these measures prove successful.
Those that open will likely offer limited access to specific sections at first and will open up more areas periodically when they can ensure a safe environment for all members.
Gyms may also introduce restricted usage policies, or remove benches and machines to maintain a minimum distance between gym members while they train.
Areas where social distancing is easiest to implement, like the weights and cardio areas, will likely open first. Expect group training to follow in later phases and with limited capacity in aerobics and spinning classes at first.
Gyms could also limit entrance during peak times, or allocate days when specific groups of members can train.
Mind your gap
Strict social distancing inside the gym will remain in force for some time, at least until a vaccine becomes available.
Markers at the entrance, or where queues tend to form for machines will become a common sight on gym floors.
Members may also be required to wear masks while inside the gym to help limit the possible transmission of the virus via droplets. Don’t expect that you’ll be granted access without a mask.
These social distancing measures will also extend into the studios and change rooms. Saunas or steam rooms may be off limits for some time.
Strict hygiene measures
Hygiene measures will remain stringent, with hand sanitizer on the floor mandatory and regular hand washing before and after training sessions a likely requirement.
Many gyms already made disinfectant spray and paper towels available to wipe down equipment before and after use, which will now become mandatory for all members.
Gyms will also have cleaning crews who disinfect equipment periodically throughout the day and before and after operating hours. As a consequence, gyms may open later and close earlier or periodically throughout the day.
Additional measures to avoid person-to-person contact could include card self-scanning for members on entry.
Back to normal
Gym life will likely only return to normal once lockdown measures are lifted and the country has the pandemic until control or completely eradicated. Estimations suggest that this could take 1-2 years to achieve.
So prepare yourself to endure and accept this new normal for some time. The ultimate success of these measures will largely hinge on compliance from members. It will be worth it, though, because some gym is better than no gym.
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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