by Sofia Moreau

As gyms swing their doors open once more, we find ourselves filled with both anticipation and apprehension. To give us a sneak peek into the “new normal” of gym life, we’ve tapped into executives from major fitness chains to reveal their safety strategies as they welcome back their members.

This new breed of gym layouts and practices, set to rollout on July 25th, has one goal – to keep you healthy. Expect smaller group classes, shortened workout routines adhering to social distancing, rigorous sanitization protocols, and advisories against utilizing shared facilities like showers and changing rooms. So, let’s delve into the blueprint of this new gym design.

Safety Sans Compromise

The guiding force behind the reopening strategy is an amalgamation of advice from government agencies, health organizations, and in-house infection control teams. Temperatures will be taken at the entries, class sizes will largely scale down, and strategically placed markers will ensure social distancing. In order to allot time for disinfection, each workout session is to be shortened.

Swimming with the Changes

Swimming areas are also coming under the modification umbrella, with lane swimming being the only permitted method and reducing the crowd in common areas. These commands need to be followed while using saunas, spas, and cafes will remain temporarily closed.

A Different Vibe

You must accept this new normal with optimism. Your gym may require you to come clad in your workout gear, carrying water bottles, and follow a prior online booking system. Shower facilities will be exclusively for the swimmers, as the number would be limited.

Navigating Through the Changes

Signs will be placed around the gym aiding you in maintaining safe distance, and one-way traffic is being implemented wherever possible.

Number’s Game

To avoid overcrowding, a strict count will be maintained. One-way passages will ease this process. An innovative booking system will manage occupancy levels and gym sessions have been reduced to 50-minute slots, leaving 10 minutes for cleaning at the end.

Cleanliness Above All Else

Cleaning and sanitization will see a significant increase. Advanced cleaning technology will find a place in gyms and hygiene stations will be scattered, with cleaning staff regularly circulating to ensure user cleanliness.

A Digital Assist

If you’re not ready to go back, don’t fret! Fitness platforms with specialized workouts led by professionals are being offered by gyms with membership freezes for those apprehensive about returning.

A Leap into Space

Bigger gyms have the luxury of space on their side, allowing wider gaps between each equipment. Most exercise classes will be functional but with reduced participation and size reduction. Extra classes will be added to accommodate this change.

Mask On, or Mask Off?

While all bubbles will burst if a member or staff turn positive, gyms are not making mask-wearing compulsory. Instead, they are focusing on creating a safe environment with distance maintenance. On the other hand, staff members involved in risky tasks like cleaning or temperature taking are asked to wear personal protective gear.

Small is Safe

Smaller fitness studios, known for their personalized touch, are all set to open too, with minimized class sizes and encouraged Gyme-Ready changes. Extra time will be provided for cleaning and places managing distancing will be released with closed showers and changing rooms.

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