They are opening up with new pandemic measures in place, but these may not be enough.
The pandemic is not yet over, and COVID-19 is still circulating in populations worldwide. Sometimes we need a reminder that there still is no cure, and that it can be difficult to know who will be hit the hardest. The elderly and those with underlying conditions are known to be easy targets for the novel coronavirus. Sometimes seemingly healthy people also fall terribly sick, however. So, is it really safe to go back to the gym and work out in one big room with a bunch of sweaty people you don’t really know, who are breathing heavily, wiping their face, and picking up the next barbell? Yes and no.
In some places, gyms may likely open their doors as usual and hope for the best. Many others are taking precautions, in order to keep staff and gym patrons as safe as possible. In Canada, Brickhouse Gym, a company with two locations in Winnipeg, told CTVNews that it was reopening but with a new process in place. This is true for larger chains as well, such as GoodLife, which has hundreds of locations throughout Canada and the US. Pandemic protocols can vary from place to place.
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Those seeking a good workout to mark their day can expect some general changes across the board. Some gyms are now booking visits in advance, to limit the number of people present inside at once. For some, this means you can only book a same-day workout, or a slot one day in advance. Larger chains like GoodLife are said to be booking about a week in advance, with the possibility of drop-in visits, if space is available. Time slots are spaced out during the day to allow for cleaning between workout blocks.
Patrons can also expect to see more disinfectant spray, and in some gyms, attendants will be placed around the building to ensure that people are using it. Some equipment will no longer be available and other types will be more readily available, such as dumbbells. (The idea is that fewer people will use the same set over and over). Gym-goers can also expect to see change rooms closed and showers unavailable, for the time being. Presumably the same goes for saunas, and possibly racket courts.
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Additional signage reminding participants about what they should and should not be doing will be seen in some locations. Group fitness classes will be smaller and in some cases, online. And of course, many gyms will be operating at a reduced capacity of about 50% to ensure social distancing can happen.
With all these measures taken into consideration though, is going to the gym going to be a safe thing to do? These days, no one can guarantee your physical health. It is known that COVID-19 is likely airborne. It can travel across rooms and stay in enclosed environments, like gyms, for hours. History has also shown us that humanity is far from perfect. Some will forget to use the spray. And there are a lot of unknowns. People infected with the coronavirus can be asymptomatic, carry it to the gym without knowing it, transfer it to equipment or simply breathe it into the air, and pass it on.
If you are desperate to return to the refuge of the gym, go for it. If not, you may want to think twice and stick to exercising outdoors and online.
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