The fitness industry has been hit particularly hard with the COVID 19 pandemic. However, for gym owners there is light at the end of the tunnel. At RhinoFit, we are as excited as you are that the President has announced plans for re-opening America!
On Thursday, the president revealed the administration’s 18-page guidance document to re-open state economies with his three-phase reopening plan. According to these guidelines called “Opening Up America Again”, gyms can open in Phase One if they adhere to strict physical distancing and protocols. This is great news for the fitness industry!
In the guidelines, there are proposed state or region gating criteria that should be met before proceeding to phase one. In the article, it outlines that criteria as “a downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period” (flat or increasing volume of tests). It also states that social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided during phase 1 unless precautionary measures are observed.
As state and local officials begin to tailor these guidelines to local circumstances, gym owners should start planning on the best ways to re-open their gym.
Below are 5 suggested tips on how to keep your gym members protected as you begin to plan your reopening of your gym to the community.
1 Continue your Virtual Workouts & Training
There is no need to stop your virtual training sessions. If you have successful converted your gym to offer virtual training why not add that into your existing business model? If you have coaches that can teach the online classes it could be a great way to add additional revenue to your fitness program while providing a safeguard if the pandemic were to return.
2. Add One-on-One Training if possible
If you do not offer one-on-one personal training this would be a great time to add this into your fitness program. Give your clients the individual attention they need to meet their fitness goals while adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
3. Keep class sizes to a minimum
For phase one, it will be strongly recommended to keep classes to a maximum of 10 people. If you need to add additional time class times then you should do so. Once your local area gets to Phase 2 of the process you can then have groups of to up to 50 people in a particular area.
4. Keep a window time of 30 minutes in between classes
Give yourself enough time to properly sanitize designated workout areas and equipment. As an extra precaution, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer that is easily available and accessible for your members.
5. Designate age groups for classes to protect the at risk
To help protect the vulnerable and people at most risk, assign certain age groups for classes. This will help to lower the risk of any future spread of Covid-19 while keeping your members safe.
