So the Gyms and Fitness Facilities are reopening...
We knew it was going to happen. Eventually society needs to get back to action. Notice I didn't say "normal". Because, what is "normal" anymore really? These times have been nothing if not challenging and have included plenty of changes.
I am hearing a lot of information from both sides of the argument. People are concerned, worried, angry, bored, anxious (both of getting out AND of staying home any longer); you name the feeling & the people have felt it!
I just wanted to take a second to review what the Texas Governor has stated regarding gyms reopening. I will also let you know how I feel about the whole thing, but you'll have to read to the bottom for that...
First of all, what are the recommendations for the gyms and fitness facilities?
Here are some bullet points with a link to the full article below.
* Make sure all the employees and contractors know appropriate cleaning, disinfection, hygiene etiquette. I mean, you would think this is a given, but if we've learned nothing else during this pandemic it's that many people do NOT know these basic things, so the facilities need to make sure everyone that works there in any fashion is educated on this.
* Basic screening for employees and contractors. Measuring temperature is not required, but if they are not feeling well or have been around someone who is confirmed to have Covid-19 they cannot come to work. If they have been exposed to Covid-19 they must follow the regular 2 week quarantine protocol.
* Employees and contractors must wash hands upon entering the facility as well as maintain 6 ft. distancing while in the facility.
* It suggests that facilities should encourage employees & contractors to wear masks as well.
* Patrons should have space allowed to be able to work out 6 ft. apart - this may mean moving equipment &/or planning stations appropriately.
* Regularly & frequently disinfect frequently touched items & surfaces or anything that comes into contact with the customers.
* Provide readily available products for patrons to both be able to clean their own equipment as well as hand washing and sanitizing stations for their hands.
* Provide visible signage for patrons to be reminded of best hygiene practices.
So basically, keep the place really clean (which should happen all the time anyways) and help people remember to be clean and stay 6 ft. apart. Seems pretty simple right?
Read the full article HERE
There are also a set of guidelines set forth for the Patrons of gyms and fitness facilities.
MUCH of the responsibility is on the individual choosing to use a gym or fitness facility.
* Maintain at least 6 ft. from others not within the same household.
* Self screen. If you are not well you should not be working out. Ever.
* Disinfect equipment before and after use.
* Wash or disinfect hands upon entering the facility and after any interaction with others or item in the fitness facility.
* Wear gloves that fully cover the hand from wrist to finger tips.
* If you bring your own equipment it should be disinfected before bringing it into the facility and after use.
* Consider wearing a cloth mask.
Read the full article HERE
NOTE: * Those 65 and over are encouraged to stay home as much as possible as they are at higher risk. This is not just for gyms and fitness facilities; it is for everything.
I didn't go into complete detail as some of the rules may not apply to many, if at all (I mean, my facility doesn't provide me meals. So there's that.) But as you can see, the volume of rules are pretty equitable for both facilities AND the patrons. This sends a pretty clear message that the responsibility is on BOTH parties to maintain a healthy environment, and quite honestly, it's always been that way.
I can speak for myself as a gym patron; I am really good about wiping down after I use equipment, but before this - I hardly ever wiped down before. I will be better about that now.
I can speak for myself as a Trainer; I rarely enforced or even recommended people wipe down their equipment. I will be better about that now.
I will be wearing a mask while I am training others. As this is not enforced I cannot ensure my clients that everyone will be doing the same. Please remember that my wearing a mask is NOT to protect myself but to protect others.
If you are not comfortable returning to the gym that is OK. You can maintain your fitness and not go to the gym; the gym just makes it easier. The gym removes distraction and puts you in a focused environment where if you were doing anything besides working out it would look strange. For many, if they try to workout at home but they get distracted and start to clean house or cook or read or work on the computer - well, all those things and more are acceptable at home. Especially these days, with everyone working and schooling and just staying home, there is a lot of distraction at home. There's nothing forcing you to focus on your fitness at home. But it CAN be done ~ you just have to be diligent.
I always have options for online and virtual training. You can find those options HERE.
Do not feel like you have to return if you aren't ready.
If you are choosing to return please know that we, the fitness professionals, are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Here is what I do know. This virus is here, we are in this for the duration, until there is a vaccine or herd immunity, this is the nature of any virus. This virus affects different people in different ways, this virus is NOT fair. I will not judge you based on what you are comfortable with because of this; we really are in the same storm, but not the same boat.
I really just want you to be as healthy as you are able to be; this way, if you do get sick (with anything, not just this virus that's on our minds right now) you are better prepared physically to fight the illness! I am here to help how I can!
Yours, In Health!
Michelle
MPeacockCPT94@gmail.com
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