Fitness amid Covid-19: How gyms prepare once ops ban lifted
(Source: Pixabay)
One of the most affected businesses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic are fitness clubs and centers, as government measures like lockdown and community quarantine do not allow these facilities to operate.
The operator of 12 Fitness First and two Celebrity Fitness clubs in the country, has prepared safety measures and a business operation plan to adapt to the new normal once gyms are allowed to open.
Among the new measures of the gym operator include:
-contactless check-in for members;
-encouraging members to bring their own water tumblers, yoga mats and hammocks, boxing gloves, towels, and workout apparel for hygiene purposes;
-isolating of some fitness equipment to observe social distancing guidelines
-online booking of slots for gym floor access and group fitness classes to ensure that social distancing is observed;
-‘No Contact’ policy during personal training sessions; and
-Members’ Health Declaration Form to be sent on a regular basis.
“In the early days of the virus, Evolution Wellness Philippines has proactively put preventive measures in place to ensure our members, guests and staff are safe inside all our Fitness First and Celebrity Fitness clubs,” the company said in an e-mail to the Philippine News Agency Friday.
These measures include mandatory temperature check, increasing frequency of cleaning and wipe down of all equipment, and education of its staff and members on cleanliness and good personal hygiene, among others.
Exercise more important now than ever
The company reiterated the need to be physically active to boost the immune system, which is the best defense against the virus. Exercising also supports an individual’s mental health now that people feel more anxious because of the pandemic and restriction during the quarantine period.
But aside from providing equipment and a place to train, the company said it is their role to educate and encourage people to start or continue setting healthy habits.
Even without access to the gym, fitness club members should stay committed exercising so as not to lose their gains when they were visiting the fitness center and attending group classes, the company said.
To guide its members for their physical activities at home, Fitness First and Celebrity Fitness offer online classes during the enhanced community quarantine period (ECQ).
Impact on business
The Evolution Wellness Group has 6,000 employees across 175 locations in Asia.
“We are committed to providing our employees with as much support as we can, for as long as we can, during this difficult time. During the ECQ where all our clubs are closed, all full-time employees received financial assistance,” the firm said.
It also said its senior executive team has volunteered a salary deduction for the next months to meet the commitments to staff at lower levels.
For detailed information, please visit the Philippines News Agency
