Fitness amid COVID-19: How gyms prepare once ops ban lifted

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. In the country, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases listed fitness clubs and centers as those that would remain close even during general community quarantine (GCQ) because of a high probability to transmit the virus in gyms as people share equipment. Evolution Wellness Philippines, 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.