Reopening your gym after the COVID-19 closures might take even more thought than when you originally opened your gym. This is new territory, and there’s not just one expert book you can read to tell you how to do everything.
We’re trying to provide some answers to help you navigate these uncharted waters. Today’s post is all about finding the right way to manage your facilities for reopening.
Safety, efficiency, cost, and member experience are all factors to consider. Let’s dive in and look at some ideas you can implement into your reopening plans.
Socially-Distanced Gym Layouts
Reorganizing your gym to comply with social distance guidelines doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems, but it will take some creativity and work. You basically need to allow members to use your equipment while not being disturbed by other members in close proximity.
This has as much to do with perception as it does with physical placement. Take the time to really view the workout space from the eyes of your clients. Will they feel safe? Have you made sincere efforts in making adjustments?
Keep in mind that the six foot rule might have to be extended to allow for transition around the equipment. Using floor tape to mark boundaries is a great way to make sure people feel safe and that they know the expectations.
Alternating machines and stations might mean removing some equipment or simply “roping off” machines. The roping off technique might be beneficial to cleaning schedules, as you can open up the alternate machines with every group.
Use every bit of your available floor space. You may have to eliminate certain exercises or programs for the time-being, but this is a better solution than cramming members in unsafely.
Managing Capacity
Grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail establishments have begun limiting the number of customers allowed in the building at any given time. This is a good, healthy practice for all businesses during a time of potential disease spread.
In a gym, the priority is obviously to keep people spread apart as far as possible. Fewer members using your gym allows for greater spacing. We are used to thinking in terms of utilization (and trying to get that as high as possible). Now, we have to think in terms of capacity efficiency.
When clients come whenever they want, it makes it difficult for you to control the newly minimized capacity. For the next few months you may have to provide a time where cohorts of your gym membership can come and work out. Assign time slots when clients can use the gym, and encourage them to only come during designated times. It is a slight variation to the freedom they are accustomed to, but many gym members come at the same time every day, anyway. Reassure them that this is only temporary, and that it is the only way to safely work out in your facility.
One thing that will help manage capacity is to create programming that keeps members on a fairly strict time schedule. That way, they can be done in time for a new person to take their place. Minimizing overlap is a great way to keep numbers down.
It’s also important to remain efficient during the transfer times. Safely queue up your clients for their time slot (so they’re ready to go right when the prior shift leaves). You could even have them wait in their vehicle for the “all clear” text when it’s time.
Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning
Now is the time for rigorous cleaning protocols in your gym. You need to train your staff on how to properly clean equipment. You may even want to train your members on proper safety cleaning measures they should take when leaving or entering a station.
As you implement these new cleaning protocols, be sure to communicate this to your clients. You should routinely provide videos of you and your staff cleaning the gym. This will put their minds at ease and hold you accountable for correct cleaning procedures.
Provide appropriate cleaning stations throughout the gym to allow your members to feel comfortable. If they see you and your staff making cleanliness a priority, they will feel safe working out in your facility.
HVAC Considerations
This is a moving target, and recommendations are changing as we learn more. The main point is that infection can indeed spread through our HVAC systems, and that measures should be taken to prevent the spread.
Speak with a trusted contractor or your landlord about your air system, and see what they recommend to keep your gym safe. Take the time to air out your facility as often as possible to avoid contamination.
Next Steps
Each gym is unique, and your methods of facility management will be slightly different than your neighbors. As you keep these simple ideas in mind, think of how you can provide a safe place where your clients will WANT to come work out.
Let us know what ideas you come up with! We’d love to hear how things look from your end.
To get more ideas about the reopening process, visit our special Post COVID-19 Reopening Page. You can find webinars and other tools to help you through the process.
Best of luck in making your gym the best it can be for your clients.