In this post, we shall discuss the specific safety protocols that gyms should follow after reopening from August 5th. This is as per my knowledge and research as a doctor and a gym owner.
Remember, in unlock 3.0 Govt. has allowed only gyms and yoga centers to open up in this Covid season. This is despite most other places of public gathering not being allowed.
There is a reason behind that… Gym makes you fit plus healthy and boosts immunity, (coupled with good diet, of course). Now tell me, how many fit persons have you seen succumb to this Corona storm?
This is the only way for us to fight the ever growing Corona scare. No specific medicines or treatment, few beds in hospitals and even fewer in ICUs… Vaccine is not coming to the mass population in the next month!
The only solution to the above problem is the gym or fitness center. It’s not possible for the urban population to workout in the hot weather or rains. That’s more ingrained on Western culture but not in our country’s urban population. You can just join the gym. Simple!
The risk : reward ratio in gym is much low.Being fat, unfit with lifestyle disorders can hospitalize or even kill you. And keep in mind, the way Corona is progressing, the future is bleak. Almost everybody is destined to get Covid infected at some point of time, in life.
Remember, a fit gym guy, hardly gets any symptom or complication, even after being infected by Covid infection. On following correct protocols, chance of infection is almost negligible.
I, being a doctor, gym owner and a frontline Corona warrior can offer the solution. I have done extensive study on this and assure you, the solution is easy.
Just make sure that your gym follow the following safety protocols and stay absolutely safe.
No mask, no entry to the gym. This is followed by almost all the business places and gyms should maintain the same.
All the trainers will wear masks, face shields/goggles and hand sanitizers. If they can avoid public transportation, that could be even better.
Spotting and touching members should be avoided by trainers. Follow no touch policy, as far as possible.
Temperature check of every member should be done by thermal gun, on entry. This may not be very accurate but can be used as a screening measure. Those having body temperature above 99.5°F should not be allowed to enter.
A cap should dbe done for the maximum no. of members in a gym in a singlee point of time. For a rough estimate, a maximum of the 10 members can be allowed in a 3000 sq.ft gym. Use this ratio for other capacities too.
Slot booking has to be ensured before workout from the front desk or office, to avoid crowding during the rush hours (more than a certain no. of members cannot be allowed at a single point of time). Otherwise the huge rush hour crowd will lead to disrupted social distancing.
Members need to maintain social distancing and avoid working out on adjacent stations or equipments. Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters, as mentioned before. (Remember, hyperventilation in a gym means more distance between members, double the normal rule of 1 meter)
Members have to carry their own towels and wipe the touch points after use. Use sanitizer spray on the touch points before wiping them. Tissue paper can be a great idea or use your own towel (Wearing a mask is advisable, but if that seems too tough during workout, proper precautionary measures have to be ensured).
Individual sanitizer bottles can be given to every member during workout, from the front desk. It should be returned before checking out. Using personalised hand sanitizer in an obsessed way can make a huge difference.
Sanitizer bottles should be kept on every floor/hall/corners for use of members and trainers. (Members can also carry their own sanitizer bottle)
Use of AC is discouraged as this increases virus exposure time and chance of cross infection. In split AC, the same air circulates all around the gym. It increases viral load and exposure time and hence, more chance of cross infection.
Group classes like Yoga, Zumba, crossfit etc. should be avoided until the situation improves.
Workouts should be considered within 45-50 minutes after which gtm staff will sanitize and disinfect all the touch points and vulnerable areas. Give the 10 to 15 minutes gap to the housekeeping. This is extremely important and can make a huge difference.
Full fumigation of gym can be done twice daily, on working days. This should include not only the vulnerable points but all around. Nowadays, fogging machines are cheaper and can bought at 1.5k to 3k bucks only.
Members should carry their own water bottles along with towels and gloves, as the most essential ingredients required in gym. Avoid common drinking stations, washrooms and changing rooms as early as possible. Even if if you have to use it, get off as early as possible after getting in.
Fast aid box and all the essential items for emergency, (like pulse oximeter, BP machine, thermometer, extra masks etc.) have to be readily available at front desk.
Training of all the staff for Covid safety protocols, have been done by a doctor or any trained health care worker. Acting fast in an emergency situation can be extremely important.
Members should avoid usage of gym mats for yoga, stretching or other floor exercise. They can carry their own mats for that. Gym floors being mostly rubberized, can be used for that.
We need cooperation from members regarding strict vigilance, that will be carried out by gym management :
Maintenance of physical distancing.
Completion of workout within 50 minutes to allow 10 minutes of disinfection.
Follow protocols of hand wash, sanitization, use of masks, carry personal towels and bottles.
Strict maintenance of time slots.
Don’t spend too much time in gym unnecessarily.
Avoid use of air conditioners.
P. S. – I am following all the above protocols for my gym. Are you going to apply the knowledge in your own life? Please comment and give other valuable inputs.
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