For the past few days, the fitness industry has been swarmed by calls to reopen gyms and fitness centers in Malaysia. Headed by a group of frustrated gym owners, the social media posts and the call for petition towards the Ministry of Youth and Sports reflects the real struggle the industry is facing.
Most of the gym owners and industry players have kept their doors shut since March 2020 and the costs are burning through their pockets by paying rents, utilities, and wages.
While many might argue that public safety should be prioritized, industries such as retail, manufacturing, and other sectors continue to operate without a hurdle. So, to truly understand the people’s will, we have conducted a simple Q&A on our Nutrition Pro’s InstaStory.
Based on the quick survey, 602 have voted for the reopening of gyms while 169 were against it.
So, if the ministry were to reopen local gyms (which we are in support of the action), what are the standard operating procedures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19? What are the contingency plans if a member has been contracted with the virus? And are we really ready to reopen beyond the dollars and cents?
Let’s address the issues one at a time. According to Times of India, there are seven (7) rules to keep the members safe at the gym during the pandemic.
1) Ensure that the members arrive and leave at the allotted time
To avoid rushing through the gym door at the last minute (and running into people) make sure that the members show up to their sessions at the allotted time and do not hover at the entrance.
2) Carry their own water bottle and other supplies
No more reaching out to disposable cups at the watercooler at the gym. Instead, have them bring their own water bottle. Lockers and changing rooms should be closed. They may also need to carry their own yoga mat for stretching.
3) Sanitise, sanitize, and sanitize
Sanitize as often as possible. Sanitization of the equipment should not only be the gym’s responsibility as the transmission can happen any time. Provide each member with a sanitation kit (or they can bring their own) and have them sanitize before and after each use to ensure maximum hygiene.
4) Wear gym gloves and arm sweatbands while working out
This will ensure two things. One, they do not pick up germs and bacteria from the workout equipment and it also prevents them from accidentally touching their faces. They can also consider wearing arm sweatbands to stop the sweat from trickling down their faces.
5) Do not show up if unwell
Refrain the members from showing up if they are not feeling well just to keep the others safs. Get in touch with a nearby healthcare provider as a standby option.
6) Practise social distancing
The golden rule is to always practice social distancing as COVID-19 is highly spreadable. Ensure that all members comply with the rules or have them penalized.
7) Have them remove their mask only when they are working out
Masks should be worn at all times and can only be removed when they are working out. This will help to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus in between their routine.
While we have covered some of the basic procedures that the members should adhere to, it is still important that every gym owner or manager prepares for the worst. This can include but not limited to the preparation of standard responses to avoid any unwanted waste of time should any cases arise.
Keeping society safe is also a part of our responsibility. It is time to put the ‘tidak apa’ or ‘wait and see’ attitude away and prepare a proper contingency plan to persuade the ministry and the public that we are ready for the reopening.