Returning to the gym: what to expect

By the end of July, all of Ontario is expected to have moved into Phase 3 of the province’s reopening frame work, which includes outdoor gatherings over 100 people, indoor gatherings of 50 people and the reopening of gyms. The health and wellness industry has taken a serious hit during COVID-19, and with gyms preparing to reopen as part of Phase 3, many Canadians are reluctant to return. Jennifer Lau is a Nike trainer, runner and co-owner of Fit Squad training in Toronto, and she walks through the new normal of gyms and how she’s confident she’ll be able to keep her clients safe. 

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What they’re doing right now

Lau explains that Fit Squad has been running outdoor classes with one instructor and nine participants. Outside of those classes, they’re providing virtual training as well. Lau says it’s a good way to engage with the community, but they’re nowhere near making enough money from this model to cover rent.

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When we move to Phase 3

Moving to Phase 3 will be crucial for the health and wellness industry. Lau says they’ve made many changes to keep their clients safe and to follow government guidelines as they move forward. “We’ve removed all of the high-touch surfaces in the gym. For example, the iPads clients use to check in on are gone and we’ll now ask check-in to be completed before arrival. There’s a self-screen [for COVID-19 symptoms] at the door, decals on the floor to outline the six feet of required distance between clients and we also ask that people don’t arrive any more than five minutes early.”

Lau also adds that the showers will remain closed for now and there will be no towel service, but lockers and change rooms are open.

Fit Squad has also created what they call training pods. Each pod will only be used by the client and their instructor (who will be wearing a mask, although clients are not expected to) and sanitized after each use. These pods will ensure that no two people are touching the same equipment and ensure social distancing is enforced while at the gym. 

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The gym will also be using a new NanSeptic self-cleaning material on high-touch areas like door handles. Lau explains that this material uses crystals to create an oxidization reaction, which is continuously self-cleaning. 

What they expect from their clients 

Lau asks that clients leave their outdoor shoes at the door, use hand sanitizer and to stay home if they feel sick. “We have a 24-hour cancellation policy, but that’s to respect our trainers’ time. If you wake up on the morning of your session feeling sick, please stay home. You won’t be charged.”