After more than four months of hiatus, fitness enthusiasts can finally go back to their gyms. Though the notification on July 29 directs people above 65 years and with co-morbidities, children below 10 years, and pregnant women to stay away from gyms, but others can work out maintaining six-foot distance and using face cover.
“We welcome back our members with all the required precautions and safety measures. Each member will be allotted a 90-minute slot (which includes both entry and exit) and there will be 20 members per slot. Members will have to book their slots in advance at the front desk or by calling the studio. These are tough times and we want to give our best to the members who have so much faith in us,” said Ritu Agarwal, CEO of Rush Fitness Clubs. “We have divided the floor into eight different segments with colourful tape. I have given everyone 144sq ft to work out. We have got an app and members can book their slots through that,” said Ranadeep Moitra of Endorphins.
Though the gymnasium and yoga centres were allowed to open from August 5, some need more time. Like Zest Fitness Studio will open in mid-August and Rush Fitness on August 17. Kick Fitness, Rave Fitness Studio and Endorphins are among the ones who are already back in action. “We are taking a few days to get everything in line with the government stipulations after four long months. All our branches will be in operation by middle of August,” said Vinit Baptist, owner of Zest Fitness Studio.
The Telegraph delves further into the safety precautions and other changes you can expect at your gym...
Following SOPs
Gyms are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected multiple times with WHO recommended disinfectants. “We have procured all necessary machines to sanitise before and after each session effectively. A dedicated section has been created to keep all the used movable equipment for sanitisation,” said Saurav Arora of Rave Fitness Studio. Thermal scanner, pulse oximeter and hand sanitiser are being kept at the entrance to identify symptomatic clients. “We will check the thermal temperature and oxygen saturation level (using an oximeter) of every member and staff at the time of entry. We have also kept hands-free sanitiser station at the entry,” said Ritu, who is promoting card-based payment at Rush Fitness.
Fitness classes that used to happen in groups have been stopped in all the gyms. “We have temporarily discontinued group classes where standard social distancing norms cannot be maintained. We will minimise HIIT or crossfit type sessions, which lead to heavy expirations and more respiratory droplets,” said Vinit.
For air-conditioning and ventilation too, gyms are abiding by the guidelines. “We are following the guidelines, which emphasises that the room temperature should be in the range of 24-30 degree Celsius, and relative humidity between 40-70 per cent. Intake of fresh air should be as high as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate,” added Ritu.
Kick Fitness Sourced by the Telegraph
Safety protocols for clients to abide by
Members have been asked to carry their own towels, water bottles, and workout mats to the gym. “We will not allow outside shoes. Members are requested to carry their own water bottles or can avail sealed drinking water that is available at gym,” said Akhilesh Jayaswal of Kick Gym.
Respiratory etiquettes and washing of hands are to be strictly followed, apart from using hand sanitiser. “Respiratory etiquettes involve covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing with a tissue and disposing off used tissues properly. One should practise washing hand with soap properly even when hands are not visibly dirty,” said Ritu.
While some gyms are asking members to download Arogya Setu app, others are getting a form signed by members, which states that they are not suffering from Covid-19 or have not come in contact with anyone who is affected. “In order to ensure no transmission, all clients are signing a disclaimer and agreeing to not visit the gym if one feels unwell,” added Saurav.
“Use of face mask is compulsory at all time within the premises. However, during yoga and workout, only a visor can be used. Use of mask, especially the N-95 masks during exercise, may cause difficulty in breathing,” said Ritu.
Instilling confidence in members
Gym owners leave no stone unturned to win the confidence of their members. “Rave Fitness Studio has always been known to be a clean and hygienic place to work out. That stands even truer now as we have spared no expense to keep the place clean and disinfected,” said Saurav. Vinit believes that fitness centres are a place where people not only come for weight loss but also to improve overall health and that is surely the need of the hour.
“Our physiotherapy section was open and many people were coming in the last one-and-a-half month and they have realised it is a safe environment,” said Ranadeep.
Rush Fitness Club Sourced by the Telegraph
Workout plan to get them back to routine
It will not be too tough a task to get back in shape is what the gym owners are promising. They have trainers ready to guide you. “Certain breathing exercises and immunity boost consultation are to be provided along with the workout plan,” said Akhilesh. Members of Rave Fitness had continued online workouts during the lockdown period. Saurav feels it won’t be too difficult to get back their fitness levels. “We always recommend basic exercise movements and at least 30 to 45 minutes of activity daily for everyone for better health,” said Saurav.
Fitness talk
“Last four months what I have realised is I can do away with the gym. I have started home workout and cycling. I got into fitness in the last five months. During the lockdown, the cycling bug has bit me. I have bought all the gears and at least five days I am cycling 30km. The lockdown has completely changed my lifestyle. I have become a morning person,” said actor Anindya Chatterjee.
“Since I could not go to the gym due to the lockdown, I took up cycling. Though I am waiting for my gym, Rush Fitness Club, to open eagerly, I don’t know when I will go back because one has to get a slot and abide by a lot of rules. Devlina (Kumar) and I have worked out with the little weights that we have like kettlebells, and plyo boxes… basically high-intensity workout. When you work out at home, there is not much motivation because there are no people around you so I have missed my gym during the lockdown. I will cycle some days and hit the gym other days,” said Tolly star Gaurab Chatterjee.
“The entire lockdown period I have spent doubling my workouts at home. I went and bought more of workout equipment so that I can work out at home. Nowadays there are a lot of workout videos available. I will not take the risk of going to a gym and also the dos and don’ts are difficult to follow. You have a limited time in gyms now and I work out for one-and-a-half hours,” said film-maker Satrajit Sen.
“I have been cycling 20km every day. I have a small gym set-up in my building and I have been training there throughout the lockdown, but I was looking forward to the gyms reopening. I work out at Rush Fitness Club and they are opening on August 17. I feel it is high time they reopen because everything has opened and we need to be fit to combat any disease,” said actor Shaheb Bhattacherjee.
