Norms in place as gyms set to reopen

With the reopening, questions of safety measures and customers’ return plague the people in the industry

Nearly 3,000 big and small gymnasiums are likely to reopen on Sunday after the state government’s nod to allow its functioning seven months after the pan India lockdown was rolled out. However, with the reopening questions of safety measures and customers’ return plague the people in the industry.

From allowing limited members entry for a particular period to disinfection of equipment after every session are some measures which gym owners are implementing (HT PHOTO)

From allowing limited members entry for a particular period to disinfection of equipment after every session are some measures which gym owners are implementing. Pune Fitness Club Association president Nilesh Kale said, “Every equipment will be disinfected and limited members will be allowed in batches to prevent crowding. The reopening will save the industry from extinction and feed the families of the gym staff who have sustained the heaviest setback of their lives. We will follow all the restrictions and regulations of the government and ensure that norms like physical distancing, cleaning, use of sanitisers and masks are followed very strictly. The industry is facing issues related to loans, unemployment and closure and we urge the state government to provide financial assistance to this important segment of the society,” he said.

Nearly 3,000 families have been severely affected due to closure of the gyms with protests organised by different gym owners and organisations demanding their right to livelihood. Shivajinagar MLA Siddhartha Shirole had vociferously demanded reopening of the gyms on grounds that lack of exercise on a daily basis at gyms was lowering the immunity of the citizens and termed the restrictions as unfair. As many as 200 gyms have shut down in the city while hundreds of gyms are in debt and many trainers and supporting staff have lost jobs. According to industry insiders, the annual turnover of the industry was between Rs 800-1,000 crore and now they are facing huge losses running over Rs 500 crore.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) based on the guidelines from the Maharashtra government, issued detailed guidelines for the gyms cautioning them to take extreme precaution and safeguard citizens’ health.

Shambhuj Chauhan, who used to go to the gym regularly, said, “The gyms were closed for a long time and it led to loss in our fitness as we were forced to exercise at home. Fitness centres boost immunity and gyms are centres of health promotion and ensure that fitness is maintained.”

Gym enthusiast Pooja Sharma, said, “I have been practising yoga and other exercises at home due to the lockdown. Reopening of gyms will make me fitter than I was before and it is a welcome step. However, safety guidelines must be strictly followed.”

Daniel Dorabjee, owner of Danny’s gym at Royale Heritage Mall, said, “We are following the highest standards of sanitisation and disinfection at our gym and will ensure that the guidelines of the PMC and district administration are observed. Cleaning and disinfection of gymnasium equipment, particularly frequently touched surfaces like hand rails, benches, fixtures, will be done after each exercise session, before it is used by the next member. Rigorous floor cleaning shall be taken up between exercise sessions.”

Mandatory instructions:

- Members must maintain a minimum distance of six feet

-Use of face covers/masks is mandatory

- Practice frequent hand washing with soap

- Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed

- Self-monitoring of health

- Spitting should be strictly prohibited

- Installation and use of Aarogya Setu app is advised for all

Disinfection

- All areas within the premises shall be disinfected using clinically approved disinfectants.

-The areas to be disinfected include, but are not limited to, entrances to premises, building and rooms

-All open areas used by staff and visitors must be disinfected

-Washrooms and toilets must be disinfected

-Shoe baths (Members will be encouraged to carry separate workout shoes)

-All other frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, handles, among others)

- All equipment in gymnasiums

Planning and scheduling of activities

- Calculate the maximum capacity per session based on redesigned spaces. Accordingly schedule the session and inform members

- For group fitness rooms and classes: Staggering class session times and allowing a minimum of 15-30 minutes between classes to avoid overlap between members arriving and departure

- Offering group fitness classes online, wherever possible

- Restricting the number of persons allowed per group fitness class based on the size of the room and the nature of the fitness activity