Gym-goers rejoiced as the province announced that fitness facilities, which are a part of phase three, would be once again open to the public as of Monday, June 8, although, it will not be business as per normal.

Angela Cullen, owner of Anytime Fitness in Kindersley, shared that as a gym, their cleaning practices were already quite stringent, however, they are upping the ante’ as they prepare to reopen on Monday.

“We’ve always had biodegradable medical grade cleaning wipes that people would use when they are done with the equipment. Now, of course we have the self-screening which is mandatory, then there is the Purell that they need to sanitize their hands with, and now each member will have their own spray bottle and we’ve spaced out our equipment accordingly to fall within the physical distancing guidelines,” said Cullen.

Cullen also stated that although not mandatory to wear, they will have masks available for members if they would like to wear one while in the facility.

The provincial government has released the guidelines for fitness facilities, which addresses staffing and cleaning protocols, along with hours of operation and number of people that are permitted in the facility at one time.

Gyms, such as Anytime Fitness, who – pre-covid – were open for 24 hours a day, will have to scale back the hours of operation so that there is always one staff member present. For Cullen, this means they will be moving to a reduced schedule, but one that should still allow members sufficient access.

“We will be doing 5:30 in the morning until 8:00 at night Monday through Thursday and then closing at 6:00 on Fridays. Saturdays we will be open from 10:00 until 3:00 and then we have had to make the decision to close on Sundays – it’s not what we are used to but – I do hope the hours still allows everyone to get in their workouts.”

As far as how many people can work out at the same time, no definitive answer has been given on this question. The government outlined:

The number of patrons allowed into the facility at one time should be limited to:
• Ensure there is sufficient space to allow patrons to remain two metres apart;
• Prevent congregating; and
• Allow staff time to clean and disinfect equipment and other surfaces frequently.

Cullen said they will be monitoring the number of people who are in the gym but has kept the number 15 in mind for likely a suitable number of people working out at once.

Other notable provisions included in the government’s guidelines include:
• group classes with no more than 10 people and must follow the social distancing rules of being two metres apart
• drinking fountains must be closed, however water bottle filling stations are permitted
• shower and locker rooms will remain closed, with the exception of washrooms
• Personal Training is permitted, with two metres of physical distancing being observed whenever possible. If the trainer cannot maintain physical distancing, a surgical/procedural mask should be worn.
• Equipment should not be shared or used simultaneously (super-sets)

Even with the new provisions in place, many are excited to get back to their routine, or start a new one, as physical activity can go a long way in aiding ones physical, mental and immune health – aspects that are all vital to ones health and well being.