Following the coronavirus pandemic, several L.A. gyms have reopened with shower curtains and other changes. But will it be enough to save the industry? This article looks at the rules for disinfecting and social distancing, as well as modifications made to the facilities. It’s a start, but how much can these changes really affect your gym?
Individual workout pods
Gyms across California are trying to avoid the negative connotations of sanitized locker rooms and showers by installing shower curtains in individual workout pods. The move follows a COVID-19 Industry Guidance aimed at the fitness industry, outlining best practices in social distancing and sanitization. As a result, pods have a limited capacity of nine people per pod and shower curtains are mandatory. Individual workout pods must also be cleaned and sanitized after every use.
Gym owners in Los Angeles have tried to avoid the social ramifications of shower curtains by installing prefabricated glass containers that cost around $10,000. Instead, they have chosen to install shower curtains and PVC pipe, following the idea of other businesses using plexiglass. One of the fitness centers, COVID-19, conducted cardio and high-intensity interval training classes. They also included self-pushing treadmills and other gym equipment.
While some gyms were prepared to reopen without shower curtains, others weren’t. LA Fitness and Orangetheory Fitness closed their doors during the outbreak. Some gyms opened on Monday, June 12, after a three-month closure. Other gyms, such as Inspire in Redondo, expanded before the pandemic hit. However, while gyms reopened, many classes were run over Zoom. The Redondo gym has been running classes over Zoom during the Safer-at-Home order period.
The new guidelines require gyms to reduce capacity to a half-full capacity to allow for social distancing. They also require personal trainers to wear face-covering masks and stay 6 feet away from their clients. Additionally, they will require clients to clean equipment with hand sanitizer and wipes before using them. The gym’s facilities will also be cleaned by cleaning staff, sanitizing doorknobs and restrooms.
Rules for disinfecting
A good rule of thumb for gyms and other fitness facilities is to disinfect all equipment and surfaces after each use. The EPA recommends a dwell time of five to 10 minutes, depending on the type of bacteria, virus, or germ. This dwell time should be kept in mind because fitness equipment is often turned over in a short period of time. To prevent cross-contamination and to prevent members from contracting a disease, the gym should disinfect all surfaces and equipment, as well as keep the gym clean.
To ensure that gyms are sanitary, the staff should clean high-traffic areas such as restrooms, break rooms, stairwells, escalators, handrails, elevator controls, and showers. Cleaning must also be done after every use of exercise equipment, including the treadmill, elliptical machine, and bike. The building’s staff should monitor the cleaning routine of users and supplement as needed. Providing hand sanitizer is also recommended. Staff members should be on hand to provide it for patrons.
The CDC recommends a six-foot distance between individuals. Participants of high-intensity exercise classes must have COVID-19 vaccinations or be exempted. If you are unable to attend such classes, you should not go to a gym that is unclean. COVID-19 can live on surfaces for hours or days. To prevent this, you should disinfect gym equipment and use disposable gloves before and after use.
EPA has a standard for sanitizing hard surfaces. Fitness centers need to follow these standards if they are going to comply with the rules. These regulations require a pre-cleaning with soap and water and a five to ten-minute dwell time. By using these best practices, gyms can ensure that they stay sanitary and keep members safe. Aside from proper equipment cleaning, gyms should also maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
Rules for social distancing
The new COVID-19 Industry Guidance for the fitness industry outlines rules for social distancing and sanitization procedures. They include limits on the number of clients per class, face coverings for personal trainers, and more. They also require users to wipe down gym equipment and hand sanitizer and clean the vending machines, countertops, and doorknobs.
California health officials announced new guidelines to help gyms reopen after the outbreak, which imposed restrictions related to COVID-19. The guidelines also require users to wipe down equipment after use. Staff will also clean restrooms, showers, and locker rooms. Personal trainers will be allowed to supervise workouts and wear face masks, but they must also adhere to the social distancing guidelines. Los Angeles gyms will have reduced capacity and rules regarding social distancing.
Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach, California has installed nine pods that are six feet wide and 10 feet tall and hold their workout equipment. These pods are the future of gyms, and their low-cost solution may prove to be an excellent way to ensure the safety of their customers. Gyms across the country are making steps to ensure COVID-19-free environments.
Modifications made to gyms
The COVID-19 Industry Guidance, which governs the health care industry, details social distancing rules and sanitization protocols. It also requires that trainers wear face covers and remain at least six feet away from clients. It also requires gym members to clean equipment and restrooms thoroughly with wipes or hand sanitizer. The regulations also require gym staff to clean doors, countertops, vending machines, and restrooms to prevent cross-contamination.
Redondo Beach’s South Bay Fitness recently reopened with workout pods, each with its own set of workout equipment. They are made of shower curtains and pipes instead of perspex, which has a long history of leaking. Despite the increased risk of infection, the gym’s price is reasonable. The redondo Beach gym has 30 people working out on any given day. But in the pods, there will be no more than nine people at a time.
After months of closure due to the coronavirus, L.A. gyms reopened on Monday. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has reopened six of its locations and plans to open more every Monday. The reopened gyms will accommodate social distancing. Several gyms have also instituted shower curtains and face masks.
Despite the negative publicity surrounding these new rules, L.A. gyms have reopened and remain open to the public. While the social distancing of the shower curtain was unjustified, the county’s health department issued an appendix l, effective thursday, may 6, 2021. While it’s a small step, it’s a start.
