How to safely open gyms

Gyms could be safely reopened by limiting the number of users at a certain time. Gyms could use a booking service where people have to book a time slot in order to not be turned away if they turn up and it has reached maximum capacity.

Gyms could also ensure their equipment and apparatus is as close to 2m apart as possible. Furthermore signs could be put up to remind users to not touch their face after making contact with the equipment. Also hand sanitizer could be stationed around the gym with users reminded to regularly use it between exercises.

Why the contribution is important

Gyms are massively important mainly for improving both self esteem and mental health. Whilst there are other alternative forms of exercise, for some people nothing is able to have the same effect as a gym.

Many peoples self esteem during lockdown, including myself, has taken a hit as the lack of activity will have seen them gain a more negative body image. Opening gyms would allow people to improve this and feel good about themselves again.

Gyms would also massively help mental health for many people. Regularly attending the gym creates a solid routine which can help those who struggle mentally. Furthermore, when completing a gym session it can feel like a sense of achievement which would also help the mental state massively.

by Evanbalfour on May 06, 2020 at 02:47PM

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Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 22 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Stubbornwifey49 May 06, 2020 at 15:30

    During the lockdown I have been sleeping much better because the 24 hour gym near me has been closed. Normally classes run from 6 am and classes finish at 10 pm. I can cope with the traffic and thumping music during the day but not in the middle of the night. Do we need gyms open in the middle of the night? Also look at Facebook to see people complaining about how dirty the machines are.
  • Posted by CAlex May 06, 2020 at 15:33

    I would love to see this happening with swimming pools too. Swimming was my main cardio/mental health outlet and struggling without it!
  • Posted by Amf May 06, 2020 at 15:46

    I think it’s far too early to open gyms.
  • Posted by FeeH May 06, 2020 at 15:54

    Gyms that can adhere to the distancing recommendations in force should be allowed to reopen.

    As a PT it is without doubt the absence of training in our favoured gym environment is having a detrimentally effect to some of my clients physical and mental health. As the weeks go on I am noticing an increase in this deterioration

    Going to the gym is an essential part of so many peoples health which is something that should now more than ever be encouraged, ultimately allowing people to keep fit and healthy can only help ease the future burden on the health service.

    As much as its a way of life for many going to the gym should ultimately be a personal decision and one that should be able to be made by each party based on their own personal circumstances, whether that be their job, living arrangements, dependant relatives etc, thus we should not expose any vulnerable person to risk and we should be able to minimise any other potential risk.
  • Posted by lesleyattheloch May 06, 2020 at 15:55

    This could work really well providing gyms and customers adhere to new policies
  • Posted by Villager1 May 06, 2020 at 16:04

    This needs considerable expert thought. Due to physical exertion and heavy breathing from exercise and crowded gymnasiums it is perfect ground for transmission of virus. Should be one of the last activities to be reactivated and only when deemed 100% safe
  • Posted by robertson May 06, 2020 at 16:17

    You cannot guarantee 100% safety in anything. If you wait for that guarantee, nothing will open ever.
    Services should open, with responsibility on the provider to make it practically safe and the user assessing whether it is safe enough for them to go. In my opinion the weekly visit to a supermarket is far more risky than a gym will ever be.
  • Posted by TMAMB May 06, 2020 at 16:19

    I would like to see consideration being given to reopening swimming pools for the same reasons- with suitable time slots if necessary
  • Posted by porredinburgh May 06, 2020 at 17:11

    I think re-opening all sports facilities is do-able in a phased approach across Edinburgh. There needs to be clear guidelines, including learnings from abroad, from Government which operators can then follow. The guidelines can then be consistently applied, otherwise there's a danger that different approaches are put in place regardless of whether operators are private or public.
    Public facilities are crying out to be re-opened, customers are missed, staff are passionate about helping people with their physical and mental health. Social distancing is possible; PPE recommendations need shared from Government; technology can be used to create online bookable slots for every activity (including swimming) to control capacity; payments can be online or contactless at reception. As human beings, we need human interaction. This strange period of time has reinforced our need to be around others, both for mental & physical health.
  • Posted by CatProvan May 06, 2020 at 17:16

    I love the gym but would need assurances regarding cleanliness and social distancing
  • Posted by DevVeh May 06, 2020 at 17:17

    The problem I see with reopening pools is the need to have life guards. You cant social distance if you need to rescue someone from the pool. Nor can you wear a mask
  • Posted by Sharoncandles May 06, 2020 at 17:23

    Gyms should be allowed to reopen within the next few weeks. Not only is it good for our mental health, it is also an essential part of a lot of peoples lives. Having a booking system is one way of ensuring a manageable number of people can use the gym st ant one time. Most gyms have an online booking system that can be adjusted to accommodate this. We are a small independent gym and know that social distancing in our own gym can he adhered too and I'm sure that other gym owners large or small will want to reopen and take all the necessary precautions. Users can wear mask if required and an efficient cleaning regime can easily be implemented. There can be contamination in any shop, office or factory, but many will be open soon anyway.
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