Reopening Gyms

Open gyms with the potential for members to book a time slot of an hour, keeping in line with social distancing (depending on size of gym can let less/more folk in). Can also introduce lesser opening hours so gyms can always be manned. No gym classes are available to maintain social distancing but equipment can be used. Gym equpiment must be wiped sown with disinfectant before and after use, gym staff should be on hand to make sure this is possible. Use of gym mats is prohibited for the time being, only sticking to exercise machines and free weights, potentially machines.

Why the contribution is important

Gyms are a safe space for a lot of people, giving them the endorphin release and mental wellbeing they need to help them feel good about themselves. Reopening gyms gives people the chance to get back into a routine and keep them motivated to do something positive instead of sitting about the house. Also reintroduces money into the economy.

by ciaraaosheaa on May 05, 2020 at 01:17PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 23 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Ranger2dog May 05, 2020 at 13:33

    Not a good idea. Best to do outdoor exercise first.

  • Posted by dalrob1964 May 05, 2020 at 13:35

    terrible idea, sweating will only spread virus. Gyms are notorious for failing to keep clean as people dont follow guidelines on machine wipe downs before the virus

  • Posted by Clayton41 May 05, 2020 at 13:38

    NO

  • Posted by Ed May 05, 2020 at 13:39

    Gyms and swimming pools should be allowed to open. Some people only exercise in these locations. Particularly children and young people who live and breath swimming. Some people only swim. Pools are chlorinated, and this virus has very little chance of hurting children. Keeping children in dorms for 23 hours a day is serious and will have an impact for many years if this is not resolved quickly. At least allow young people that swim to return to their swimming clubs. We have to start somewhere, putting children and young people first should eb the highest priority in terms of deciding what we relax first.

  • Posted by JudithSyson May 05, 2020 at 13:57

    This comment has been removed by a moderator.

  • Posted by hunter_jim May 05, 2020 at 15:39

    A feature of smaller gyms is that they have staff on hand to properly manage the premises. Many, if not all, are individually owned and run as small businesses. I draw this comparison to the large corporate gyms which can often be unmanned and where the policing of social distancing and implementation of full hygiene measures will be much more difficult to achieve. I suspect (although do not know) that the gym industry bodies will have guidance or made submission to the authorities on the safe resumption of gym activity and this should seriously considered. Given that gyms have to be licensed (at least in Glasgow) there is clearly scope to quickly use enforcement should this prove necessary where it was identified that rules are not being fully applied. There is scope for gyms to further minimise risk by taking out of commission equipment such as running machines that may have an increased risk of enabling virus spread. However the use of free weights and static equipment, possibly with separating screens would be easily managed both for use and cleaning. Small gym use can be achieved safely with minimal risk and could be a significant boost to mental health and general well-being. The lockdown may prove increasingly challenging to maintain as people become negatively affected, depressed or start pushing back the boundaries. Allowing a relatively safe release, increasing daily exercise and enabling safe social contact will have significant benefits and help maintain support for the current approach.

  • Posted by Invlad May 05, 2020 at 15:47

    Good idea if controlled and monitored closely by leisure staff. Cognisance would have to be taken of international scientific advice/thoughts on transmission distances when exercising heavily. This could mean that capacity at any given time would depend on the size of the gym, air conditioning and layout of equipment. As noted there would have to be strict hygiene regimes between usage of pieces of equipment. Would be worthwhile for physical/mental health and wellbeing if properly managed.

  • Posted by bank65 May 05, 2020 at 17:56

    Booking system needed, numbers controlled and strict hygiene practices and cleaning methods.
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