Considerations for Reopening the Fitness Industry

Posted on May 11, 2020 @ 9: 00 am / Updated on August 12, 2020 @ 12: 37 am

By: Fitness Industry Council of Canada

FIC has been in touch with many global fitness associations about strategies for reopening. We need to keep in mind that a big concern for the global industry is the hit of a second wave and clubs having to close all over again. That being said, we have been learning from Asian and European clubs and have made note of guidelines and strict measures for when clubs do reopen:Hire additional cleaning staff and have sufficient cleaning products available.Mandate the use of face masks for staff. (Perhaps gloves too.)Consider having disposable face masks/gloves available for staff and members.Consider no-contact temperature checks for staff and members.Encourage members to wipe equipment before and after use.Ensue that all fitness equipment is spaced at least two metres apart.Reduce the number of members who can visit the club at the same time. (This may include scheduling online appointments.)Limit the number of participants in fitness classes.Encourage physical distancing for members and staff according to square footage. (Tape floors for distancing.)Have hand sanitizer readily available.Consider the placement of equipment and ensure there is no equipment that faces each other.Limit access in locker rooms by closing off lockers and showers/saunas.The desire to open right away is understandable, but as you are aware, it is wise to be cautious at this time. This means that we must be prepared for more expenses (masks, wipes, thermometers, equipment shields, tape, cleaners, etc.). Whether we are able to open sooner or later, we want to be as careful as possible when reopening our industry and ensuring that members feel safe in the environment of our clubs/studios. In this next month, along with monitoring what provincial regulations and reopening strategies are, we will monitor how the United States is doing with their reopening strategy. With that, we will have a better idea of the impact on our industry.

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Fitness Industry Council of Canada

Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) is the not-for-profit trade association that represents the voice of fitness facility operators across Canada.

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