As gyms and studios start to re-open across the country, they are putting extensive new safety standards in place. We've seen companies like SoulCycle, CycleBar, Pure Barre, and others announce their safety measures. While cleanliness has always been a priority for gym owners, new guidelines aim to provide both employees and members with a safe class experience.
Although it can be hard to predict exactly what consumers will expect before beginning to attend classes again, studios are covering all bases. Here are some of the ways that studios will be making sure their employees and members are safe as operations start again.
- Sanitizing regularly using a top-grade disinfectant
- Frequently cleaning all high touch places including door handles, equipment, lockers, bathrooms, etc.
- Staff wearing face masks and gloves
- Staff health checks, including temperature checks before a shift
- Member health checks, including temperature checks before a class
- Addition of hand sanitizer stations throughout
- Temporary removal of high touch amenities - hair ties, gum, earplugs, etc.
- Temporary removal of difficult to clean equipment
- Temporary unavailability of showers
- Temporary unavailability of water fountains/ water refill stations
- Enforced social distancing before and after class and marks on the floor for 6-foot spacing
- Reduced studio class size to allow for 6 feet between participants
- Allowing more time between classes for proper cleaning and social distancing
- Hands off corrections and assists by instructors - verbal cues only
- Limiting person-to-person contact - no hugs or high fives
- Limited use of lockers to keep social distancing
This list is a compilation of security measures being rolled out in several national studio brands and may vary from gym to gym.
As this is an evolving situation, studios will also be continuing to evaluate the situation to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken.