Everything you need to know about gyms reopening under 'new normal'

The 'new normal' will be seen in fitness establishments soon as they will be allowed to reopen and operate at 30 percent capacity in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) on August 1. These establishments include gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities.

This move follows the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Now, what will be that new normal? And, most importantly, how can we stay safe in gyms?

NEW SAFETY MEASURES

Even before the IATF directive was announced, a number of gym chains in the country had laid down safety measures to be taken in their establishments.

First, according to online reports, these gyms will require advance booking for members, putting the walk-in setup in the past. A member can only be in the establishment for a limited amount of time. The number of patrons will also be managed, following the 30 percent capacity rule, so they'll be able to maintain physical distancing.

Next, as is the norm in every place of business today, masks that can protect its users from harmful bacteria will be mandatory. Hand sanitizers and equipment disinfectants, meanwhile, will be placed around the establishment.

Exercise equipment will likewise be subjected to sanitizing wipe-downs before and after use.

More protocols include a no-contact policy between personal trainers and clients at Fitness First, while at Kerry Sports Manila, exercise equipment will be placed meters apart.

NO GROUP SESSIONS, GLOVES REQUIRED

Group workouts, such as Zumba sessions, will remain postponed and those who will do workout routines will be required to wear gloves; these are some of the new mandates set by the DTI.

"Required na may gloves yung mga nagwo-workout. Ideally individual workout, bawal 'yung group workouts or yung mga Zumba sessions (Those working out will be required to wear gloves. Only individual workouts are allowed. Zumba sessions and other group workouts are prohibited)," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a report in CNN Philippines.

Lopez also said that these places should have good air circulation with exhaust systems.

The DTI and Department of Health will place more guidelines for the fitness establishments, the CNN report added.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE GYM

With the establishments doing their part in keeping patrons safe from the deadly disease, how can these patrons do theirs?

According to Dr. Saadia Griffith-Howard, an infectious disease specialist, you must first assess your own medical conditions and “whether you are someone who's at high risk for an infection," she said in an online report.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people 65 years and older have a higher risk of being infected of COVID. People with certain existing health problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease are also high-risk individuals.

Dr. Griffith-Howard said that if you are such an individual, going to the gym is not worth the risk.

Next, assess if the gym is complying with the safety protocols with the help of a checklist.

The doctor suggested asking yourself: "Are they taking your temperature?" "Are you seeing them regularly clean equipment? And are staff and other clients in the gym wearing a mask?"

Moreover, keep an eye out if the establishment and its staff are complying with the official directives, like the mentioned physical distancing among the equipment and the people in the gym.

Lastly, while wearing a mask is not conducive to working out, it is important to keep it on as much as possible to maintain safety.

Sports Medicine Surgeon Dr. Rich Pasion advised that wearing a mask during a strenuous routine may put a person at risk for carbon dioxide overload, because of the heavy breathing one would make in the routine.

Meanwhile, Kerry Sports Manila Director of Sports and Recreation Mike Montes shared that gym patrons might be allowed to remove their masks when they are working out, but may have to put them on when moving around the premises.

Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, an infectious diseases expert, gave this advice in an online report: “Wearing a mask is part of being smart, along with physical distancing, disinfecting equipment..."