If you’ve been stuck at home without weights and itching to get back into your normal routine, it won’t be long until you get a chance. Well, sort of (it won’t exactly be normal).
It’s been nearly two months since the Kitimat Fitness Gym closed, however on Tuesday the business announced they would be reopening over social media.
In a post detailing the many enhanced sanitary measures the business said they were happy to be reopening after having to shut their doors for so long.
“We thank you immensely for your patience and cooperation at this time. We can’t wait to help you reach your goal once again,” the post reads.
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Among some of the more significant changes to the average gym-goer’s experience are a 15-person occupancy limit in the gym (until further notice) and hand sanitizing stations across the nearly 10,000 square feet of space within the building.
Additional measures include closing group fitness classes, increasing the space between gym equipment where possible and increasing access to disinfectants and paper towel across the building. Patrons are being asked to remain at home if they are feeling sick and respect the new signage detailing the measures, which will be posted around the gym.
To help deal with capacity issues the business said they are looking at introducing a scheduling system where members can book time slots online to ensure a spot at the gym. All active memberships have been put on hold until they are able to increase capacity.
The fitness industry is one of many industries — including personal service, international tourism and professional sports — which B.C. has highlighted as a unique challenge to reopen because of the manner in which people normally use gyms (close contact, perspiration, heavy breathing) however they currently have not indicated a position for fitness centres or gyms on their four-part reopening plan for the province.
Earlier this week Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that most gyms would not be a part of Phase 2 openings within the province — set to begin after the May long weekend — however fitness centres within the Vancouver Coastal Health and Northern Health regions have been given approval to start taking steps to reopen.
“People who own gyms and fitness centres can start their process — and they should be doing that already to meet the requirements — and those who can, can look at starting to open starting after the coming long weekend,” said Henry on May 11.
The Province has also said that reopening night clubs, casinos and bars (but not pubs, which have been cleared to reopen in Phase 2 provided sufficient distancing measures are met) will likely prove particularly challenging.
trevor.hewitt@interior-news.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
