Is it safe to go the gym when it re-opens? Here are some things to make sure your gym has in place before returning.

As the world is getting read to re-open their doors to business, It doesn’t mean we go back to normal.

Especially for gyms, fitness studios and clubs.

On any given day, gyms are unfortunately at the top of high risk locations for germs. A study conducted by a fitness equipment company tested common equipment at three different gyms found the following conclusions:

• "The free weights had 362 times more germs than the average toilet seat.”

• “The treadmills had 74 times more bacteria than a tap in a public bathroom.”

• “The exercise bikes had 39 times more bacteria than a tray from a food court."

I, personally, have been to many gyms (in other states) where we didn’t even wipe down equipment when we were done. And these were big name gyms and we used rowing machines, treadmills and a TON of equipment. It was really gross. Those gyms that do a lot of circuit training with stations and open gym style are going to struggle the most as they are the dirties.

Because Studio ME already has a small class size (no more than 10 people) we can meet all requirements by the CDC and state to be able to safely re-open.

Before you plan to return to your gym, check their safety polices and see how they are keeping you safe. At Studio ME, our clients, their families and my staff are the most important to me and my business.

Below is the protocol we will be enforcing. If you are returning to another gym, fitness studio, or health club, check to make sure they have extra precautions in place before you even step foot in the door!

1. Have they shared their re-opening plan and how they will keep YOU safe?

2. Have they shared their cleaning policy?

3. Has their floor plan been adapted to move equipment 6 to 8 feet apart?

4. Are there pods/designated spots for each for each person that are clearly labeled?

5. Has capacity been limited?

6. Is there a reservation system in place?

7. Will you be notified if someone at the gym contracts COVID-19? What is their policy?

If your gym, fitness studio, or club has not answered these questions then I would stay away and maybe find a new gym.

Those are just a few of the items that gym owners need to be implementing if they want to re-open.

I can tell you, that at Studio ME we will be taking every precaution imaginable to protect you and ensure you stay safe as well as get a good workout in and get back the community you are missing right now.

Studio ME will operating under a 4 phased approach to re-opening.

• Phase I: Private and Semi Private Training Clients with option to stay virtual

• Phase II: Bootcamp program 50% in-person and 50% virtual

• Phase III: 50% capacity group classes (max 5 people) with virtual schedule

• Phase IIII: Full capacity with virtual schedule still in effect.

Prior to entering the studio:

1. Each member must virtually sign “Waiver to return to the studio".

2. Each member is responsible for informing Studio ME of any and ALL travel which includes local travel. If you have traveled in the last two weeks you will remain taking classes/training virtual.

3. Each person and staff will have a compulsory temperature check prior to entry. If you have a fever you will be asked to leave.

Upon Entry:

There will be one designated entry and one designated exit. Upon entry you will stay within the sanitization area.

1. A thorough wellness check will be performed.

   1. sanitization first, temperature check, blood pressure, O2 level, questionnaire.

2. Optional PPE will be made available for all members. 

3. Must clean the bottom of your shoes.

4. Sanitization again before leaving the Sanitization Area.

5. We are going “Touch Free”. The coach will check you in for class. 

6. Cash free. If you want to purchase something let the coach know and we will charge your card on file.

7. Find your designated workout area and stay there. Everything you brought with you must be in your “block” and we ask that you do not bring a ton of personal items into the studio. Equipment will stay in those areas.

   1. your block will include all required equipment and cleaning supplies. These things are not to leave your block at any time.

During class/1-on-1 session:

1. You will be assigned a designated area to work out. You must stay in that area during the class. The coach will also have their assigned area.

2. Sharing equipment is prohibited. Minimal equipment will be used as majority of it is still checked out. Workout programming will be modified to accommodate.

3. You must provide your own towel that you will bring with you and take home after each class. This is for the safety of our coaches with touching soiled towels.

4. PPE will be available for those that wish to use it.

5. If you leave the studio at all during class you must go through the entry procedure again.

After Class:

1. All participants must thoroughly clean all equipment after use with approved cleaning supplies provided by Studio ME.

2. You must wash/sanitize your hands and discard any trash outside of the studio. Your block will contain all cleaning supplies needed including hand sanitizer.

3. Leave the studio in an orderly fashion allowing for social distancing and take everything with you that you came with.

4. The studio will be sanitized by staff in between classes and a cleaning crew at the end of the night. The class schedule will be modified to accommodate extra time needed to clean and sanitize the studio and floor. There will be at minimum 30 mins between in-person classes.

5. Locker room will be limited but it is strongly recommend that you change clothes as soon as you're able to at home and hop in the shower ASAP. All PPE provided is disposable and must be disposed of after class or once you get home. It is not to be reused.

These guidelines will be updated as we receive direction from the CDC, WHO, and our state but it’s a good start on how Studio ME plans to keep you, your family and our staff safe.