Yesterday we wrote to explain how we had multiple plans in place to cover every eventuality that we could reasonably foresee. These plans were devised alongside the other excellent gyms around the world in the Two Brain Business family.
As well as working alongside hundreds of other gym owners from around the world we have also been working closely with our solicitor, Regan Peggs.
Our full list of extra measures that we brought in upon reopening to keep people safe and happy are detailed below:
- – A booking system that also serves as a fully functioning track and trace system
- – Mandatory temperature checks for everyone in the building upon arrival
- – Enhanced COVID-19 specific waivers for all members to sign ahead of coming to the gym
- – Hand sanitiser being a requirement before entering the gym
- – Super hot steam cleaning of all equipment that has been used after every session
- – A hospital grade floor steriliser that is used at least 3 times a day
- – More equipment to reduce sharing
- – Specified arrival slots
- – Tailored programmeming that minimises bottlenecks inside the gym
- – Class timings that reduce crowds of people congregating anywhere
- – Workout zones that have a maximum capacity of 6 to maintain social distancing
We strongly feel that our increased health and safety measures have contributed to the fact that “from over 1,900 [leisure] facilities and five million visits in the week of 5-11 October, just 156 customers reported attending a facility before being confirmed positive with COVID-19. This indicates an incidence rate of 2.88 cases per 100,000 visits whereas the UK case rate in the general population, as reported by the Government for 5- 11 October was 150.83 cases per 100,000 people.” (UK Active)
When the data from 25 July to 11 October is considered, it shows that gyms and leisure facilities have seen more than 45 million visits, with an overall rate of 0.99 cases per 100,000 visits. When that is compared to some of the industries and sectors left untouched by the latest lockdown it only serves to deepen our disappointment.
Immediately following the Downing Street briefing we held a meeting to finalise our plans based on the next national lockdown that is scheduled to begin at 0001 on Thursday 5th November and last for four weeks.
Our plans are multifaceted and designed to keep as many people as safe and as healthy as they can be during lockdown.
Unfortunately, our plans are currently based on what we would like to do but they are understandably subject to change based on government legislation being published later this week.
Here is a list of the things that we hope to be doing for everyone’s benefit:
- – Switching all existing memberships over to 1-2-1 sessions in line with price points so members can still train in the gym car park
- – Making sure that people can still use barbells, rings, boxes, rowers, skiers and bikes despite the incoming weather we have already invested over £1000 in heavy duty coverings, floodlights and wall mounts for the car park
- – Taking our daily workouts back onto Zoom after consulting with the members to find out their preferred time slots
- – Increasing our virtual mobility provision
- – Existing 1-2-1 sessions will continue in the car park
- – Increasing the details on SugarWOD to have daily briefing videos alongside the workout programmeming
- – Loaning out dumbbells, kettlebells, wall balls and 20kg plates to all members who continue to pay for membership FREE OF CHARGE subject to contract
To make the conversion of class credits to individual sessions as fair as possible, session credits will be allocated in line with existing membership tariffs and these sessions will be bookable via ZenPlanner.
All members will be contacted to ascertain their preferences for equipment rental and pick up details will follow.
For the avoidance of doubt, we are deeply disappointed by the government decision to close down gyms and leisure facilities. Sport England showed that during the last lockdown activity levels dropped significantly and this is directly opposed to the government’s position on increasing health and fitness as a way to partially mitigate the threat posed by COVID-19.
We are fully in agreement with the UK Active statement that:
“the SAGE analysis that documented the loss in access to facilities will have a detrimental impact on mental wellbeing and potentially increase health inequalities with some BAME and vulnerable groups. The reality is that millions will be impacted by a deterioration in both their physical and mental health, with implications to longer term public health challenges. This should be of deep concern to the Prime Minister and all political parties.”