Gyms keep things clean and safe as memberships surge
GYMS have seen islanders hitting the treadmill, despite high Covid cases, as they try to get fit in the new year.
While masks must be worn in many indoor public spaces currently, in a bid to stem the spread of Covid, they can be removed when doing physical activity.
With a variety of health and safety measures in place, gyms have said they are doing all they can to keep people safe while they pursue health and fitness.
At both Anytime Fitness and Jan’s Fitness Studio, air ventilation and extraction systems keep fresh air circulating throughout the building to prevent the spread of germs and disease.
However, providing ventilation is just one of the ways the two gyms are keeping Covid-19 at bay.
Jan’s Fitness co-owner Chris Renouf said his facility is regularly fogged and general sanitation procedures have been stepped up.
At Anytime Fitness, staff sanitise touch points regularly in addition to self-service sanitation stations.
Anytime members must also use a key fob to unlock gym doors, which makes track and trace procedures easy and efficient.
Both gyms are also asking their members to follow all States Covid-19 advice by staying at home if they have symptoms, taking LFTs before they leave the house, and generally being responsible members of the community.
Despite a high number of Covid cases in the island, Anytime Fitness gym director Connor Thorne and Mr Renouf have reported normal levels of footfall and new members for the time of year.
Mr Thorne said the most notable Covid-related difficulties have arisen from staff feeling unwell and isolating throughout the pandemic, as well as delivery times for supplies and equipment.
He mentioned that across the UK, costs for cleaning supplies and consumables such as paper roll have increased ten-fold.
Mr Thorne believes the last two years have emphasised now more than ever the importance of health and fitness in people’s lives.
For the elderly, immuno-compromised and those sheltering from Covid, Mr Thorne said membership at Anytime offers access to an online portal with virtual fitness regimes and other fitness resources.
