You can work out, but not shower. Here’s how coronavirus changed going to the gym
Gym rats and body builders, rejoice! Broward County gyms are officially reopen for business as of Tuesday.
But if you’re expecting large crowds, don’t worry: They’re opening at 50 percent capacity.
Limiting patrons is one of the many changes gym-goers will see when they return to facilities for the first time since the two-month COVID-19 closure. Broward County’s emergency order also bans showers except under certain circumstances.
With beaches reopening as well, the gym might be a good alternative considering South Florida’s torrential downpour that’s expected to last until Tuesday evening.
Here’s what you should know before getting your pump on:
WHAT CAN I EXPECT NOW THAT BROWARD GYMS HAVE REOPENED?
- Increased sanitation will be a biggest change. Employees and patrons are required to use hand sanitizer after entering, using a machine and completing a workout. They also must use disinfecting wipes after each exercise.
- There will be fewer machines in use as gyms have to comply with social distancing measures.
- Fitness classes and aquatic programs will have far less participants as instructors have to ensure their classes follow the 10-foot social distancing requirements.
- Temperature checks will be given to both employees and patrons upon entry. Anyone with a temperature above 100.1 degrees Fahrenheit will be leave.
- Employees are required to wear facial coverings. Patrons must wear them too except when physically exercising or during the cool-down phase.
- Pools will be open as long as the facility follows proper social distancing measures.
WHAT CAN’T I DO NOW THAT BROWARD GYMS ARE REOPENED?
- Lounging around is essentially prohibited. Gyms are instructed to remove all shared items such as chairs, tables and magazines.
Pool lap lanes can’t have more than one swimmer at a time.
- Gyms will no longer provide heart monitors, mats, blocks, bolsters or other similar equipment.
- Patrons will not be allowed to shower unless doing so prior to going to the pool.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 3:16 PM with the headline "You can work out, but not shower. Here’s how coronavirus changed going to the gym."
