UPDATE FOR FEB 2022: The Gym has resumed full operation but many of the safety precautions remain in effect. We do not require appointments to exercise. We do still require masks to enter and ask you to use it as much as possible while in the building. We also strongly suggest you use a 3-ply mask. We keep some at the front door for anyone that needs one. We are accepting new members gradually, with several spots reserved for clinic clients. Message us to find out how you can join or resume your membership!
Safety is our priority—this is everything we’re doing protect us all
COVID-19 is one of the scariest global events to happen this generation, but despite the danger we can’t hide from it forever!
Rightfully so, fitness facilities were one of the first businesses closed and one of the last to open up. This is because of the inherent risk of exercising in close proximity to others. Heavy breathing, close proximity, handling multiple surfaces—these are all prime methods for transmission.
So when the call to reopen gyms was made, we took a very long look at whether we’d be able to reopen safely, and how we’d do it.
1. Sanitation and Disinfection Protocols Were Established
We know that the virus likes to travel through the air in droplets which can then settle on any surface. So we needed a surface disinfectant…
After some research, we settled on a disinfectant called Quat 10.
This is a concentrated sanitizer used mainly for food preparation surfaces, so relatively safe. But most importantly, it was on Canada’s list of disinfectants shown to be effective for COVID.
We decided to make this available to all members, so they can make sure every surface they touch has been disinfected—because they can do it themselves!
So all members are asked to pick up a spray bottle on their way in and spray before and after they touch something.
As a family-run business, we can only disinfect the gym ourselves so many times (we do our best to circulate several times a day) so we put the call out to our amazing members— protect yourself and the next person in the gym. It’s with the cooperation of our wonderful community of members that this works!
Which leads into our next consideration.
2. Maintain a Low Membership And Overall Low Traffic at the Gym
No matter how much you disinfect surfaces, the virus also spreads from person-to-person.
Limiting person-to-person exposure is just as crucial.
With this understanding, we made the tough choice to further limit access to the gym and lower our membership cap. This way, we wouldn’t need to use gym booking systems or place limitations on the time of your workout.
Our prices did go up slightly to accommodate the lower membership, but the safety trade-off has been worth it.
All new members are required to book an appointment to avoid walk-ins throughout the day and we can no longer accommodate guests.
But the reception to this has been positive. It seems our members very much enjoy the quiet, low-volume of the gym and are happy that will be here to stay!
3. Modify the gym layout for maximum distancing
We were busy during the shutdown!
If you haven’t seen the gym for a while, you’re in for a surprise. During the shutdown, Lyle removed some walls to get more space in the gym and installed some new upgrades.
We now have a handwashing station on the gym floor, next to a laundry station (used for our therapy laundry).
With the additional space gained, we spread out all the machines and workout spaces to make it easier to exercise while maintaining physical distancing. You’ll notice some machines taped off as well to maintain space between exercisers.
4. All members must wear masks to enter and when physical distancing is unavoidable
Well, the science is in, and face masks—even homemade cloth ones—confer protection to you and those around you from COVID-19.
For this reason, all members must wear their masks to enter the facility, in the lobby area, and in any areas where physical distancing is a challenge such as walkways or washrooms.
While your mask can be removed while exercising, it must be quickly retrievable in case it’s needed.
We even have fobs to keep your mask around your neck, ready to go.
Ask us if you need a mask fob, or even a fabric mask. We have some great masks that were made by a local craftsperson!
5. Increase Security
Creating a safe and secure space for all has always been a priority for us.
We keep a close eye on the place and with additional rules, we realized we’d need to keep an even closer eye.
You’ll notice additional cameras—all linked to the cloud and an additional lock on the door.
These are to ensure everyone follows the rules, and only members can access the gym.
Any non-members wanting to come in must have an appointment, or be cleared by Lyle or Alana. This ensures that we all stay safe and that we have an accurate list of everyone that has been in the gym for contact tracing.
As you can tell, we are taking this seriously!
COVID threw us all for a loop, and especially those of us that are self-employed.
On a personal note, Alana and Lyle are additionally careful as parents to a child with medical susceptibilities.
Gyms are the perfect place for spread of disease, which means that gyms have a higher responsibility than other businesses to be careful, have stringent protocol, and to take this seriously.
And as a healthcare provider, we are even further hyper-aware.
We’re all in this together and the GPFT community has made our reopening a success. But we have to stay vigilant and aware that this virus can show up quickly and unpredictably.
Moving forward, the gym is ready to make whatever changes we need to to keep ourselves and our friends safe. This might even mean another closure, but as long as we’re all careful, we can (hopefully!) avoid that!
If you have any concerns or ideas on changes we can make to further protect everyone, contact us and let us know!
