Gyms are finally reopening across the United States, but your workout will not be the same.
Some chains are offering individual workouts while group classes are still on hold, post-workout showers will be done at home, the 6-foot rule is in place for gym patrons, and sanitizing your hands and equipment frequently is a must.
“Y members should expect that facilities will look and operate different than what they’re used to,” said Ryan O’Malley, director of public relations and reputation at the YMCA of the USA.
“We know our members are anxious to rejoin us, but we have to do this safely and responsibly,” he said.
According to data from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a trade group, nearly 61 million Americans are members of at least one fitness club. That’s a lot of pent-up need to get moving again, as stay-at-home orders begin to relax after months of lockdown.
Meredith Poppler, vice president of communications at IHRSA, said restrictions will vary from gym-to-gym. Some gyms — like the Y — aren’t offering group classes yet, while other fitness clubs may, but under new rules.
