Gyms Opening Guidelines - May 15th

As per the Governor:

Gyms and fitness studios contribute to the health and wellness for many Montanans. As such, and in recognition of the continued progress toward recovery that Montana has made, beginning Friday, May 15, 2020 they will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity (we had 300 people here for a competition once?) with sanitization and social distancing requirements met.

In the event a confirmed COVID-19 case is associated with a facility, the facility should be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with the CDC’s facility environmental cleaning procedures for workout areas, seating (even though they are required to be closed below), locker rooms, and other areas of the establishment frequented by patrons. 

• Only registered members can use the facility, no day passes or walk-ins.

 

• Facility must have a dedicated staff available during operating hours to wipe down frequently touched areas on a regular basis and monitor gyms zones (?) to ensure that users are wiping down equipment properly. (We are Big Brother now)

 

• Train workers on symptom awareness
  • Symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
    Cough
    Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    Or at least two of the following:
    Fever
    Chills
    Repeated shaking with chills
    Muscle pain
    Headache
    Sore throat
    New loss of taste or smell
    This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
    If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get emergency medical attention immediately:
    Trouble breathing
    Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    New confusion or inability to arouse
    Bluish lips or face

 

• • and proper handwashing technique. 
    • See video above or click here


• Signage must be posted with the following or substantially similar wording:
  • “Patrons with fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms must refrain from using the gym”

Not to be confused with workout symptoms of elevated body temperature, shortness of breath, dizziness, "Fran cough" and  or bleeding from the hands

• Signs shall be positioned for effective visual observation by gym guests, such as at the front desk and in locker rooms (where you are not allowed to congregate, so don't read them).

 

• Front desk should track occupancy to ensure facilities stay at or below 50 percent capacity. (once again not clearly defined.)

 

• Hand sanitizer must be made available at front desk and at stations throughout the workout area. (If available, shortages have been known to occur)

 

• Approved sanitizer for cleaning equipment after use must be provided at stations throughout the workout areas along with disposable towels. Reusable towels shall not be used to clean equipment.

 

• Post signs throughout workout area reminding patrons to wipe equipment after each use.

 

• Masks should be worn by all staff.
  • We prefer a Lone Ranger, Zorro or Man in Black 

 

• Masks are encouraged to be worn by guests when possible. (Give it a try, what could go wrong! Halloween is just around the corner)

 

• Six-foot distance should be maintained between equipment. Cardio studios should limit guests to every other piece of equipment to achieve this. 
  • We will be allowing workouts on platforms only which are spaced 6 ft apart

 

• Guest using free weights shall maintain six feet of separation except when a spotter is necessary. In this instance, workout groups shall be limited to two people.

 

• Sitting areas must be closed for use.
  • We are currently using ours for Wall ball storage to ensure they remain unused and to help with equipment cleaning

 

• Food vendors must follow applicable COVID-19 procedures for restaurants and retail food service. Vendors should be encouraged to use single-service items whenever possible, especially for condiments and similar foods. 
  • No we are not going to start any type of food service, you have to earn your own beer.

 

• Social distancing must be maintained in dressing rooms and other common areas. No congregating in these areas may be allowed.
  • White X's are positioned on the floor to keep people socially distanced while waiting for platforms to become available.
  • If all of the X's are occupied you will have to stand outside the door for your own safety.

 

• After closing, establishments must clean using an EPA approved disinfectant. Twenty four hour establishments must close from 11:30 pm to 12am so that proper disinfection can happen.
  • Facility must develop a checklist to ensure that no equipment is being missed during disinfection. Checklist should include large items, such as treadmills and smaller items, such as weights and bands.
  • 61 Kettlebells
  • 31 medicine balls
  • 25 barbells
  • 26 jump ropes
  • 72 collars (front and back rooms)
  • 37 dumbbells
  • 106 metal / change plates
  • 60 kilo plates
  • 91 rubber plates
  • 5 prowlers & 10 handles
  • 6 sets rings
  • 11 tires
  • 3 climbing ropes
  • 5 sleds
  • 8 bike
  • 5 rowers
  • 10 squat racks
  • 11 hammers, maces, farmer handles
  • 6 agility ladders
  • 8  plyo hurdles
  • 68 agility cones
  • 6 weight vests
  • 1 skateboard & 1 tonka truck (lower limb injuries) 
  • 1 bongo board
  • 5 foam rollers
  • 4 lacrosse balls
  • 1 theracane
  • 8 atlas stones
  • 5 landmine attachments
  • 2 tiger tail rollers
  • 9 ab mats
  • 1 forearm roller
  • 2 inversion table boots
  • 1 inversion table
  • 10 pull up bars
  • 1 reverse hyper
  • 6 ghd machine / roman chair
  •  agility ladders
  • 16 community weight belts
  • 14 jerk blocks
  • 7 personal use mats
  • 19 PVC stretch sticks
  • 11 plyo boxes
  • 16 ploy box risers
  • 37 therapy / assistance bands
  • 3 drag ropes
  • 4 parrallets
  • 12 sandbags 
  • 6 fitness benches
    • Totally going to knock that out in a 30 minute AMRAP

 

• • 3. . . 2. . .1. . .go!
  
  
  
  
• Frequently touched surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the day and disinfected each night after closing.

 

• Personal training sessions may be offered with strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and masks are encouraged to be used by the trainer and trainee.  
  • (We suggest coordinating masks)

 

• Indoor group classes may not be offered.
  • Everyone will be required to have individual clocks

 

• Alternatively, group classes may be offered outdoors with strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing.
  • I guess we need one or more clocks for outside

 

• Additional time between group classes outdoors must be provided so that a designated gym employee can disinfect any equipment and other cleanable surfaces before the next class begins.
  • ​No we are not going to run the floor cleaner out in the parking lot

I'm super happy that the governor is "opening" up Montana sooner than other states.  However, these are the requirements for my extremely simple business.  Glad I don't own a restaurant, or bar.  As this progresses, consider what you are willing to give up for the illusion of safety.  
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