As govt allows relaxations, gyms have worked out new rules

From tomorrow, being in the gym will require as much discipline as body-building. Now that the state government has allowed gyms and salons to resume business, fitness centres will operate as per new protocols, to ensure social distancing is followed. But on the whole, those in the fitness industry have heaved a huge sigh of relief.

Gym-owners had been planning to resume business from July 1, as various apex bodies, representing workers of the fitness industry, were in contact with state government officials

As per the new rules, every gym will make a list of their members and allot them time slots. Their will be six slots, (three in the morning and three in the evening) and this will be strictly enforced.

Gym owners say, the timings will be flexible, and could be changed regularly, as per the requirement of members. The number of members to be allowed in each slot will be relative to the fitness equipment available inside the gym. There will be minimum contact between the trainers and their clients.

"The gyms will allow clients on a par with equipment they use and their requirements. If there are three cardio machines in a gym, then we will only allow three person at a time. As soon as they are done, the machines will be sanitised immediately," said Roshan Kumar, a fitness trainer.

"Following the resumption of services, most of the gyms will function as per the allocated time slots. Only members who register in advance will be allowed, as per slots available, to ensure there is no crowding and social distancing is maintained" said Rocky Verma, trainer with a popular fitness chain.

"The timings will be flexible and can be customised as per the preference of the clients. For those unable to accommodate themselves in the morning or evening slots, special slots could be opened during afternoons," assured Verma.

As many have cancelled their memberships amid the Coronavirus pandemic, gym owners hope there will be less rush in the initial days, which will allow them to maintain social distancing well.

"For the first few weeks, we won't be giving out new memberships, because we want to get started with the existing ones. It is essential to get started, as the equipment is developing snags due to nonuse and repairs are costly," said Ashmit Maan Singh, manager of a city-based chain.