Fever checks, masks, cardio distancing: Gyms to open today
Get ready to sweat and sanitize.
Gyms and fitness centers in Broward County will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity starting Tuesday.
But gym-goers can expect some additions to their workout routines in the form of temperature checks, masks and cardio distancing.
The county’s safety guidelines require gym patrons to cover their faces except when they are working out and cooling down. Patrons and employees will be denied entry if their temperature is above 100.4 degrees.
Equipment must be spaced apart to allow for at least 10 feet of distancing. Disinfecting wipes must be available, and patrons will be required to sanitize each machine after use. Equipment must be allowed to fully dry before next use, and staff members must ensure compliance.
Mike Carnevale, owner of Fitness 1440 in Plantation, said he redesigned the floor plan of his gym to ensure patrons could distance themselves from one another.
“It is time now to rise above the fear and begin to get back to our lives,” he said. “Everyone knows a good strong exercise regimen boosts the immune system.”
Plenty of hand sanitizer will be available, and group classes will be on pause until further into the recovery,
Carnevale said.
Broward County’s order pertains to gyms, dance studios, martial arts studios, yoga studios, spinning studios and personal training services. Some cities could have additional restrictions. Gyms in Hallandale Beach must pass a city inspection before they can reopen.
Gyms remain closed in Miami-Dade County. Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed fitness centers to reopen May 18 in Palm Beach County and elsewhere in Florida.
The governor urged gym-goers to be responsible when they return to their workouts.
“If you are sweating on the bar, clean the dip bar,” DeSantis said.
The YMCA of South Florida will reopen some of its five family wellness centers in Broward County by the end of the week, spokeswoman Tongelia Milton said. The YMCA has centers in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Weston, Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale.
Initially, only workout equipment and the pool will be open, she said.
“We’ve put into place some safety protocols that include staggering equipment usage in the wellness facility to allow for social distancing,” she said. “Our staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and they will also have plexiglass in place. We will be taking temperatures of everyone — staff and members.”
The YMCA is planning to offer summer camps starting on June 8, pending approval from local officials, Milton said. Exercise classes and youth sports remain on hold.
“This is our first phase in reopening,” Milton said. “As things continue to improve, we will add the group exercise classes. We’ll start to open up youth sports.”
Carnevale said everyone will need to work together to ensure gyms are as safe as they can be during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Common sense and respect is going to be a big thing,” he said.