How safe is your gym? We ask an expert...

With the implementation of Level 2 during the Covid-19 lockdown, fitness centres and gyms have reopened – and it is safe to use them said personal trainer Matthew Alexander.

But the numbers of gym-goers have remained relatively low, he claimed. Although he has had new clients joining, his previous client base is still only at about 50%.

“I know it might take some time for people to feel comfortable visiting the gym again but from our side, we are doing everything in our power to make the gyms safe and adhere to all the necessary protocols and regulations.”

Some of the safety measures include:

Members have to fill in a questionnaire and their temperatures are taken upon entering the premises, as do the staff and trainers.

Only 50 people are allowed in at any time.

Sanitisers are placed around every piece of equipment.

The equipment is cleaned continuously.

Deep cleaning happens twice a day.

There are demarcated spaces that ensure people are 2m away from one another at all times.

Masks need to be worn (except for certain high-intensity classes, but social distancing is still adhered to).

Used weights or equipment can be put in a marked area and the cleaners will clean it before anyone can use it again.

Steam rooms are closed.

If you are planning to start gymming soon, Alexander advises starting slowly as a lack of intense exercise for five to six months may have resulted in your fitness levels declining.

“Adopting good personal hygiene practices is still to be top of mind, whether you are visiting a shopping mall or a gym,” Alexander said.

“After gym, go home and shower immediately and put your gym clothes in the wash as a further precaution.” – ER24