Throughout the COVID pandemic, gyms and recreational spaces have been seen as places with a high risk of transmission. As a result, most governments have decided to keep gyms and recreational spaces closed.
However, gyms and recreational spaces in Canada are finally reopening, but concerns remain whether these spaces can be comfortable and secure. Let’s look at why gyms and recreational spaces are high-risk spaces and how they can be more comfortable and hygienic for gym-goers.
Why Gyms and Recreational Spaces are High-Risk Places
According to medical experts, the risk of transmission is higher when respiratory droplets carrying the COVID-19 virus come in contact with a person’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
Gyms and recreational spaces are typically close-proximity spaces. Moreover, vigorous exercise routines can also increase the range at which people exhale respiratory particles as they breathe heavily.
There’s no denying that gyms, in general, are among the highest-risk spaces when it comes to reopening. However, the equation has changed with Canada’s high vaccination rate, updated safety precautions such as social distancing, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
Reopening Gyms: Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Experts say that for fully vaccinated individuals, returning to gyms is a low-risk activity. This finding has been confirmed by a study in Norway, which recruited 4000 gym-goers and found no new infections.
However, it’s important to mention that the gyms observed in this study upheld high hygiene and social distancing standards. These measures included cleaning the equipment after every use and keeping the visitors 2 meters apart at all times.
Moreover, experts warn that going to the gym remains a high-risk activity for unvaccinated individuals, considering the contagious nature of the delta variant and the concentration of cases.
How the COVID-19 is Spreading at the Gym
The primary mode of infection when it comes to COVID-19 is when people come in contact with infected people and the respiratory droplets and aerosols carrying the virus. This indicates why COVID-19 spread is high risk at the gyms and recreational spaces, especially indoor ones.
Virus particles present in the respiratory droplets and aerosols float through the air and can make their way to people and land on surfaces that people touch. These virus particles can then be carried to their eyes, mouth, or nose.
Since we expel more respiratory droplets during exercise, the risk increases significantly. According to a study, even moderate-intensity exercise increases our breathing rate by 7 to 10 times. Moreover, full-intensity workouts can increase our breathing rate up to 20 times.
Moreover, experts also suggest that it’s essential to consider the ventilation and the air you’re breathing in at the gym to understand the risk of transmission. However, since most gyms are enclosed, close-proximity, and high-touch spaces, the high risk can’t be downplayed.
With Safety Measures, Gyms Can Be Less Risky When Reopening
Keep in mind that the risk of transmission in your gym or recreation spaces also depends on vaccination and infection rates in your area. However, with the proper safety measures and precautions, gyms and recreation centres can be comfortable for gym-goers once again.
For instance, gyms in Ontario had to make significant changes to their operation when they reopened in July. The fitness and recreation spaces were allowed to resume indoor operations at 50% capacity per the government’s guidelines.
Let’s take a look at all the government guidelines available for gym and recreational spaces reopening. Keep in mind that this post discusses Ontario Government’s instructions, and specific instructions from other provincial or regional governments may vary slightly.
- The indoor capacity of the facilities should be limited to 50%.
- Every person should maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from other people.
- There are no specific limits on the number of people in an indoor exercise or fitness class or the gym area with weights and exercise equipment.
- However, capacity limits should be followed, and maximum capacity should be posted.
- Face coverings are required indoors except when people are engaged in fitness or athletic activity.
- The person responsible should record the contact details of every person entering the facility.
Moreover, the government also offered specific instructions for cleaning and disinfection as well. For gyms and recreation spaces, business owners should ensure the cleaning and disinfection of amenities that are accessible to the public.
These include the equipment, locker rooms, washrooms, change rooms, showers, etc. Cleaning and disinfection should be carried out as frequently as possible to ensure a sanitary condition.
Gym owners and managers can ensure a comfortable and calm environment for the gym-goers by following these guidelines.
For instance, regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and equipment with an approved product like Bacoban 106 Cleaner & Disinfectant Spray can help ease gym-goers’ nerves.
Moreover, gym and recreational spaces can also provide the Bacoban 108 Cleaning & Disinfecting Wipes to gym-goers so they can clean and disinfect the equipment before and after every use. These small yet effective measures can make the return to gym experience much more positive, comfortable, and hygienic for gym-goers.
As a gym owner or manager, it’s important to remember that gym-goers are no longer just looking for a place to workout in but a safe one that will not put their health at risk.
Implementing a comprehensive reopening strategy featuring social distancing and disinfection measures can ensure a hygienic and comfortable reopening, both for you and your clients.
Bacoban Products Can Make Gym & Recreational Space Reopening Easier
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional cleaning and disinfection products to help you achieve maximum hygiene and cleanliness, Bacoban is the answer. Bacoban offers several government-approved products for a variety of cleaning and disinfection needs.
Looking for Bacoban products for your Gym or Recreational Space? Canadas Fitness Experts, Flaman Fitness is now a trusted supplier of Bacoban. Visit one of their many stores near you!
With over fifteen years of use and experience in Europe, Bacoban is now available in Canada for business owners and managers looking for alternative products with unique advantages for certain industries.
For instance, Bacoban’s products are recommended for industry sectors such as food service, hospitals, aerospace, and public institutions. Bacoban products feature a solution that can tackle cleaning and disinfecting needs with its formula that kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Check out Bacoban’s range of products to learn more. Find out where you can get Bacoban products in Canada, or get in touch today for more information.
