The Best Way to reopen gyms and leisure centres safely when lockdown lifts

The statement that indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres are expected to be reopened on 25 July [1] was met with relief from business leaders and exercise fanatics alike [2]. Indeed, many say that the secure reopening of those venues is crucial to general health [3]. In a post from the 25th of June arguing for the reopening of swimming pools, we were reminded of this 2019 study from Swim England which revealed that'swimming saves the NHS about #357m each year by improving the health and wellbeing of the nation' [4].

Regardless of the obvious importance of this sector, many have expressed concerns that the sport and leisure sector in the united kingdom might not bounce back after the effect of the coronavirus pandemic. Reasons cited for this variety in the public feeling dangerous within sports venues and around other people, to the growth in people finding new ways to exercise while fitness centers and swimming pools have not been available [5].

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Nevertheless, Sport England's weekly poll found that'84 percent of gym or leisure centre members say they are likely to resume their membership when centers reopen', with 69% saying they are excited about resuming their previous game, exercise or physical activities, together with gym swimming and work being mentioned the most (Sport England, 2020).

This implies that the nation's leisure centers could soon be fighting fit, so long as they follow health and safety guidelines.

Sport England's weekly poll found that a majority are eager to return to centers.

So how do the owners of gyms and leisure centres best prepare themselves for reopening after lockdown lifts? We provide advice and resources on ways to plan and kit out your company to prepare for the new normal in sport and leisure.

Before you even think about opening your doors to the general public, ensure you carry out a comprehensive risk assessment consistent with the government advice for your business [6].

Important things to check include great venting, and clean water, especially in areas which were closed for long amounts of time. Operate ventilation systems 24 hours per day and make sure they get only 100% clean atmosphere. Run your own water systems thoroughly to make sure they are rid of some possible legionella bacteria.

If you can, open outdoor areas to enable more visitors to exercise safely.

'Supplying floor markings and signage must remind both employees and clients to follow to social distancing wherever possible'- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2020)

The government guidelines also suggest providing'clear advice on social distancing and hygiene to individuals both before arrival and on arrival, by way of instance, through signage and visual aids'. Use pre-printed sidewalk signs and wall signs outside, and a COVID-19 information banner in foyers to offer information and advice to clients before and as they enter. Social distancing floor mats and one-way floor hints can help remind people to adhere to guidelines, such as in dance studios and swimming pools.

Invest in PPE for employees, like shields, masks and gloves - especially for cleansers, who should be running regular disinfection of equipment between uses. Think about asking your clients via email to wear a face covering when entering or exiting the building, to minimise risk in exits and entrances.

Resuscitation masks provide an additional barrier for lifeguards and first aiders, who need to consult with the Resuscitation Council UK's guidance about running CPR during the period of coronavirus [7].

Venues with receptionists and greeting staff will gain from utilizing protective screens to deliver a sneeze barrier for reception desks. This is also true for leisure centers with retail outlets and food service locations.

Sneeze displays for cashiers can also be great for several beauty services, including in nail bars or for hand massage, as they feature a cutout area in the bottom of the display that employees can put their hands through to execute treatments.

Leisure facilities with food and retail areas should consult with the authorities guidance for the hospitality and retail businesses for more specific advice. Likewise many leisure and fitness centres provide massage and physiotherapy, in addition to salon grooming services. These are called'close contact providers' and there's specific guidance available for companies who provide these services, since they're thought to carry a greater risk [8]. For each of them, however, the identical guidance is true concerning ensuring the utmost social distancing possible, by means of signage and protective equipment wherever possible.

Install hygiene stations wherever possible, especially near entrances and exits, to stop the spread of disease between areas. Hand gel dispensers can be found in freestanding and wallmounted versions, and our sanitiser bottles can be purchased in bulk so you don't run out. Use signage all around your hygiene stations to remind leisure center members to wash their hands frequently, along with your other health and safety alarms.

Additionally, you may use hazard tape on the ground around your gym gear to indicate'zones' for social distancing. Place floor standing clear displays or transparent banner ads between equipment to provide a hygienic barrier between people.

Consider hygiene precautions carefully about changing rooms, showers and bathrooms. These must always stay open and accessible, but invite clients to shower and change at home wherever possible.

As soon as you've reopened, maintain records of staff shift patterns for at least 21 days in the event of future outbreaks, and share this information with the NHS Test and Trace Scheme where asked to shield your colleagues and clients [9].

See also

Because of the nature of sharing water with strangers, swimming pools are thought to carry a higher risk of transmission. Make sure all pools are often cleaned and adequately chlorinated, in addition to limiting capacity.

In addition to sidewalk signs, banners and floor signs, use snap frames to display information and reminder posters inside bathrooms and changing rooms, so that gym members are reminded of these guidelines when moving about your company.

Snap frames are a terrific choice for times such as these, as they permit you to upgrade any relevant information at a moments notice. As spas and gyms frequently feature glass windows, window decals are also ideal because they can be used throughout your company.


The nations leisure and sport lovers are ready to dive back into swimming and exercise, under the provision that business owners maintain the gyms and leisure centres clean and workout all current health and safety regulations.

Provided that you remain current with government advice, and communicate this clearly with your own gym and leisure centre staff and members, your organization needs to be able to keep on running successfully. We hope that if all of us continue to adhere to the social distancing guidelines as far as possible, the gym and leisure sector will shortly be more powerful than ever!


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