Gym ready...on second thought...
- GhanaGirl
- Aug 17, 2020
- 3 min read
This photo is probably not the most flattering but it is basically how I look in the mornings before heading to the gym. Since the gyms reopened in June (in Calgary), I've been one of the many a.m. workout enthusiasts lining up, keeping 2-meters distance of course, with my palms open ready to receive hand sanitizer from the gym employee as she asks, "what's your name?" Once she finds my name on the list, she singles me to go into the gym, I scan my pass, run to the change room to secure my stuff, and start my workout as soon as possible. Every minute counts, I only have 1 hour. As you may know, I attend GoodLife Fitness and I have for many years. I know that COVID has hit the fitness industry very hard. It has forced many businesses to pivot their business model or perish. I've heard of many boutique gyms in Calgary closing their doors because they could not weather the storm called Hurrican COVID. For the business who have managed to keep their doors open, I cannot imagine the level of preparation, consideration, time and expense needed to have the necessary items in place (e.g., barriers, hand sanitizer, signage, technology) to ensure they comply with provincial health guidelines and that they are keeping their staff and patrons safe. Crazy town. As someone who is in the fitness industry as a teacher and customer, I have deep empathy and understanding of the changes that small and big gyms, like GoodLife or Orange Theory, had to make to ensure safety. That being said, all of the changes in place is making me rethink how I want to engage in my workouts. My biggest issue is having to book my workouts. Ugh. Given that you're penalized if you miss two workouts within a week, I can see how booking a workout could help you if you struggle with accountability. This also makes it very hard for someone to have the flexibility in their day. I often struggle with health issues which makes early morning workouts tough and often a.m. is my only opportunity to workout. Another area I struggle with is the lack of distancing on the gym floor. It can be challenging (near impossible) to maintain distance from other people. It feels like the 2-meter distance rule goes out the window, people are about getting their reps in and nothing else. Unless we are all wearing masks on the gym floor, how can you feel safe in a gym environment?
