Saskatoon gyms now open but with restrictions

For those who have been missing their routine of going to the gym for a workout, today is a day to rejoice.

As part of Phase 3 of Re-Open Saskatchewan, gyms have once again opened to the public, but it may not be the same experience as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Steven Lam, the owner of Anytime Fitness in the University Heights area, says there are some restrictions in place to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. He says it is important for them to be able to control capacity, to adhere to social distancing rules.

“Our club now takes 20 people in per session, so they can block off an hour with 30 minutes in between to come and get changed, clean and sanitized.”

Lam told Brent Loucks that the sanitization will be done by the staff and by everyone who comes in for a workout.

“So, when they come in, they’re greeted at the door with their own spray (sanitizer) bottle,” said Lam. “The purpose is to really pre and post wipe the equipment.”

Anytime Fitness really meant anytime, but that was before the pandemic hit. Members had fobs and could come in whenever they wished, no matter the time of day. However, with the restrictions, that has now changed.

Lam says to ensure everyone’s safety, they will not be open 24 hours, because there needs to be staff members available to ensure safety rules are followed.

He says he is not concerned about the feasibility of only having 20 people in the gym working out at a time.

“We cap our membership base anyway so we don’t overextend capacity even before the COVID situation,” said Lam.

He said as the doors opened at 6 a.m. Monday, there were nine people waiting to get in.