Social Distance Layouts
Originally posted by our sister company Commercial Fitness Equipment:
As restrictions lift and businesses start to reopen, a key protection measure that is consistent throughout the country is social distancing. How might you address this in your fitness center?
Every facility has different needs and limitations but here are some options to consider:
Option A:
SPREAD
If you have space, you can simply spread out your equipment to allow exercisers to maintain the expected 6’(more in some states) of social distance. This may require moving some pieces of equipment to storage and possibly limiting the pieces of equipment that you can make available. Do you have out-of-the-way nooks and corners to create a 1-person workout zone? What about a game room, basketball court, or racquetball court that is not in use?
Not sure if things are going to fit? Use Precor’s fabulous space planner to virtually plan it out. Floor stickers can provide reminders and directions to your exercisers.
Option B:
CLOSE
What if you don’t have the ability to move equipment around? What if you have space or storage limitations? Consider “closing” every other piece of equipment. We’ve created an attractive sign to seamlessly attach to a cardio screen to mark it “Closed for Social Distancing”. Throughout the week rotate the signs to other pieces of equipment to even out the wear and tear.
Consider: Do you still have ADA access to each unique piece of equipment? Make sure to analyze your layout as you close equipment so that everyone can have access to a workout.
Option C:
GUARD
What if you have to have access to all of your pieces of equipment? Consider placing sneeze guards between each of your units. These guards are 6-8 feet tall and 33 inches deep. They form a barrier between each piece of equipment so that you can utilize all of your existing equipment and it’s placement. Choose the placement of the guards carefully so that you can still maintain ADA access.
With any of these options, there are still other factors to consider. What are the “pinch points” your exercisers might deal with? Carefully evaluate walkway widths, wipes and sanitizer dispenser access points, and entries. Would 1-way walkways assist in saving space while maintaining social distance? Do you have a water dispenser? What about locker rooms and restrooms? Will they be open? How will you keep them sanitary?