Getting the reopenings right will be crucial for the fitness industry’s survival. It’s been hit especially hard by coronavirus shutdowns and has experienced a swell of bankruptcies with more than $10 billion of revenue wiped out, according to investment bank Harrison Co. In a survey of 1,000 fitness club users, more than a third said they have canceled, or plan to terminate, existing memberships. WinterGreen Research estimates that the fitness and health club industry could shrink to $45 billion this year, down from $85 billion in 2019.

Members will have their body temperature taken before entering. Photographer: Matthew Peyton/Getty Images North America
For popular fitness chain Barry’s, which offers strength and cardio interval fitness workouts for $38 per class, Chief Executive Officer Joey Gonzalez says that consideration as to how to safely restart classes in its 44 studios has involved focus groups with clients and consultations with an advisory council of health-care experts.

Barry’s plans to have open treadmills on each side of running clients to maintain social distancing. Benches will no longer be shared in the workout circuit. The chain is also offering hand sanitizer throughout its locations and installing shield guards at the front desk to protect employees.

At Equinox, health checks will start before they enter the studio. Members and employees will have to complete a form on the Equinox app before each visit, confirming that they are not experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 and have not come in contact with anyone who is.

Clients will book visits in advance, using the app. On arriving, body temperature will be taken via a touchless thermometer. They will check in via the app to minimize contact with front-desk employees.

The club will ask members to wear a mask when they enter, when they are within 6 feet of others, and in all club common areas. It is  recommended—but not required—that they wear gloves during their visit.

Equinox has ramped up sanitizing procedures as well. While clubs have always been cleaned continuously through the day, each area of the club will be closed off and deep cleaned three times daily and once again overnight. An electrostatic sprayer will spot-disinfect higher-touch areas throughout the day.

Members will be provided with hand sanitizer containing aloe vera and essential oils, as well as disinfecting wipes to sanitize equipment they use. They can also disinfect their phones and personal devices in less than 30 seconds with new touchless UV-C sanitizers.

Physical distancing is a key theme. Classes will contain fewer people, although the number of classes will remain the same. The types of classes offered have been adjusted to comply with local guidelines and to limit the sharing of equipment. Visits will be limited to 90 minutes, and the number of people allowed at a time depends on a number of factors, including the club’s square footage. At SoulCycle locations, regular class schedules will be in effect, although the number of bikes available to book will be limited.

In the locker rooms, restroom stalls and sinks will be designated for use in order to maintain separation, and new signs will indicate best practices for separation.