Soreness, sanitisers and space - here's what to expect as the gyms reopen with new safety measures.

Monday saw the welcome reopening of gyms and fitness facilities across Donegal.

My own gym Rushe Fitness here in Letterkenny opened at 6am and we had our 1st full day of classes. It was fantastic to see our valued members back in the gym and working hard again.

CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN OUR FITNESS COMMUNITY

If you have started back yesterday or are set to start back tomorrow, here are a few things you may need to know:

  1. You may be sore

    You may have been training during lockdown or you may not have been training.
    But either way, you need to be prepared to be stiff and sore after your first session back and this is due to a few things.
    You will have heavier weights to use.
    Your coach will push you harder than you would yourself.
    The gym atmosphere and group environment will push you to work harder than you do on your own.
    It’s been 16 weeks since your last gym session
    This is not to say that you weren’t working hard if you were training during lockdown, but from experience, people always push that littke bit more in a group environment, so be prepared for a little muscle soreness.
  2. There won’t be as many people there.

    If you are used to going to huge classes or a packed out gym you may notice a bit of a change on your return.
    All gyms and classes will have reduced their capacities due to restrictions and guidelines.
    While this may seem strange at 1st, once you get going, you will soon be in the swing of things again.
    We have reduced our own class capacity by 40% but have ensured that our members are properly spaced out and have everything they need to get a great workout in.
  3. There will be a higher standard of cleanliness

    We have always had a high standard of cleanliness at Rushe fitness, but it has been stepped up for reopening.
    Every piece of equipment will be cleaned down and sanitised each day by the gym staff as we always have done.
    You will also be asked to do the same after you use a piece of equipment, so it is ready for use for your fellow gym members.
    So, if your gym asks the same, just know that this is a small thing to do in order to get back to normal.
    We have also invested in a disinfectant fogger to completely sanitise the gym at the end of each day.
  4. You will have to book your gym session.

    We have had a booking system in place for the past 3 years now and all our sessions are supervised, so we were already ahead of the new guidelines in many ways.

    But, if you previously had open access to your gym and could spend as long as you wanted, just be aware that you may now have to book a time slot and have a certain period of time to train.
  5. You’ll be back to normal in no time

    The main thing that you need to know is that your gym will be doing everything to ensure your safety.

    We are up to speed with the guidelines and are ensuring that all our members have enough space and feel 100% comfortable in the gym.
    that way they can concentrate on enjoying their workout stress free.

So, if you are planning on starting back to your health and fitness routine this week, be prepared for a few changes.

Be prepared for being a bit stiff and sore again.

But most of all, be prepared to remember how much you missed the feeling of training with your friends and gym buddies again.

The gym is such an important part of everyone’s physical and mental health and there are no downsides to them being open again.
#rushefitness

If you are thinking about starting your fitness journey and would like to train in a fun and comfortable environment, we are taking in new members now.
Click the link below and see how you can shake off the lockdown sluggishness and get healthy and happy this July.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FITNESS COMMUNITY