Exercising Safely & Covid-19
Not the most exciting topic, perhaps.
But I think we all deserve the reassurance of understanding the protocols that are in place to ensure that we can exercise safely during this pandemic in group classes that take part in Tier 2.
Responsibilities
We all have requirements placed on us to follow the Covid-Safety protocols set out by Government and relevant national bodies when we choose to exercise. All of us: me as the group exercise Instructor; the venue where the class takes place; and you, the class participant.
Comprehensive measures.
The venue where your class takes place has comprehensive measures in place to comply with UK Government guidelines for group exercise in community venues, gyms and fitness studios. You should be able to see these in full on the venue’s own website.
There will be sanitizing stations near entrances and exits to buildings, near studios or halls, and cleaning materials available where relevant.
There will be one-way systems to flow around the facility, and the capacity of each class will have been carefully worked out to maintain social distancing and ensure adequate air circulation per participant. Workout zones will be marked out to help you remain 3 meters plus distant from others.
Class times may have been shortened, and timings changed, in order for appropriate cleaning and sanitizing to be carried out.
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning
While leading a class, it is my responsibility to ensure we follow the protocols of the specific venue.
You may find that I have adapted my coaching style in order to maintain social distancing – so no hands-on Pilates adjustments, or partner dances in Zumba! And I will be using hand sanitiser periodically throughout each session.
I have a strict book and pay in advance system in place now. This is to ensure we never exceed the capacity of any class, and also as I must keep a temporary record of every client for 21 days, in case requested by the national Test & Trace. You can see my privacy and data protection policy regarding your data by finding the link at the bottom of this page.
I am also doing a lot more cleaning!
Depending on the venue’s protocols, I may be required to carry out cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces and touch points. This may mean that I am not available to answer any queries between classes.
What you can do
Please make sure that you have booked and paid in advance. Don’t expect to be able to just turn up, or to pay cash!
Please bring water with you. Kitchen facilities are now off-limits. Come in your workout gear, and think about having an extra layer for warm up and cool down, as it might may be cooler than you are used to.
Wear a mask, and use the hand sanitiser before and after – or even during - the class; for Pilates and body conditioning classes, please bring a workout mat with you.
It is really important that you maintain social distance at all times. This includes while waiting outside before a class, and on leaving. Don’t huddle in groups, no matter how quick you think your catch up is going to be.
Covid symptoms
The most important thing you can do is make sure that you do not attend a class or enter the building if you have, or suspect you have, any Covid-19 symptoms:
· Dry, persistent cough
· High temperature
· Loss of smell/taste
· Disorientation/confusion
Despite all of these new rules – please stay active during Covid-19
While there are restrictions and new rules to comply with, it is perfectly possible to exercise safely in your favourite class.
And even though there is light on the horizon with the news of vaccine developments, we are entering the winter months when it is common for people to find it harder to stay motivated to exercise. But it is really important to stay active, sit less and move more for your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Keep moving to stay healthy.
Further information
Do get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the points above, or would like more information.
fitnesswithwendyhall@gmail.com 07788 862102
Please note: group exercise classes are not permitted in Tier 3. Join an online class, get out for a walk - just do your best to keep moving.
Wendy