Fitness fanatics can finally hit the gym for a workout in New South Wales after more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gyms and pilates, yoga and dance studios reopened across the state on Saturday for up to 20 people in a class and 100 people in an indoor venue.
It comes after gyms were shut across the country from midday on March 23 in a last-ditch attempt to control the COVID-19 outbreak.
NSW, which has 1,500 gyms, was the final state in Australia to announce when fitness centres would reopen their doors.
Founder of Symetrie, Ben Quigley, cleans fitness equipment on Thursday ahead of reopening at Symetrie Gym in Clovelly
Celebrity trainer Libby Babet is seen preparing to reopen her Bondi training studio ‘The Upbeat’ to the public
They are already back up-and-running in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Canberra and the Northern Territory – and will open in Victoria on 22 June.
Despite the eased restrictions, gyms are required to follow a number of physical distancing requirements.
The number of people in a facility, including staff, must not exceed one person per four square metres. Due to this rule, smaller venues will only be able to host a limited number of members.
Gyms are not expected to look how they did before coronavirus lockdown, as owners are encouraged to move or block access to equipment to allow 1.5 metres of physical distance between members.
‘Where practical, stagger the use of communal facilities. Strongly encourage visitors to shower/change at home where possible,’ the NSW COVID-19 Safety Plan for gyms reads.
‘Reduce crowding wherever possible and promote physical distancing with markers on the floor, including where people are asked to queue.’
Utku Doganay of Principal Asset Services cleaning staff performs a deep clean of ‘The Bunker by Fitness Playground’ as it prepares to reopen to the public on Saturday
Safety signs are displayed on treadmills at ‘The Bunker by Fitness Playground’ to ensure social distancing
Gym junkies will also be encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and venues will have hand sanisiter accessible at the entry and throughout the facility.
Equipment will be frequently cleaned with detergent.
Franchises have also come up with their own methods to deal with the highly anticipated crowds on Saturday.
Members are encouraged to book into a time slot to access the facility or enjoy a workout class.
‘For your gym workout, book in 1 hour slots,’ Virgin Active Australia said to members in an email.
‘Arrive at any time within your 1 hour slot – run, stretch, lift, swim or shower – you just need to be out of the club by the end of the hour.
Fitness, gymnasiums, pilates, yoga and dance studios reopened across the state on Saturday for up to 20 people in a class and 100 people in an indoor venue
Gym junkies will also be encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and venues will have hand sanisiter accessible at the entry and throughout the facility. Equipment will be frequently cleaned with detergent
Pictured: Celebrity trainer Libby Babet. Libby is the founder of multiple businesses in the health and fitness sector and known for her TV role with The Biggest Loser – Transformed
‘We’ll be doing our bit and we’ll also be asking you to help us maintain a safe and healthy club for all to enjoy working out in.
‘Towels are mandatory and so is wiping equipment after use. Please practice social distancing when you’re in the club and good hygiene by washing hands and using the handsanitiser available.
‘And of course, if you’re not feeling well, please stay home.’
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans were essential in enabling the restart of sport and fitness centres.
‘Sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe,’ Mr Hazzard said.