Bengaluru: Gyms set to reopen with focus on safety

BENGALURU: After four months of lockdown and financial pain, gyms and fitness centres will reopen in Bengaluru on Wednesday under new health-safety guidelines that advise people to wear a visor while exercising and maintain 6-ft distance, even from trainers.
It’s a completely new reality for an industry that was characterised by close physical contact, group setting and shared spaces before the coronavirus pandemic erupted.
Gym owners are happy that they can finally restart their business in Unlock 3.0, the third phase of resumption of economic and public activities nationwide. But they are worried if customers will return and how much operating costs will increase because of new safety arrangements and precautions.
“We are preparing for the August 5 reopening. Finally, we will be able to operate; it will help us clear debts,” said fitness expert Vinod Kumar R, who owns Golden Arrow Gym. “We were forced to keep the gym shut for nearly five months because of the pandemic, but we still had to pay the rent.”
Vinod has sent personal messages to his members, requesting them to carry their own water bottles, gloves, visors and sanitisers. “We will have a sanitiser dispenser, but we urge people to be understanding and responsible as we have incurred huge losses,” he said. Suraj M, who runs a gym on New BEL Road, shared a similar view. “We are trying to limit additional costs, considering we have taken a financial hit,” he said. To ensure safety, Suraj’s gym will allow only 15 people on the premises at a time, down from 25 earlier. “Each member will be allotted 50 minutes of workout time. Personal training has been halted for now,” he said.
Prasad Kumar, general secretary of the Karnataka Gym Owners’ Association, described the industry sentiment as a mix of relief and concern. “I thank the state and central governments for this decision, which gives gym owners a shot at survival. But we are also worried about the health of our members,” he said.
There are 3,200 gyms in Bengaluru, according to a survey conducted by the association. About 2,700 are fully equipped and spread over at least 1,000sqft. The rest are small centres. “In gyms spread over an area of less than 1,000sqft, only 10 people should be allowed at a time. In larger outlets, 15-20 people should be allowed,” Prasad said. On Monday, he received over 50 enquiries on gym reopening.
Shodhan Rai, an internationally acclaimed natural bodybuilder and Ekalavya awardee, said everyone would have to write down their contact details and address before entering fitness clubs.
Gym-goers are glad that they can resume their fitness routines and shed the extra weight they put on during lockdown. “Earlier, I used to work out for nearly two hours every day. I was getting into shape for my marriage, which was supposed to happen in April. The pandemic affected the schedule and my weight,” said software engineer Punith Partha, who lives in Banaswadi. “The wedding will take place in October now, and I hope to regain fitness by then.”
Whitefield resident Leela Shivakumar is excited about hitting the gym again, but at the same time, she is worried about coronavirus. “In enclosed spaces, the risk of infection is higher. In a gym, people breathe harder and sweat more,” she said. “Working out while wearing a visor is going to be a challenge.”