Gyms not rushing in reopening shops

CEBU, Philippines — After making some noise over the closure of fitness centers and gyms, the Cebu-based fitness community has become more careful now and even looking into re-opening at a later date.

Last July 27, the Philippine Sports Commission, along with the Games and Amusement Board and the Department of Health, came up with a joint administrative order that contains guidelines regarding physical enhancing and sports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After that, the IATF and DTI has also announced that today opens more establishments for areas under GCQ including reopening of gyms, internet shops, tutorial and review centers, and drive-in cinemas.

A check with some old and popular gyms here in Cebu, however, showed they are not rushing at opening their shops.  In Cebu City, some gyms are still doing some renovations while others are still waiting for some guidelines to be issued by the local government on fitness gyms.

Fitness Nation’s Manager Jun Tenchavez said he is looking to delaying the opening of their fitness facility, maybe next month, despite the losses they had incurred during the pandemic.

To help their staff in these trying times, they are giving them cash assistance while they are not at work while memberships are also being shelved at the moment just like other gyms here.

The Cebu Workout Fitness Center also looks into re-opening by August already.  Cebu Workout Fitness Center is owned by the late Dennis Delgado who was one of those who fought for the re-opening of fitness gyms.

An expert in fitness and sports management who asked not to be named said gym owners may have already realized that COVID-19 is no joke, as compared to when it was just starting out.

Researchers from South Korea recently warned people against rigorous exercising in confined spaces like fitness studios.

At the moment though, in the Philippines, group workouts are prohibited yet, including Zumba.

There are also specifications in gyms provided in which the source said, not all gyms here are made equal, there are some who could afford better airflow for ventilation, or a high filter efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter while others who cannot.

Santo Nino Fitness gym in Minglanilla though is happy to announce that it is set to re-open on Monday already.

The gym’s owner Adrian Chino Montenegro said they are going to implement the safety protocols to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Customers must observe social distancing, no mask no entry policy. Temperatures will be checked upon entering, spray their hands with disinfectant and we will also provide soap to wash their hands,” he said.

Fitness gyms are only allowed to reopen at 30 percent capacity yet, but will gradually increase its capacity as the government aims for an economic recovery.

In the DOH, PSC and GAB’s guidelines that PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez has furnished to The FREEMAN, it indicated that all sports or physical fitness facilities shall also designate health and safety officer that will ensure the compliance of the minimum public health standards during the conduct of allowed physical activities.

The health and safety officer is also set to monitor the health status and symptoms of athletes and personnel and keeps a record for contact tracing. — GAN (FREEMAN)