Some gyms are starting to open throughout the US with more states and Provinces rolling out Reopening plans.  Make sure you are prepared in advance so the transition from being closed to open is as smooth as it can be.

We’ve put together a checklist that will hopefully help.

Before Opening

It is important to contact your local Health Department to ensure you are following required guidelines; some may have different requirements.

Have the following supplies stocked:

  • Infrared no touch thermometer (if required)
  • Cloths to clean equipment
  • Approved Multi purpose cleaner
  • Hand sanitizer stations
  • Paper towel and toilet paper
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Masks if required

Complete the following items:

  1. Create a reopening guide that can be used to communicate with your new policies to your staff and members.
  2. Post your guidelines on your website.
  3. Ensure your staff are prepared and comfortable to begin working again.
  4. Create the new cleaning policies and systems for your staff.
  5. Communicate and train your staff on these systems.
  6. Post signage communicating policies.
  7. I.e. wash hands prior to entering the gym for training, lobby currently closed, stand here, etc.
  8. Do a thorough clean of the entire facility
  9. Close your water fountains
  10. Update Google and Facebook hours
  11. If you loaned out any equipment, get in touch with your members to have it returned and properly sanitized before you reopen.
  12. Plan how you will do registrations for classes.  Will it be available over the phone or online?
  13. Plan how you will implement your classes.  What is the max number of participants you will be able to have in your classes/gym at a time?  Will you spread your classes out to allow time for people to come and go from the building and to sanitize equipment before the next class?
  14. Restock your proshop and have some items for sale

Reopening Day

  • Facebook post
  • Email reminder about opening and procedures
  • Facebook live video
  • Prepare for some backlash and know the messaging that you will be using
  • Have additional staff on hand to answer the phone and messages.  Your phones will likely be busy with people checking if you are in fact open.

Reopening Follow up

  • Re-examine your cleaning and operating procedures and update as necessary.  Were there things that you should have done differently?
  • Check in with the members that attended.