Some gyms are starting to open throughout the US with more states and Provinces rolling out Reopening plans. Â 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:
- Create a reopening guide that can be used to communicate with your new policies to your staff and members.
- Post your guidelines on your website.
- Ensure your staff are prepared and comfortable to begin working again.
- Create the new cleaning policies and systems for your staff.
- Communicate and train your staff on these systems.
- Post signage communicating policies.
- I.e. wash hands prior to entering the gym for training, lobby currently closed, stand here, etc.
- Do a thorough clean of the entire facility
- Close your water fountains
- Update Google and Facebook hours
- If you loaned out any equipment, get in touch with your members to have it returned and properly sanitized before you reopen.
- Plan how you will do registrations for classes. Â Will it be available over the phone or online?
- Plan how you will implement your classes. Â What is the max number of participants you will be able to have in your classes/gym at a time? Â 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?
- 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. Â 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. Â Were there things that you should have done differently?
- Check in with the members that attended.