With summer arriving and states reopening, traveling will slowly start to increase. Hotels have the responsibility to ensure cleanliness within rooms, common areas and fitness centers. While it’s up to guests if they would like to use facilities such as fitness centers, there are extra precautions hotels should offer guests interested in working out during their stay. Individuals often prioritize upscale or additional amenities; therefore, it is important that hotels continue to operate fitness rooms following new guidelines.
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Fitness rooms tend to be more crowded than other spaces throughout the hotel, meaning extensive cleaning, spacing and occupation limits are important. A clear plan should be outlined with staff to deep clean machines and other equipment frequently, ideally after each use with nonabrasive cleaners to avoid corrosion on equipment.
1. Guests should be instructed to follow traditional gym etiquette, wiping down machines after use with provided cleaning materials abundant throughout the gym so members do not have to share cleaning supplies.
2. All equipment, cardio and lifting machines, should be at least 6 feet apart – if the machines are not able to be moved, hotels should print a “Not in Use” sign to ensure all members are spaced while working out.
3. If locker rooms are opened, guidelines must be set to ensure social distancing is kept in place.
4. For the time being, saunas and steam rooms should remain closed.
5. The number of guests using the fitness center should be limited by displaying a capacity number on the gym door to prevent surges.
Hotels should implement these guidelines for fitness centers, as well as other common areas, to ensure safety of guests during this time of a new normal. In addition to these suggestions, hotels should review their state and local guidelines for their specific area.
Ruben Mejia is executive VP of green fitness company SportsArt.