Hitting the Gym Again: What’s Changed in the Post-Lockdown Era?

Once upon a time, going to the gym was a breeze, and our workouts were pure joy. But then, the coronavirus pandemic hit, forcing gyms and leisure centres worldwide to shut their doors for months. As dedicated gym-goers, we found ourselves working out at home with limited equipment, missing the camaraderie of our gym buddies.

But here’s the good news: as Singapore enters Phase 2, gyms are gradually reopening, and we can finally get back to our fitness routines. Yet, one question lingers in the minds of fitness enthusiasts: Will post-lockdown gym sessions be the same as before?

In this article, we’ll explore how gyms are evolving in the wake of the pandemic, sharing insights into the changes, safety measures, and social distancing guidelines that have reshaped the gym experience. So, what can you expect as you return to your beloved workout haven?

1. Planning And Booking Gym Sessions In Advance

Before: No matter what time it is, morning or evening, you can always arrange a gym session into your schedule whenever you want. Certain gyms in Singapore are also open 24/7, so you can literally pop by in the middle of the night as well.

After: Things are not as simple as they used to be. You will be required to do prior planning and booking of your gyms. For instance, you will have to get a pass for your gym way in advance so that you get a slot. This stems from having to socially distance, hence gyms cannot be accommodating more than a certain number of people.

You will also need to do the SafeEntry Check-In by scanning the QR code for contact tracing. Your gym might also have shifted to contactless payment, so do check with them before heading there. 

2. Temperature Checks

Before: Enter the gym, say hi to the members and staff of the gym, and begin your workout. All of this can be done in a matter of seconds. 

After: Well, it could take you more than a couple of minutes now to get to your workout. One of the most obvious symptoms of COVID-19 is high body temperature. As such leisure centres across the country are following strict protocols of taking the temperature of every visiting individual.

You will have to continue wearing masks to the gym and expect your temperature to be taken and recorded before entering by the gym staff. There could even be a line at peak hours or at a popular gym. 

3. Gyms Will Be Less Crowded Than Before

Before: The gym is one of the most motivating environments to be in. You can see a good number of people training hard, some along with their personal trainers, and that in itself motivates many. 

After: But with the coronavirus amongst us, that scene has become a thing of the past. With the increasing importance of social distancing, many gyms have put in place a quota for the number of people allowed to train at any given time. It’s the same for swimming pools at leisure centres as well. 

While the benefit of a smaller crowd is less waiting time for gym equipment, it will definitely feel a little strange and quiet not having so many people around. 

4. A Different Gym Setting

Before: Gyms house a whole range of equipment targeting different muscle groups for you to use. Each space in the gym is utilised for maximum efficiency and productivity for members.

After: The entire floor plan of your gym may have been tweaked to facilitate safe distancing and exercising. For instance, some gym equipment like treadmills may be unplugged and stored away, creating more empty space. For certain gyms, the saunas and steam rooms may still remain closed until further notice. 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise at all when the outlook of your gym has undergone a mini-makeover during the post-lockdown phase.

5. Group Fitness Classes Will Be Held Online

Before: You can join your favourite fitness class with other gym members by booking a convenient time for an intense and fun session.

After: All your favourite group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, tap dancing and many more, have come to an abrupt halt. The sheer size of these classes poses a huge risk of the spread of coronavirus as fitness instructors and members come in close contact with each other. 

While some gyms plan to hold fitness classes in smaller numbers, most gyms and personal trainers are going digital. They are holding live fitness sessions online through various digital platforms, like Zoom, where members can log in to follow and break a sweat. 

With such an uncertain future, these online sessions provide a means to stay fit and healthy.

Conclusion

In these unprecedented times, gyms across the world are stepping up to meet the evolving needs of their members. As we navigate through Phase 2 and beyond, King of Strength has risen to the challenge. Committed to member safety, KOS has implemented rigorous safety measures to ensure a secure environment.

Now, as we welcome you back, you have the opportunity to train with us and rekindle your boxing champion spirit. Explore our Schedule + Rates page to plan your return to fitness, and let’s embark on this journey together!

 

References:

https://www.lifestyleasia.com/sg/living/wellness/gyms-in-singapore-covid-19-pandemic/

https://www.insider.com/ways-gyms-change-post-lockdown-2020-6#gym-staff-will-be-roaming-to-make-sure-everyone-is-social-distancing-and-cleaning-along-the-way-6

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/fitness-workouts/a32866477/gyms-reopening-changes-rules-social-distancing/

 

Emerging From COVID-19 Lockdown: Gym Safety and 7 Essential Hygiene Habits

In a world where the novel coronavirus has turned our lives upside down, we’ve all had to adapt to this new reality. Who would have thought that wearing a mask would become as essential as our morning coffee? But there’s a glimmer of hope.

Singapore has moved beyond the circuit breaker phase, paving the way for a return to some semblance of normalcy, including the reopening of gyms. The burning question, though, remains: Is it safe to hit the gym again? The answer is a cautious ‘yes,’ provided you adhere to strict personal hygiene habits and the prescribed COVID-19 prevention rules.

In this article, we’re here to guide you through seven practical and down-to-earth hygiene habits that can help you work out safely while keeping the coronavirus at bay. No gimmicks, just valuable advice to protect yourself and those around you.

1. Sanitize your hands upon entry and exit of the gym

Regular handwashing with soap or an alcohol-based solution is extremely crucial, and for good reason. 

On your way to the gym, you may have come into close contact with hundreds of people and even held onto the handrail while standing in the bus or MRT. These are frequently touched objects and for all you know, you might just carry the virus along with you to the gym, putting many others at high risk.

At the same time, you should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your unwashed hands. The virus enters our body through respiratory droplets and hence, these mediums are the most susceptible.

Keep your hands sanitized at all times, and that will reduce the risk of coronavirus substantially.

2. Practice safe distancing

“Safe distancing” has really become a buzzphrase since the introduction of this pandemic. We see it literally everywhere. But its importance cannot be emphasized enough. 

Safe or social distancing is paramount because coronavirus spreads very easily through physical contact from person to person. Doing otherwise poses a huge risk to not only yourself but also to whoever you come into contact with after that.

A humble Namaste when greeting your gym partners, instead of your usual handshakes and brofists, can go a long way in preventing the spread of the virus. Maintain at least a 1m safe distance from one another at all times be it for a running event or any group exercise. Have a 2-3m gap from each other when working out. 

Reduce socializing when at the gym. Hit the gym for what it’s actually for, hard and safe.

3. Bring your own boxing gloves, wraps, and workout kit.

If you’re heading over to a boxing gym to train your punches or even a regular gym to do weight training, it is highly recommended to bring your own boxing gloves, mats, towel, water bottle, etc.

Most gyms would be doing their due diligence in ensuring their gym is well-sanitized throughout the day. However, bringing your own workout kit would give you that extra confidence in safety from the potential transmission of the virus. 

For instance, simply bringing your own water bottle would significantly reduce the risks. Directly drinking from the water coolers in gyms would put you in close contact with other people who may have used it too. Always remember safe distancing!

4. Disinfect any equipment before and after using 

Imagine the number of people using gym equipment, their sweat dripping as they push themselves. That should be enough to conjure up a disgusting image of a hotbed of germs. 

From treadmills to dumbbells and bench press stations, these are high-risk zones. Frequently touched areas like such gym equipment are the perfect environment for germs and viruses to manifest and grow.  

According to the Health Department, all gyms must take the necessary precautionary measures, which include providing sanitizing sprays that users should use before using equipment, as well as after. To that end, it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own small bottle of sanitizer and apply it as you exercise. 

Keeping the gym, yourself, and others safe from coronavirus is that simple. 

5. Coughing or sneezing with a tissue or covering with your elbow (not your hand)

Well, if you’re feeling even a little unwell, you should be staying home.

In the case where you do have to cough or sneeze, do not cover it with your hands! Instead, keep a packet of tissue in handy or use your elbow. Using your hands will make things extremely messy, as you may go on to place your hands on many frequently touched objects. 

As gyms have many high-touch zones, the spread of germs and viruses can be very rapid. Hence, this hygiene habit is extremely crucial in preventing further spread of the coronavirus in the gym.

6. Wear a mask at all times unless working out

Wearing a mask has become mandatory whenever you step outside your house. And this rule should be followed at the gym as well.

In the gym, people are sweating profusely and breathing heavily, especially in between exercises while resting. That is when respiratory droplets from our breath could travel through the air and affect other people around us. 

Wearing a mask while resting or waiting for equipment would keep you and others safe from potential virus transmission through respiratory droplets. 

7. Ensure your gym is taking the necessary measures

Singapore has issued stern rules and regulations that have to be abided by all gyms to ensure a safe and sanitized environment for members. 

Still, you could contact your gym beforehand and gather information on what measures they are taking during this pandemic. Ask them if all the gym equipment is regularly sanitized, whether or not there are sanitary wipes and spray available if there is a quota on the maximum users allowed into the gym at any given time, as well as if they allow for contactless payment.

Have peace of mind and confidence before you decide whether your gym is safe or not.

Conclusion

While there may always be some degree of risk, we believe that by embracing these essential hygiene practices, we can collectively contribute to a safer gym environment for all.

At King of Strength (KOS), we’re committed to your well-being. Our team works tirelessly to maintain a clean and sanitized space for our valued community of boxers. You can easily book your classes in advance via our website, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Don’t forget to check your temperature and scan the SafeEntry QR code, making sure you’re not just part of a workout, but part of a safer, stronger, and more resilient community. Join us and let’s punch that coronavirus hard, together!

Reviving Fitness in Singapore: KOS Gym’s Commitment to Safety

We’ve all been through those frustrating days when life seemed to stand still. For many Singaporeans, especially those devoted to their gym routines, the ‘circuit breaker’ period was a tough challenge. But, the good news is, that phase is now behind us. We’re stepping into the ‘new normal,’ ready to embrace our fitness regimens once more.

The Singapore government has been diligently providing us with the latest updates on the COVID-19 cases that have been impacting our island. It is a sign that we are slowly but surely progressing in our fight against this invisible enemy. As we entered Phase 2 of our post-coronavirus lockdown in June 2020, a sense of hope and relief washed over us as we witnessed the stabilization of COVID-19 infections.

Although travelers entering Singapore may still have to adhere to mandatory stay-home notices, the good news is that businesses within our own borders are now able to reopen and welcome the public back. This means that we can finally return to our beloved gyms and leisure centers, resuming our fitness routines and finding solace in the familiar environment.

At King of Strength (KOS), we fully understand the gravity of the situation at hand. We share the belief that every business has a responsibility to ensure strict measures are in place to protect the health and well-being of our members. This commitment to creating a safe environment for our gym-goers is deeply rooted in our values and principles.

In light of the requirements for safe management measures during this challenging period, we have taken proactive steps at KOS to address the needs of our members. We have thoughtfully prepared a comprehensive set of updates that prioritize the safety and comfort of everyone who walks through our doors.

7 Safety Measures & Updates By KOS

 

1. Booking System	Keeping each class to just 5 pax with 1 coach/fitness instructor. To reduce physical interaction that will be more in a larger group setting, decreasing the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
2. Temperature Screening	Compulsory temperature taking for everyone including coaches/fitness instructors. The temperature will be taken for all members upon entry at KOS gym. High temperature is one of the key symptoms of COVID-19, hence do make sure you are feeling well before arriving at the gym.
3. Sanitizing	Sanitizer is applied to everyone who steps into the gym. Spray bottles of sanitizers and cloths are kept all around the gym for members to wipe clean gym equipment before and after using it.  Gyms are a hotbed for germs as the sweat of many users gets accumulated on gym equipment.  Sanitizing equipment will reduce the risks of contracting the coronavirus.
4. Safe Distancing Measures	Training is planned in such a way that everyone is at a safe distance from each other. Punching bags, mitts workout area, etc have been rearranged to be at a safe distance from each other. This is to ensure that not many people are gathered in a specific location of the gym at any given time.
5. More Classes	From 4 classes per day, we will now be having 6 classes per day, each with a duration of 45 minutes. Having more classes each day to cater to everyone due to the limitation on class size. With more classes, there are more timings for members to choose from, promoting flexibility.
6. Online Training	Online training occurs 4 days a week, twice each day. This is to ensure that members work out regardless of getting a slot at the gym/they are working out from home. Eg. MINIMUM “3”, RUNNING IS THE KEY, MAXIMUM “3”, ARMstrong Madness, etc.
7. Promotions	KOS has also extended promotions, such as PADWORK of 10 rounds for $45.

 

Conclusion

While we’ve put in place these crucial safety measures for your well-being, it’s important to understand that they’re not foolproof against COVID-19.

Each one of us carries the responsibility of safeguarding our own health and that of our fellow members. Wear your mask when you’re not actively working out, maintain impeccable personal hygiene, and respect social distancing.

We’re in this together. If the situation continues to improve, we’ll adapt accordingly and keep you informed. For our current schedule and rates, visit our Schedule + Rates page to plan your next safe and rewarding workout.