Gym rats had some serious hiccups thrown into their workout routines once the coronavirus reared it’s ugly head here in the United States. Now that gyms are reopening with new precautions in place, what does that look like?
Some workout facilities are limiting entry; like that of Arthur and Audrey Smith Wellness Center. Kendra Hill, a current member of the wellness center and Iowa Lakes student explains, “To work out you do have to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask you cannot enter the facility.”
The facility requires members to sign up for a specified time on their Facebook page before working out. Keeping it easy for social distancing and minimizing any spread of possible infection. “I usually use the facility for the pool area as I used to be a competitive swimmer,” said Hill, “you go onto their Facebook page… and there you will see a post that has a time schedule [to] sign up for the time you want, unless it is already full.”
Other wellness centers, like that of Regional Wellness Center (RWC) in Estherville, are almost fully open to the public. Jen Hough, Director of Business and Memberships, had this to say, “We are currently at stage three of our opening.”
Stage three of RWC’s opening includes returning to their normal business hours and reopening the locker rooms. 24/7 access has also been allowed to members again although they only have access to places like the sauna and locker rooms during business hours. “We have posted [during off hours] that staff’s not available,” said Hough, “make sure you’re cleaning your equipment before and after each use. And then when we open at 5am we do mass cleaning and disinfecting of the whole facility.”
Hough also explained that their pool has also reopened to the public, “We originally started with lap swim only for adults when we were able to open the pool… and then we opened it up to open swim so families can come in and swim in the afternoon and evenings.”
While the RWC is mostly open to the public, it services and equipment are only for members and no day passes are available for purchase. “We’re trying to keep just the same people coming in here and our members value that we’re thinking of their health first,” said Hough.
New memberships are available for purchase. Iowa Lakes Community College students are still able to gain membership to the wellness center at a discounted price.
So gym rats rejoice! The gyms and wellness centers are back open for business. While it takes a bit more patience and care, those who wish to do work outs away from home can do so again.
Call of the Lake 
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