We all want to get back to normal life. To some, quarantine fatigue feels like a fate more real than contracting the Coronavirus itself. It is important and responsible to stay diligent in safety measures to avoid spreading the virus. Non essential activities such as Pilates, may seem like a potential risk, but appointment based businesses that do not come in direct physical contact with customers may have an upper hand in protecting their clients if they have made the right decisions and protocol. The following is a list of things to look for in a safe Pilates or small studio workout environment.
- Is there a way for everyone entering the building to sanitize their hands before and after touching anything? This is the first line of defense.
- Does the disinfectant they use actually kill the virus? Is the equipment sanitized after each use, or deep cleaned once per day? Cleaning after each use is more effective than a single deep clean once per day.
- Are masks required by staff and clients at all times? Many places of business have left this up to customers’ discretion, but this is a preventative measure that works best when everyone does it. If you are attending a group fitness class and a few others have decided not to wear a mask, they decrease the protection of everyone else in the room that chose to wear a mask.
- Has the staff been thoroughly trained about protective measures? There’s a difference between staff being told what to do and staff that understands what and why the protocol are in place. I’ve been in retail stores where a member of the staff repeatedly removed his mask to talk to another member, putting the elastic strap back around his ear between sentences. Clearly he had been told to wear a mask but no one made sure he knew how or why. A smart and well informed staff member also needs the support of the management to enforce the rules.
- Gloves or no gloves? The coronavirus is not a skin contact transmissible disease. Wether you’re wearing gloves or not, don’t touch your face after touching potentially contaminated objects. Once your workout is complete sanitize your hands before touching your own belongings or face. Gloves can provide a false sense of security. The Coronavirus can be picked up by gloves and transmitted to the face just like it can with bare hands. The benefit is if they remind you to keep your hands off your face.
- Most importantly: Do you feel comfortable asking these questions and letting your workout facility know if you have special concerns?