New guidelines for fitness centers and gyms will go into effect Monday in Washington in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
KING-TV reports under the updated guidelines, gyms and fitness facilities will need to nearly triple the minimum distance required for patrons exercising indoors, except for those practicing certain team sports.
The new COVID-19 guidance issued by Gov. Jay Inslee for counties in Phase 2 or 3 of reopening increases the requirement of 6 feet (1.8 meters) of distance between patrons to 300-square-feet, which is just over 17 feet (5.1 meters) of space.
The number of people allowed in gyms, fitness facilities and fitness classes will be limited by the size of their space under the guidance. The occupancy in facilities and gyms that are larger than 12,000-square-feet will be limited to 25%.
A man works out in a gym at an apartment building in downtown Seattle, Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Ted S. Warren / AP
In addition, showers, hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds at multi-use facilities will be closed, as will steam rooms, squash courts and racquetball courts. Locker rooms will also be limited for hand washing and restrooms only.
All patrons will also be required to wear facial coverings while inside indoor fitness facilities, “except while engaged in strenuous exercise.”
While many larger gyms may be able to accommodate the changes, the updated guidelines could be devastating for smaller facilities.
The Washington Fitness Alliance has been working with Inslee’s office to come up with guidelines that would allow for people to be safe but for gyms to still operate as a business.
“We looked at the states that were performing the very best thing and mitigating COVID-19,” said WFA CEO Blair McHaney. “We looked at their guidance and it’s generally 150-square-feet per person to maintain 6 feet of social distancing.”
McHaney said his coalition couldn’t get the governor’s office to go lower than 300-square-feet of distance between patrons.
“Our board is not here to advocate for big clubs,” said McHaney. “The WFA is here to advocate for fitness and indoor recreation, and we can’t leave those guys out. We can’t leave them out.”