Gyms set to welcome back British Columbians after month-long closure

Gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will begin opening their doors Thursday after a month of closures due to COVID-19, but restrictions on capacity and increased safety protocols remain.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry had mandated that gyms close on Dec. 21, part of a set of public health restrictions introduced in response to the fifth wave of the pandemic in the province.

At a Tuesday news conference, Henry announced that gyms could gradually reopen startingJan. 20.

Gyms and fitness centreswill not operate to full capacity, however.People inside will need to be spaced apart, with masks required for trainers and encouraged for those working out. Proof of vaccination is also required.

But for Vancouver resident Ariella Schlossberg, thereopening is a relief.

"I'm really excited to get back into the gym and to get back into the studio and have that opportunity to have that release,"said Schlossberg, who is training as a contemporary dancerand typically spends six to eight hours a week at the gym.

She says the month-long closure strained her mental health.

"I get really anxious if I'm not able to go to the gym and I feel that anxiety building up," she said.

Clarity on capacity restrictions

Fitness facilities say they are also thrilled to be reopening tosupport staff and members.

"Tears of joy and happiness came from our groupwhen we heard Dr. Henry say that gyms can reopen," said Carl Ulmer, provincial lead at the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.

However, industry representatives say there has been some confusion over what the new guidelines mean and how they should be followed.

Facilities need to determine how many people can work out based on floor space, according to Ulmer, who is also the director of operations for Club16 Trevor Linden Fitness.

The province says each workout or dance roommust have at least sevensquare metres of unencumbered usable floor space per patron or staff.

"These capacity limits allow for space necessary for members and staff to distance themselves safely," Ulmer said.

WATCH | Dr. Bonnie Henry defends gym reopenings:

B.C. to gradually reopen gyms and fitness centres

3 years ago

Duration 0:56

B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said that the decision to reopen gyms was not due to public pressure, but by working 'very closely' with the gym industry.

However, facilities that host group fitness and exercise classescan have a maximum of 25 people depending on their floor space.

"Any amount of students in the space honestly feels like a blessing. I feel so happy to have them back here," said Angela Hartman,who operates TurF, a fitness studio in Vancouver.

Hartman's team has measured how many students can be safely welcomed back into the studio and are keeping online classes as an option for those who prefer to work out from home.

People inside facilities will need to be spaced apart with the province recommending a physical distance of twometres between individuals while exercising.

"For us, our staff being safe, our community being safe, is super important," said Hartman.

The increased safety protocols and capacity limits are "very reasonable"according to Ulmer.

"We're really excited to reopen and get people back, taking care of their mental and physical health," he said.