A recent survey from IHRSA & Kelton Global found that 88% of attendees felt good about how their gym handled safety and cleanliness during COVID-19.

This year has been frustrating in many different ways, especially for those who live for their daily gym sessions. Having a space away from work, school, or home to burn off energy, lose weight, increase strength, and boost endorphins fosters healthy physical wellness along with increased mental wellness. Many fitness enthusiasts, myself included, felt robbed when gyms and studios were temporarily closed under COVID-19 sanctions back in March. I no longer had my non-work/home space, my routine was thrown out of whack, and I missed the social aspect of the gym, particularly the familiar faces that welcomed me by name each time I walked in.

Once sanctions were loosened and I could go back to the gym (albeit mask in tow), I couldn't help but appreciate measures facilities take like Club Greenwood to keep surfaces sanitary and members socially distanced. Management and staff wanted the facility open just as much as we did and the only way to do that was to be as diligent as possible, even if we had to bathe in Purell and high-five six feet apart.

Thankfully, I'm not alone in these sentiments. As mentioned above in a survey issued by IHRSA and Kelton Global, 88% of people who have returned to their gyms after the shutdowns say that they are confident in how their gym is treating and conducting safety and cleanliness measures. Much of this feeling likely comes from the fact that their gyms were clean before COVID-19 and took extra precautions in order to recover after the lockdowns were lifted.

There were other responses listed on the survey, including:

• 69% of respondents said they are familiar with the safety measures their gym has taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 
• 54% of gymgoers in the United States said they missed the routine of going to their gym during the shutdowns
• 85% of respondents said the shutdown of their gym caused their fitness routine to change
• 54% of respondents said their new workout routine was less challenging
• 33% of respondents said they streamed exercise videos at home
• 29% of respondents said they purchased their own fitness equipment
• 42% of respondents said they missed working out with other people 
• 36% of respondents said they missed the sense of community they got from their gym

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's to be grateful for what you have and grateful for what you don't have. In terms of maintaining a wellness routine, I've uncovered a lot to be grateful for.

I'm grateful that I can at least attend my gym instead of doing HIIT workouts in a cramped living room.

I'm grateful that I've learned to "smile with my eyes" at the gym staff while I wear a mask.

I'm grateful for the smell of cleaning products because it means I can safely use the equipment.

I could go on, but I'd rather have a gym with strict regulations than no gym at all. While I look forward to the day I can work out mask-free in a room with more than 10 people, this will do for now. 

How has your gym handled cleanliness during COVID-19? Let us know in the comments! If you don't have a gym, be sure to check out Club Greenwood's clean and safe facility in Greenwood Village!