Category: Blog

Have you ever found yourself wondering what the actual difference is—if any—between a gym, health club and fitness center? If so, you’re not alone! For the most part, these terms tend to be used interchangeably, and it makes sense because there is overlap in the services they provide. But there are distinctions that make them different, which you’ll want to know if you’re considering joining one.

In this blog, we’ll cover some of the key differences between a gym, a fitness center and a health club.

Gym – A Place for a Workout

Gym, short for gymnasium (a term coined by the Ancient Greeks), is actually one of the world’s oldest establishments with deep historical roots. In its origins, gyms were not just about promoting physical fitness, but education as well. Ancient Greeks used gyms to practice various sports, engage in physical therapy, and to study. In fact, many gyms in ancient times had libraries as well.

Today, modern gyms tend to be a place for indoor workouts with free weights, fitness equipment and cardio machines provided. Some gyms have a specialty focus, like boxing or Pilates, while others keep it simple and stick to free weights and cardio machines only. Most gyms will have personal trainers available, but not as many group fitness classes as a health club or fitness center.

Fitness Centre – A Place for Full-body Fitness

Fitness centres typically occupy more space than a gym because they tend to provide both indoor and outdoor physical activities—for example, a pool, running track or golf course. Broadly speaking, fitness centres provide the same machines, free weights and equipment as a gym, but they also offer a larger array of amenities, group fitness classes and certified staff.

Fitness centres usually focus on whole-body health and house additional amenities like saunas, steam rooms, physical therapy and snack bars. Most fitness centres will also have personal trainers and nutritionists available to educate customers on how to use the equipment, or how to design a meal plan best suited for achieving their fitness goals.

Health Club – A Place for Body & Mind

The health club concept was first introduced to the U.S. in Santa Monica in the 1940s, though they actually began in France in the 1840s. Generally speaking, a health club is more similar to a fitness center than a gym because the focus is on whole-body wellness rather than just physical fitness.

Health clubs typically comprise all the characteristics of gyms and fitness centres because they offer certified staff with personal trainers, individual and group fitness classes, a variety of equipment, an array of amenities (pool, steam room, sauna, etc.), and space for sports like tennis, basketball and volleyball. Many health clubs even offer recreational areas with restaurants, juice bars, music and more.

If you’re considering joining a gym, fitness centre or health club, it’s best to look past terminology alone and choose a facility that best meets your health and fitness goals, budget and personality. You may want to visit a few facilities to ask for a tour so you can see what they offer firsthand and get a better feel for the culture.

Or, if you’re considering opening your own fitness facility, click here to learn how EZFacility can help get you up and running easily with our all-in-one software solution. From online gym scheduling and text messaging, to point-of-sale and automated billing—EZFacility can help you seamlessly manage all aspects of your fitness business.

This is for anyone debating whether or not to implement management software in their business. Are you curious what management software is, who it’s for and what the benefits are? Or if it’s even relevant now in a covid-world? Find out the basics inside this post.

What is management software?

Management software is a program designed to help businesses get better organised.

It sounds simple, right? However, as you know, most people aim to be more organised but just don’t know where to start or how to stay that way. That’s where we come in.

With EZFacility, you don’t even have to think about it. Once the system is in place, it’s easy to get on track with your business and stay there. Plus, we help you every step of the way. We take great pride in being the ultimate package when it comes to helping our clients run their businesses. We are there to onboard you, tailor fit the program to your needs, and to support you always.

Why do you need it?

Imagine being able to streamline all your administrative operations in one easy to use platform. Enrollment? Check. Scheduling? Check. Reporting? Check. Billing? Check. Staff and client management? Check, check.

The idea is that EZFacility does the heavy lifting so you can spend more time on the things that matter most like, connecting with clients or growing your business.

Who is it for?

EZfacility is designed for most clubs or any place with a membership-based model. Here are some examples of the industries we have work with:

• Gyms, Health and Fitness Centers
• Indoor Soccer & Sports Facilities
• Personal Training Businesses
• Baseball Training Facilities
• Yoga and Pilates Studios
• Tennis Clubs
• Parks and Recreation 
• Ice Rinks and Hockey Training Centers
• YMCA’s and Community Centers
• Sports Performance Training Centers
• Shooting Ranges and Gun Clubs
• University Rec & Intramurals

If you don’t see your industry listed above but still think our management software could be a good fit for you, don’t be afraid to ask. Contact us to speak with a representative and find out more information.

What are the benefits of using EZFacility?

So, what are the benefits of using EZFacility, anyway?

Well, for starters it’s cost-effective and can optimise infrastructure. It helps save time and money, it can increase staff productivity, and it can be used anywhere in the world. Not to mention, it offers important customer insight. And proper customer insight can lead to customer loyalty which in turn could lead to more revenue.

SaaS benefits

Saas benefits gets its own little section because we want you to know what saas (software as a service) means.

It means there isn’t anything for you to install, update or do, really. You can access your EZfacility software from anywhere in the world, any time you want with total confidence. As long as you have an internet connection, you are good to go. Oh, technology! And that’s especially great news right now with everyone at home during quarantine.

Read more about our benefits here.

Is management software helpful during the pandemic?

Times are weird right now (boy, are they ever!) So, we get it. If you’re new to the idea of management software, you might be wondering if now is even a good time to start. The short answer is, yes, it’s absolutely helpful.

When things moved online without warning, it was an adjustment for everyone. It’s understandable how important business tasks might have gotten lost in the shuffle.

We know you are doing your best to re-adjust and quickly. And we bet you’re doing a great job. But when you are ready, we can help you ease up much of your anxiety.

EZFacility can save time and money and allow you to spend more time connecting and tending to the growing needs of your clients. Client loyalty and being present for your members is more important now than ever before. During this social distancing, people are longing for ways to stay and feel connected to their communities. While you’re taking care of them, we can help take care of you.

Schedule a Demo

Are you interested in learning more? Schedule your free trial and online demonstration today.

Things get busy, we know how it goes. That’s why we want to check in and point out some of our newer EZFacility features you might have missed.

Over the last several months, we’ve been working hard to come up with new tools we believe are helpful for your continued transition from in-person classes to virtual ones. EZFacility wants to do more to help than just say we are here for you. That’s why we’ve come up with these new features to allow you to stay connected with your clients even in the midst of social distancing.

Yes, the world is socially distancing in a physical sense. But humans are social by nature and not even a pandemic can take that away. People still very much want to be -safely- connected to others and businesses. And that includes your company. Especially if you were a part of someone’s everyday routine prior to covid-19. And honestly, even if you weren’t. You never know, someone could be searching at this very moment for a healthy way to fill up their time and space with an instructional class or two and then stumble upon your studio. So, be ready for them.

Here is how you can help existing clients and future clients alike, with our new Zoom Integration and Video Library features.

Zoom Integration

While Zoom itself isn’t new, it’s new to our site, and that’s still pretty exciting. With this new integration, moving online and setting up classes is made easy.

Again, nobody is socially distancing, emotionally. Only physically. People want to be connected and we want to help connect them to you. Zoom makes it possible to maintain that sense of normalcy. Whether it’s to hop on a chat with a loved one, attend a conference call, have happy hour with friends or to join a cardio class- zoom is ready for all of it. And we are ready for that last part. How about you?

By adding Zoom capabilities to our EZFacility self-service portal, it gives our clients the ability to live stream their classes for any studio sessions, whether it’s group or one-on-one’s. Plus, it’s mobile-friendly which means meetings can be launched or watched on cell phones from quite literally anywhere.

Video Library

The Video Library is a great place to start building a collection of classes for clients. It’s also a way to keep everything as normal as possible. Instead of your clients walking through your physical front doors, now they can walk through your digital doors and find a comprehensive list of classes being offered.

Showcase different classes and specific instructions or even create short introductory videos about your studio and instructors. The possibilities are endless.

All you have to do is record videos on a third-party video tool such as Facebook or Youtube, upload them, set a reservation type and sit back and wait for them to be enjoyed. Or enjoy them yourself!

Don’t forget to add your social media links directly to your self-service page too so clients know where to find you on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter and more.

This is only the beginning. We hope to enhance this Video Library feature and keep adding other useful tools for you to access in the future.

More Help

Are you looking for additional help or information during COVID-19? Take a look at this list of resources we’ve put together. Be sure to check back often as we update it.

If you’ve tried these new features, we are always interested in hearing your feedback. Or if there is something else you’d like to see, please let us know.

The unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus took everyone by surprise and left many business owners scrambling to identify ways to maintain a revenue stream and cover operating costs despite physical locations being closed. In the face of adversity—and although the fitness industry was one of the hardest hit– savvy yoga instructors have quickly adapted and began to offer pre-recorded and virtual yoga classes. 

The popularity of yoga existed long before Covid-19, but the shift to at-home yoga has created a new path for people to experience the benefits of yoga that weren’t always able to do so, whether because of scheduling issues or geographic distances.

The increased demand for at-home and virtual yoga classes should come as no surprise as people are looking for ways to stay active and destress amid such a time of uncertainty. It presents a unique opportunity for yoga practitioners to modify their traditional practices to suit the current environment and bring the tools of meditation, breathing exercises and movement to people in their homes.

If you’re considering adding virtual yoga classes to your yoga practice, here are some tips to help you with the transition.

Get Integrated and Test the Link

One of the most popular mediums for streaming yoga classes is Zoom. Once you have your account set up, you’ll want to make sure you integrate it with your yoga studio management software. Once connected—all class attendees will have access to the day’s session from their Self-Service page, calendar, phone, iPad, etc. If you’re a first timer—definitely be sure to schedule a few test Zoom sessions to ensure you have the process down (practice makes perfect—namaste!).

Test the Internet & Audio Connections

Always test your internet and audio connection before you begin your virtual yoga classes! To check your internet connection, run your browser through a speed test or try opening and scrolling through a few web pages to make sure it’s up-to-speed.

If you’re using Zoom and want to test your audio, click the upward pointing arrow next to the microphone icon to open the audio options. From there, select “Test Speaker & Microphone” and then follow the prompts.

Choose the Right Background

You’ll want to make sure you’re teaching your yoga classes in an environment that’s clean and free of clutter. Try to find a wall in your home that has a good amount of space, and then remove clutter and distracting objects.

Pay Attention to Lighting

You’ll want to be well lit from the front and sides, so make sure you don’t have light behind you as it will flood the camera’s sensors and make you appear dark. For this reason, try to avoid teaching with a window in frame or a bright lamp in the frame with you.

Work out the Kinks in Advance

As with most things, practice makes perfect. Do a few recorded trial runs before you officially launch your virtual yoga classes. Make sure your yoga poses are fully visible, and that your audio and internet connection are up-to-par.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you’ve figured out how to seamlessly schedule and book classes, and that’s where we can help! Achieve peace of mind with our powerful yoga studio management system, which now offers Zoom integration. To learn more, click here to schedule a free demo.

We know it’s only mid-way through the year but let’s take a look at some of the top fitness trends for 2020 so far. Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly), many of them have remained the same from previous years.

It’s only surprising because when you think of fitness trends, your mind likely goes to the more novelty items or fads- like exergaming (what?) or goat yoga! (Yes, we’re still talking about goat yoga. It appears to be alive and kicking, in case you were wondering. So, maybe that’s a bad example.)

But the point is, typically, most trends are something you see come and go, especially in this industry. It’s understandable. Getting up and going to the gym everyday can be tough, and people are looking for a way to keep themselves interested and motivated. You have to be careful though. Falling in with a bad trend can be lethal. Once the excitement fades, determination and commitment tend to follow it. So, if you are trying on a trend for size, you want something you can count on, right?

HEARD!

Well, rest assured these top trends are tried, true, and expected to stay for a while. If your instructor’s looking to spice things up at your fitness facilities or you’re an avid exerciser who wants to grow your skills, hang around and see what made this year’s cut, in no particular order.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Well, that’s a lie.

Because if there was an order, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) remains at the top of every list for several reasons. It’s rigorous. It’s quick. It’s fun. It’s effective. And it keeps people coming back for more.

While professional runners are no stranger to interval training, this style of working out has only been on the scene for maybe a decade now. We say only but that’s pretty solid as far as fitness trends go and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down. That’s why it’s the perfect addition for any studio wanting to increase their retention rates. Group training workouts in general are growing in popularity. Think: indoor cycling. If indoor cycling is Queen then, HIIT is King. 

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology isn’t going anywhere anytime soon either. With technology advances seemingly growing by the day, it’s becoming easier and easier for people to take the reins of their health. Fitness trackers and smart devices help with tracking calorie consumption, calories burned, heart health, sleep quality and emotional health.

Health and Wellness Coaching

Speaking of emotional wellbeing. More people are acknowledging that taking care of oneself isn’t just about the physical portion any longer.

The total body package includes a healthy mind as well. The problem is, admitting that to be the case is only the first step. Cooking up a healthy mindset makeover action plan is a big second. But don’t fret. That’s where health and wellness coaching comes into play. The purpose of a Wellness Coach is to help clients form healthy habits and encourage them to stick with the program.

Personal Training

It’s easy to spot what you want to fix about yourself physically. But with mental health, you may not always be sure how to get there or, how to motivate yourself to even try. That’s the reason why personal training will never go out of style. Let’s face it, those guys are good.

Fitness Programs for Older Adults

Sometimes, aging can feel like a worn-down car with its check engine light on. When really, aging should be more like that of a fine wine. By investing in and offering well-crafted fitness programs for older adults—your fitness facility will be one of the richest wine cellars out there.

Exercising can greatly reduce blood pressure, disease, obesity, bone density, cancer and more. Plus, it’s proven to make everybody downright happy and happiness is, of course, tied to longevity.

Online Fitness

With the world being more connected than at any other point in human history–technology has propelled the popularity of at home workouts. While it’s hard to beat the sense of community and belonging that you get from showing up to physical fitness facilities every day, sometimes the choice of convenience is nice.

For that reason, online fitness continues to grow in popularity. Nobody is saying that clients do not want to head into the gym anymore because, that’s crazy talk. But, getting there isn’t always possible and it’s great to have options. 

Yoga

Like HIIT, yoga isn’t new to the game by any means. It’s gathered more attention in recent years, but it has been practiced quite literally, forever. In fact, the oldest form of yoga dates back thousands of years. How’s that for a sturdy trend? A total mind and body one, at that. With yoga, you get flexibility, strength, and self-reflection.

Do you agree with this year’s list of fitness trends for 2020? Do you have any predictions for next year’s list? And is group training here to stay or do you think it will go? Let us know in the comments.

You would be hard-pressed to find a single person who doesn’t love a good and friendly gym competition. One of the biggest challenges in keeping up with any fitness routine is staying motivated. Many studies find that competition can help people better reach their goals.

Buddy support and music are two other great motivators when it comes to exercise and fitness goals. But, there’s just something about competition. Maybe it’s the feeling of victory or the bragging rights. Maybe it’s the prizes or maybe it’s all the above. Whatever the reason, fitness challenges are great for raising member engagement and marketing your gym. Plus, they’re plain fun to host.

With so many types of challenges to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to start. There are monthly challenges, running challenges, cycling challenges, personal best challenges, and SO. MUCH. MORE. If you’re ready to get some going, we hope this blog helps you. On your marks. Get set…

But First! Before You Start

You want to make sure no matter which gym challenges you choose, they are: 

• Easily joined
• Enjoyable
• Compatible with fitness trackers and other wearable technology 
• Properly tracked with your software management. Otherwise, keeping tally can get confusing

The Prizes

Prizes can be whatever you want them to be:

• Free gym time
• Cool swag
• A member feature
• Bragging rights

The Gym Challenges

Social Media Challenges

As you’ve probably suspected, most, if not all, of your members, own at least one social media account. So, don’t be shy! Invite them to take part in a social media challenge.

You can do it one of two ways. 1. An on-going challenge for the month where every day members have to upload a photo or video of their workout. And you can even create a special hashtag for your studio. 2. A one-time challenge of a specific, timed task:

• Planks
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Punches

Social media motivates members to stay accountable in front of their friends and family. Once they announce plans to reach their goals they are more likely to hold themselves accountable. Plus again, it’s a great way of marketing your gym. It opens you up to a larger audience and shows people just how fun and supportive you really are. 

Running Challenges

People go to the gym for different reasons. But, one of the top ones is probably for burning calories. And what’s better at burning calories than a good old fashioned run?  The best part is, running challenges can be done anywhere, anyhow. So, whether you want to gather a big group outside of the gym or, you want to meet up virtually it’s all good.

Cycling Challenges

Cycling challenges are like running challenges because they can be done in-house or virtually too. The difference is that with cycling you can vary it up a bit more and make categories. Winners will be chosen by:

• Best time
• Most distance traveled
• Fastest distance traveled

Personal Best Challenges

Every gym member has their own set of fitness goals. Find out what they are.

The goals don’t have to be the same for everyone in order to participate. It doesn’t matter if they’re trying to be better at their running time, or deadlift. Whatever their current status is, document it and then challenge them to beat it quicker than any other gym member.

Give everyone a month to work at their fitness challenges and see what happens. At the end of the month, take down everyone’s information again to see who beat themselves by the predetermined goal: 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.

Have A Great Time

First and foremost, it’s about having a great time. Smashing fitness goals is a close second. But, fun should come first. So, no matter which types of challenges you pick, have a ridiculous amount of fun putting them on, or even joining in on them!

Most people can agree tennis is one of the most underrated sports of all time, but nobody knows for sure why. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s affordable. It’s also a full-body exercise, great for the mind, social, competitive and can be played all year-round on a variety of tennis court surfaces. So, what’s not to love, right? Here are some tips to consider for growing your tennis club at any time, even during the pandemic.

Find Your Strength

Every sport has its strength. You just have to find it and use it.

In general, tennis’ strength is that it can be played all year long. So, if someone is looking to join a club that’s always active, tennis clubs are certainly appealing.

Right now, tennis’s strength is that it’s perfect in a COVID-climate. That’s because, whereas other sports have big teams, tennis does not. It involves two tennis players, sporting on a court that is already spread out, thanks to natural court dimensions. No flooring tape required! Standard court dimensions are somewhere around 78 feet. That’s way more than 6 feet.

This means group size, social distancing, and face coverings aren’t a big concern for tennis. And it’s also the reason why many outdoor courts have been able to open up ahead of gyms and other fitness facilities that may have concerns about larger gatherings and group size.

Of course, health and safety measures should still be used to help stop the spread of COVID-19. For example:

• Tennis players should refrain from shaking hands or hugging after a match.
• Tennis tournaments should wait to resume until things are normal.
• Social distancing should be respected, and face coverings should be worn when passing other members inside of the health club.
• Some tennis court surfaces could require additional cleanings.

Get Online

Old school marketing can still make waves but the easiest way to reach an audience is online. Use social media to promote your tennis club- or any club. 

Did you know, on average, each person spends about 4 hours and 25 minutes browsing the internet every day? And 2 hours and 25 minutes of that time are on a social network.

And think about it: that was pre-pandemic. The numbers are likely double the amount now. That’s why it’s as important as ever to have an attractive and functioning website as well as a strong social media presence.

• Have fun!
• Display it.
• Talk about the endless physical and mental benefits.
• Feature great tennis players, either from your club or celebrities.
• Promote tennis tournaments.
• Let everyone know your outdoor courts are open!
• Offer online classes for tips and techniques.

Implement a Management Software

Anytime is a good time to implement management software. But, if you don’t have one already, now is a good time to research and learn how to use the program. When you’re able to free up time normally spent booking courts and instructors, or billing clients, that’s time away from building up your business. A software management takes over the heavy lifting so you have more time to do other really important things—like perfecting your backhand!

When the Coronavirus reared its ugly head at the start of the year, many businesses had to adjust to a new normal. It was a new normal which included little to no interaction with customers. Restaurants switched to takeout and delivery, big-box stores pushed curbside pick-up, and the world spun madly on. But now, we are reopening and everyone is getting ready to re-adjust once again. So, what will that look like?

For certified personal trainers, it’s great news. We know it isn’t impossible to have virtual fitness sessions or fitness programs. Hello, 2020! And in fact, some trainers may even prefer it. However, the majority live for that face-to-face energy. They want to push limits together, sweat together, and high-five one another.

While that last part might have to wait a bit longer for its comeback, one-on-ones are just around the corner. With a few minor tweaks and extra liability insurance, you will be on your way. If you are a trainer, here’s what to expect.

Adjusted Schedules and New Locations

Restrictions are dwindling but you want to remain vigilant. You can limit your exposure to clients in many ways and still be an effective mentor and trainer. In place of house calls, maybe ask to meet at a nearby park instead. It will allow you to avoid unnecessary contact with extra people and surfaces. Plus, the fresh air and Vitamin D is good for everyone.

Another idea is this. Instead of completely dropping online sessions right away, alternate between virtual fitness and in-person sessions until things are back in full swing.

Limited Interaction

Don’t worry, hugs, high fives, and handshakes aren’t gone forever. But, for the time being, it’s air-fives and foot shakes for you. And no stretching your clients during any training session, no exceptions. Two-feet of distance is still recommended, even for certified personal trainers. In the meantime, go for a side by side hike or jog. Or, pull out the yoga mats for some much-needed anxiety-relief with a side of strength and conditioning.

Equipment Substitutes

Gym equipment can be notorious for being covered in germs, whether you’re at the gym or at home. You have two options.

1. Pack your usual gear and bring along some spray bottles and rags to clean in-between clients.
2. Find substitutes for your equipment. Use bodyweight exercises in place of weights when possible. If you prefer actual weights but don’t want to touch each other’s equipment, get creative. Use everyday household items like cans and water jugs instead of dumbbells.

Over-Communication

A world pandemic is an uncharted territory for everyone involved. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep the conversation going with your clients. Let them know what changes to expect in your fitness programs and how it will impact your time together.

There is no such thing as over-communication in any relationship. Remind your client not to show up for a training session if they are feeling ill. Then, before you start, talk about what you plan to do together, especially if it’s a new or modified activity. You want them to be aware and comfortable. It’s also a good time to reassess their fitness goals. It’s possible their fitness goals have changed since their last in-person session with you. Are they still focused on strength and conditioning or something else? What is it? Endurance? Weight loss?

Tweaked Contracts

In some cases, a change to your location or activities could mean first consulting with your legal team. They will let you know if you need to add certain verbiage or liability insurance to your contract in order to cover you. It could also mean your clients have to sign a new waiver. But, if that’s the case, don’t fret, there’s no need to be in the office. Mobile-friendly software like EZFacility has your back. It will allow your client to sign their waiver while you are out and about.

Personal trainers, welcome back! Let us know how your first time in-person sessions go. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you are on the fence about recreational sports, do yourself a favour. Join an intramural league at least once in your school lifetime. Intramural leagues are several different things all rolled into one experience. They are exercise, of course, but they are also friendly competition, life skills, and connecting with a community. They are for anyone and everyone who just wants to get together with a group of friends and enjoy sports, camaraderie, and inexpensive fun.

Intramural leagues are not the same thing as school sports. The two are different, though the words are often used interchangeably. In short, intramural sports are organised by students outside of school sanctioned sports programs—basically played for fun and bragging rights! School sports are organized and funded by a university and are a bit more competitive. Intramural teams play against one another while school teams play against other school teams. BUT, that’s another blog for another day!

The question here is- how do student-athletes on intramural teams- or any organised sports- keep their minds and bodies busy when their sport activities are on a break? Because as you know, it’s important to train solo and stay in shape, even during downtime. Here are some at-home workout ideas to get started with.

Virtual Race

Running is always a good go-to option because not only is it good for physical health but it’s also good for mental health. And being home alone doesn’t mean things can’t get a little competitive with some company. Thanks to the internet and many different streaming services, friends and family are just one phone call away from joining a virtual race together. The best news is, it can be done in a variety of places and over and over again.

Planking

When done properly, planking can be a very effective practice. It helps coordination, flexibility, metabolism, cardio training, and even posture and back pain. Do it solo or challenge a group of friends to see who can outlast who.

The Classics

When in doubt, take it back to the basics with some jumping jacks and pushups. They are oldies but goodies for a reason. Jumping jacks get the heart rate going and test the body’s physical endurance. Push-ups strengthen the upper body and core. Plus, there are so many different ways to do them that they never get boring. (Do they? Reader’s poll!)

Swimming

Go for a swim. Swimming is great because it works out a variety of muscles and maintains vital organs, all without any stressful impact on the body. Also, it’s just plain fun, relaxing, and refreshing. So, go on. Dive in.

Dry Swimming

This one might sound silly but don’t skip it over it. Just laugh all the way to the final results. Many professional swimmers use a combination of dry land exercises when they can’t get to the pool, or don’t want to get wet. Breaststrokes, flutter kicks and more can all easily be done on any flooring. All you need are stretch bands, exercise balls, and a little imagination.

Are you involved in recreational sports or sport activities? What’s your take on organised sports? And what exercises would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments! If you need more ideas for at-home or outdoor workouts for fitness levels of every kind, read this next.

With hope of a decline in COVID-19 cases, the world is planning for a return to familiar routines. This includes businesses in a big way. The public will be looking at many places like grocery stores and restaurants to help keep the public safe.

Fitness centres, this also includes you. Have you given any thought to cleaning gym equipment or new employee training? Members will be interested in learning how you plan to keep your space squeaky clean. If you need help coming up with a plan, here are some key items to keep in mind.

Ask Members for Help

Believe it or not, the first step to ensuring your gym members stay healthy starts with your gym members. And? Some old-fashioned soap and water!

Don’t underestimate the power of washing your hands. Washing your hands continues to be the number one defense against viruses. It’s near impossible to disinfect every single gym surface touched in one day. That’s why it’s crucial for everyone to wash their hands before and after using each piece of equipment.

Soap and water kill germs best. But, you can offer several stations with disinfectant wipes throughout the building as a back-up. Also, give members access to spray bottles and towels to wipe down their machinery.

• Antibacterial soap kills bacteria- not viruses.
• Wet wipes, such as baby wipes, only remove dirt and oils from the skin.
• Same for hand sanitiser. It only kills bacteria unless you find an alcohol-based version. When using it, keep it on the hands for a certain amount of time. Otherwise, it might not work.
• It might take several wet wipes or disinfectant wipes to get hands and gym equipment clean.

Learn the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitising

Do you know the differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitising? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there are some. And it’s a good time to learn what they are because cleaning on its own is not enough right now.  Learning the differences will help you map out your return routine and put you at the top of your cleaning game. Here are the differences in short:

• Cleaning removes dirt and germs from services but doesn’t kill them.
• Disinfecting will kill germs through the use of chemicals.
• Sanitising uses a combination of cleaning and disinfecting. It lowers the number of germs and the spread of reinfection.

Buy the Right Chemicals

If you are looking for the best cleaning defenses against viruses, here they are. Soap and water, bleach, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide.

If those cleaners aren’t appropriate for your flooring, it’s okay to use your regular cleaner. However, you should use the above recommendations for all other surfaces. Certain items such as ammonia solutions do not protect against viruses.

And as always, do not use certain products in combination with each other. Surprisingly, bleach and vinegar fumes don’t mix well together, the same way bleach solutions and ammonia solutions don’t. They can create hazardous, or potentially deadly, fumes when combined. If you need to use several kinds, a good idea is to use them on alternating days.

Know the Dirtiest Spots

Here’s a pop-quiz for you: which areas of fitness centers are harboring the most germs?

Did your mind immediately go to bathrooms, locker rooms, or door handles? While you technically aren’t wrong, those are mega hotspots also, your gym equipment actually has more! The treadmills, weights, gym mats, and exercise balls are all loaded.

Maybe that’s because people touch them more often or because bathrooms get more attention. Either way, it’s better safe than sorry. Create a chart and keep track of how often you’re tackling each item. The same goes for home gym equipment as well. Personal trainers who make house-calls should be mindful of that. Always wipe down home gym equipment in between uses.

Another thing to pay attention to are your cleaning supplies themselves. Your towels are cleaning counters and your mops are cleaning the floors. What’s cleaning your towels and mops? You don’t want to accidentally reinfect surfaces. So, be sure to thoroughly disinfect, sterilise all towels, mops and get your equipment clean.

Hire Extra Staff

Now you know the who, what and where, it’s time to start cleaning gym equipment and more. Consider hiring extra staff if you need to. Because, if you cleaned bi-weekly, prior to the Coronavirus, you should clean weekly now. Start out with a daily routine and scale it back as time goes on and infections continue to decrease.

Have a morning crew, a night crew, and an in-between crew ready to go. Your management software can help you with creating and keeping track of your new schedules. And if you’re worried it might come off as excessive- don’t be. Seeing your employees in cleaning action could help to ease your gym members’ minds.

Good luck with your cleaning! Be safe and healthy. To find out more tips, during the Coronavirus and more, subscribe to our blog.